Force10 Networks Ranked #3 Fastest Growing Company

Force10 Networks, Inc., the global technology leader that data center, service provider and enterprise customers rely on when the network is their business, today announced that the company ranked number 3 within the communications/networking category of the 2009 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ program. Overall, Force10 ranked number 10 in Deloitte LLP’s ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America. Rankings are based on percentage of fiscal year revenue growth during the five-year period from 2004–2008. Force10 Networks grew 24,528% percent during this period.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from the Deloitte Fast 500 program,” says Henry Wasik, Force10 president and CEO. “The ranking validates our vision that high performance data centers, service providers, and leading enterprise customers will continue to partner with vendors that demonstrate a commitment to innovation, quality and exceptional customer support.”

Force10 was one of only two private companies ranked in the top 10 for this year’s Technology Fast 500. The 2009 award marks the first year that the company has earned the prestigious ranking.

In addition to communications/networking, the other categories of the Fast 500 program are biotechnology/pharmaceutical, clean technology, computers/peripherals, Internet, semiconductor, medical equipment, media and entertainment, scientific/technical instrumentation and software.

Technology Fast 500 Selection and Qualifying Criteria
In order for Force10 to have achieved its Fast 500 rankings this year, the company must have met several criteria, including:

* Five-year history in business
* Headquartered within North America
* FY 2004 operating revenues must have been at least $50,000, FY 2008 operating revenues must have been at least $5 million
* Revenues must have more than doubled from FY 2004–2008
* Must own proprietary intellectual property or proprietary technology that contributes to a significant portion of the company’s operating revenues

Established in 1997, the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 program is based on percentage revenue growth for both public and private companies over a five-year period, while recognizing all areas of technology, ranging from Internet and life sciences to computers and semiconductors. For more information on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 or Technology Fast 500 programs, visit www.fast500.com. To Purchase Force10 Products Visit www.Force10Works.com