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For Immediate Release

Blade.org Launches Initiative to Expand Blade Ecosystem in Germany

CeBIT, Hannover, Germany, March 16, 2007 -- Blade.org, the industry group driving innovation in blade-based solutions, today launched a localized initiative to grow the organization in Germany. The new initiative is designed to build the regional ecosystem and strengthen the ability of German members -- particularly ISVs, IHVs and channel partners – to contribute to the development of blade-based IT solutions and expand the range of covered solution areas. Another objective is to increase opportunities for international collaboration for Germany-based members.

Blade.org recently celebrated its first anniversary. In 2006 technology leaders, including Blade Network Technologies, Brocade, Citrix, IBM, Intel, NetXen, Nortel and VMware joined to form the organization as an open, collaborative community dedicated to building blade-based solutions for customers. From eight founding companies, Blade.org has grown to nearly 100 members in just one year, including leading blade hardware and software providers, developers, distribution partners and end users from around the globe.

"We intend to use the globally successful model of Blade.org and apply it to the creation of a regional cross-vendor and cross-user community in Germany," said Axel Schwarz, acting governing member and commissioned delegate of Blade.org in Germany.

"Intel and IBM have been part of the Group of founding members of Blade.org," said Andreas Schneider, Intel product marketing manager, EMEA. "Intel underlines its interest in the local community in Germany, helping establish standards for blades."

"Open Standards are helping all market participants to be successful in the fast growing segment of blade servers with integrated solutions. We are a member of Blade.org because we support this thought proactively," said Jens Rodewyk, managing director of Anders & Rodewyk - Das Systemhaus für Computertechnologien GmbH.

"In the view of a networking technology supplier, it makes sense to bring forward integrated and open solutions on the base of the fast growing blade platform. This is even more the case, if regional market needs can be addressed," said Wim te Niet, president, central region, Nortel.

In Germany, the regional Blade.org activities will support the development of a community consisting of ISVs, IHVs, business partners and users that develops solutions for the regional and international markets. Close collaboration between the local group and the Blade.org board will ensure integration with the current development directions on worldwide level.

More information is available at www.blade.org or in German, http://www.blade.org/welcome_DE.cfm.

About Blade.org

Blade.org is a collaborative vendor and end-user community focused on accelerating the development and adoption of blade server solutions. The organization provides leadership to the blade market and fosters a thriving industry ecosystem focused on delivering valuable solutions to blade computing customers. More information is available at www.blade.org.

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