STEC Stec, Inc. (MM)

STEC, Inc. (Nasdaq:STEC), today announces the integration of its MLC-based ZeusIOPS SSDs into IBM's high-end DS8800 and DS8700 as well as mid-range IBM Storwize V7000 storage systems. This signals a new milestone in the expansion of MLC usage within the Enterprise storage market. ZeusIOPS MLC SSDs are available with a 6Gb Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or 4Gb Fibre Channel (FC) interface.

MLC flash is a solid state technology traditionally used in consumer devices because it is dramatically more affordable than single level cell (SLC) flash. MLC-based drives are now an increasingly important element within enterprise storage systems given the growing need for cost-effective high-performance storage within these systems. Using MLC NAND Flash technology, STEC has enabled its SSDs to achieve their industry-renowned performance in higher capacities and at extremely competitive price points.

As a pioneer and leading supplier of high-end Enterprise SSDs, STEC delivers groundbreaking innovation through its proprietary CellCareTM and Secure Array of Flash Element (S.A.F.E.)TM technologies, both of which are designed to extend the endurance and reliability of MLC media in robust applications.

"By leveraging our CellCareTM and S.A.F.E.TM technologies in the development of our MLC-based Zeus IOPS SSDs, STEC is able to add significant value to key customers like IBM who are constantly looking to increase the efficiency of their storage systems," said Manouch Moshayedi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of STEC. "This type of collaboration effectively lowers the cost of SSD integration, without compromising performance, and paves the way for further SSD adoption across the Enterprise."

STEC's MLC-based SSDs with CellCareTM technology utilize adaptive Flash access, signal processing, data management algorithms and error correcting codes (ECC) to improve the endurance of MLC Flash components. These drives, available in capacities up to 800 GB, are able to handle intensive workloads of up to 10 writes per day for over five years without limiting performance, a key consideration for Enterprise environments. In addition, S.A.F.E.TM technology eliminates virtually all failures associated with MLC Flash, drastically reduces component-level failures and delivers the data reliability required by Enterprise storage applications. These key technologies are integral to extending the longevity of MLC media under increasingly demanding Enterprise workloads.

The IBM Storwize V7000 system was introduced in October 2010 to help clients simplify administrative tasks such as set up and management. The new system allows room for clients' future growth and includes a highly-integrated set of advanced software for storage efficiency that frees clients from buying piece-parts or making trade-offs between price and capability. The Storwize V7000 is equipped to take advantage of the IO horsepower of STEC's ZeusIOPS SSDs.

The IBM System Storage® DS8800 is the most advanced model in IBM's high-end disk portfolio with hardware that offers faster performance and a significant reduction in floor space and energy requirements. The System Storage DS8700 is another leading offering in IBM's lineup of high-end disk systems, offering outstanding reliability.

The IBM DS8800, DS8700 and Storwize V7000 are all equipped to optimize the use of SSDs with IBM's System Storage Easy Tier feature, which uses ongoing performance monitoring to move only the most active data to SSDs.

For more information regarding this announcement and other important SSD topics, please visit the company's web site at www.stec-inc.com.

About STEC

STEC, Inc. is a leading global provider of solid-state drive technologies and solutions tailored to meet the high-performance, high-reliability needs of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). With headquarters in Santa Ana, California and locations worldwide, STEC leverages almost two decades of solid-state drive knowledge and experience to deliver the industry's most comprehensive line of solid-state drives to the storage industry. For more information, visit the company's web site at http://www.stec-inc.com.

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Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including those statements concerning customer adoption and utilization of STEC's technologies and solutions, the benefits from the integration of STEC SSDs across IBM's platforms, the capabilities and performance of STEC's products, and the adoption of SSDs into new applications. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from current expectations. Although STEC believes that the forward looking statements contained in this release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be fulfilled. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements are detailed in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission made from time to time by STEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and its Current Reports on Form 8-K. The information contained in this press release is a statement of STEC's present intention, belief or expectation. STEC may change its intention, belief, or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in STEC's assumptions or otherwise. STEC undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

CONTACT:  STEC, Inc.
          Mitch Gellman, Vice President of Investor Relations
          (949) 260-8328
          ir@stec-inc.com