Autodesk Selects Xyratex as Storage Supplier of Choice for Its Media and Entertainment Solutions

Xyratex Ltd. (NASDAQ:XRTX), a leading provider of storage enclosures for OEMs and Solution Integrators, today announced that Autodesk, a leading global 2D and 3D software company, has integrated Xyratex’s newest RAID storage technology, the 4Gb F5402E RAID storage subsystem, into its innovative family of media and entertainment solutions. Products using RAID storage technology include: Autodesk Lustre digital color grading system, Autodesk Inferno, Flame and Flint visual effects systems, Autodesk Fire and Smoke editing and finishing systems, and Autodesk Backdraft Conform media management and background input/output system. These advanced systems require high performance storage solutions that provide both scalable capacity and uninterrupted data availability. "Xyratex designed the F5402E RAID subsystem with the explicit intent to support extremely rigorous enterprise performance needs, such as those inherent in the rich media application space,” said Todd Gresham, executive vice president, Xyratex Storage and Network Systems. "Autodesk’s selection of Xyratex as the storage systems supplier of choice for its innovative media and entertainment solutions is strong validation of Xyratex’s ability to anticipate and meet next-generation data storage demands.” Introduced in April 2006, the Xyratex F5402E remains the industry’s first fully available storage system to offer an integrated 4Gb RAID system with FC connectivity and SAS/SATA drives. The F5402E enables solution integrators such as Autodesk to create both primary and secondary data environments in one solution. The product provides maximum flexibility in a cost-effective, ultra-high performance solution with the scalability and functionality necessary for today’s most rigorous applications. The solution also features Xyratex StorView™, an easy-to-use, web-based interface that gives network administrators more visibility into and control over the storage system. "Customers depend on Autodesk tools to create content laden with unparalleled visual effects and stunning color correction. Autodesk solutions are used to deliver content at every resolution, from HD for television to 4K for digital cinema masters," said Bill Roberts, Autodesk Media & Entertainment’s director of product management. "Autodesk has partnered with Xyratex due to its track record of storage technology innovation. Xyratex’s unmatched ability to quickly manufacture customized designs sets it apart. Xyratex empowers the creative process with data; its development team is focused on core technology that helps Autodesk meet current and future film and television needs.” About Xyratex Xyratex is a leading provider of modular enterprise class data storage subsystems and storage process technology. The company designs and manufactures enabling technology that provides OEMs, Solution Integrators and disk drive manufacturers with data storage products to support high-performance storage and data communication networks. Xyratex has over 20 years of experience in research and development relating to disk drives, storage systems and high-speed communication protocols. Founded in 1994 in an MBO from IBM, and with headquarters in the UK, Xyratex has an established global base with R&D and operational facilities in Europe, the United States and South East Asia. For more information, visit www.xyratex.com. About Autodesk Autodesk, Inc. is a Fortune 1000 company, wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas are turned into reality. With seven million users, Autodesk is the world's leading 2D and 3D software company for the manufacturing, infrastructure, building, media and entertainment, and wireless data services fields. Autodesk’s solutions help customers create, manage and share their data and digital assets more effectively. As a result, customers turn ideas into competitive advantage, become more productive, streamline project efficiency and maximize profits. Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information about Autodesk, please visit www.autodesk.com.