Auspex Systems Inc. and VERITAS Software announce expanded partnership to deliver mission-critical Network Data Management

Johannesburg, 30 Jul 1999

Auspex Systems, Inc, the company that pioneered the Network Attached Storage (NAS) market, and VERITAS Software Corporation, the industry`s leading enterprise-class application storage management software provider, today announced the expansion of their strategic partnership for joint product development, support and certification. The two companies also announced the first result of this agreement - the certification of the Auspex 4Front NS2000 network file server with VERITAS NetBackup enterprise level, heterogeneous backup software tool.

"We`re interested in partnering with companies that enhance the benefits of our VERITAS NetBackup product," said Peter Levine, senior vice president, strategic operations, VERITAS Software. "Auspex`s DataXcelerator software engines increase the backup performance delivered by VERITAS NetBackup, providing customers with higher levels of information availability. Since VERITAS NetBackup communicates through open standards (NDMP) to Auspex`s 4Front Series systems, customers can also be assured that both products will function seamlessly together."

The certification of the NS2000 with VERITAS NetBackup depends on the utilization of NDMP, an open standards protocol for network-based backup for network-attached storage. Auspex, a leader in Network Attached Storage, is part of the Network Data Management Protocol (NDMP) (www.ndmp.org) initiative. Utilizing the NS2000`s patented DataXcelerator software technology significantly decreases data backup windows by enabling backup of consolidated data to locally attached tape drives with high throughput rates and without degrading access times to stored data. Coupled with VERITAS NetBackup enterprise-class storage management applications, Auspex`s NAS solutions deliver industry-leading performance while providing users with 24 x 7 data access, data consolidation across multiple platforms, and increased data manageability.

"The commitment to solve the critical enterprise data backup challenge is a common objective we share with VERITAS Software and the underlying foundation of this joint agreement," said Bruce N. Moore, Auspex president and chief executive officer. "For Auspex, our investment in the development of core software technologies, while collaborating with key industry partners, is important to our long-term growth strategy. VERITAS Software`s expertise in enterprise storage management enhanced our joint product development efforts, resulting in a total solution that significantly improves the ability of IT managers to protect and manage enterprise data while providing continuous access to users."

Availability

VERITAS NetBackup 3.2 has been certified on the Auspex NS2000 and is available for immediate shipment. More information on product availability can be found on VERITAS Software`s web site at http://www.veritas.com/.

Auspex Systems

Auspex Systems is a leading provider of network data-access solutions for All the Data, All the Time. The company`s customers are the market leaders and innovators in some of today`s most competitive industries, where around-the-clock availability of data is essential in order to achieve the individual objectives of their business. Customers include: AMD, Anadarko Petroleum, Boeing, BP Exploration, Cabletron, Compaq Computer, Conoco, Intel, Lockheed Missiles & Space, Lucent Technologies, NASA, Nortel, Shell, Texas Instruments, Tivoli Software, and Unigraphics Solutions. Auspex employs approximately 600 people, with worldwide direct and indirect sales channels. Visit the company`s web site at www.auspex.com.

VERITAS Software

For enterprise customers who demand the continuous availability of business critical information, VERITAS Software Corporation (Nasdaq:VRTS), the industry`s leading enterprise-class application storage management software provider, ensures information availability from business-critical applications by delivering integrated, cross-platform storage management software solutions. The Company`s products enable Business Without Interruption and are designed to protect, access and manage business-critical application information. VERITAS Software products are delivered through a global end user sales force and a worldwide network of enterprise VARs, resellers and OEM partners. The Company`s corporate headquarters is located at 1600 Plymouth Street, Mountain View, CA 94043. Telephone: (650) 335-8000. Fax: (650) 335-8050. Email: vx-sales@veritas.com. WWW site: http://www.veritas.com/.