Press Release October 13, 2000

3WARE CONTINUES THRUST INTO GLOBAL MARKETS BY PARTNERING WITH BELL MICROPRODUCTS LATIN AMERICA

Industry Leader Joins 3ware's New Channel Partner Program to Deliver Storage Solutions to Emerging Markets

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.-October 13, 2000-3ware® Inc., a pioneer of innovative storage solutions, announced today a strategic partnership with Bell Microproducts Latin America, Inc. (NASDAQ: BELM), to deliver next-generation storage solutions in the industry's fastest-growing global marketplace. Under the terms of the agreement, Bell Microproducts Latin America will introduce and distribute 3ware Escalade™ ATA RAID storage solutions in Brazil, the largest industry segment in Latin America as well as Argentina, Chile and Mexico

Bell Microproducts Latin America, a leader in distributing computer hardware and complete storage solutions, is the newest member of 3ware's channel partner program. The channel program expands the support to worldwide resellers and integration partners that are providing 3ware's family of storage products. Bell Microproducts Latin America joins 3ware's more than 21 partners who are implementing 3ware storage solutions. 3ware assembled this impressive set of partners with its innovative solutions, including the first product that provides storage across TCP/IP, which extends the reach of Gigabit Ethernet into SAN applications through an integrated direct-connect RAID storage device.

With the new channel program, 3ware will introduce its leading family of innovative storage products to new industries and expand its international presence, further broadening the base of 3ware customers. Channel program members benefit by offering their customers the business advantages of employing 3ware's patented storage technology in today's data-intensive environment. Channel members are trained extensively on 3ware product development and support, and have access to the latest 3ware product offerings, technical support, co-marketing and sales initiatives, and on-going communications programs. Members of the 3ware channel program can resell or bundle 3ware storage solutions and offer value-added services such as consulting, custom software development and integration services.

"The channel program will continue to build on the market acceptance and increase the rapid global adoption of 3ware solutions. We look forward to fueling our sales and expanding our channel presence worldwide," said Joe Sorrentino, vice president, worldwide sales, 3ware. "We are pleased to welcome such a prestigious partner as Bell Microproducts Latin America to our channel program and support their initiatives to deliver a total storage solution for the burgeoning Internet economy in Latin America."

"In Latin America the demand for computer systems is growing at an explosive rate each year. 3ware ATA RAID controllers contribute to our success by enabling us to deliver the newest storage technology to this market place, where computer savvy consumers want quality products with a solid value proposition. 3ware is enabling Latin American customers to compete with the large OEMs, deliver storage solutions that offer performance and redundancy, and leverage existing Internet Infrastructure," said Louis Leonardo, president of Bell Microproducts Latin America

"The Latin American market is currently the largest growth market in the world for technology products, experiencing double-digit growth. With Bell Microproducts' established leadership, 3ware can deliver robust storage products that can be integrated into an existing storage environment in record time," said Beau Vrolyk, 3ware president and CEO. "We are delighted to partner with companies such as Bell Microproducts, who have demonstrated leadership in the storage market space, to ensure our success in the new global economy."

About the 3ware Channel Program

3ware channel partners are leaders in their respective horizontal and vertical markets and are selected on the basis of their own customer satisfaction, storage solution expertise, complementary sales and support programs, and potential synergy with 3ware products. Channel members are trained extensively on 3ware product development and support, and have access to the latest 3ware product offerings, technical support, co-marketing and sales initiatives, and on-going communications programs free of charge. To inquire about becoming a 3ware channel partner, please visit the 3ware web site at www.3ware.com or call (650) 327-8600.

About Bell Microproducts Latin America

Bell Microproducts Latin America is a leader in computer hardware distribution to Latin America. The company's offering includes storage products by Maxtor, Quantum and Seagate; processors by AMD; printers by Canon; optical products by NEC, Delta, Pioneer, Sony and Acer; peripherals by PC Partner, Gigabyte, Excel, Microstar, Chaintech, Microtek and Creative Labs; software by Microsoft; and Enterprise Products by eSoft, Overland, Gadzoox, QLogic, Sun Microsystems, BellStor, Trademark, CNet, Tekram, 3ware and Adaptec. The company also has a private label, MarkVision, for monitors 14" through 21" and memory modules. Bell Microproducts Latin America has facilities for memory modules assembly with 2 operational SMT lines and production output of 120K modules per month. Bell Microproducts Latin America operated as Future Tech from 1989 through July 21, 1999 when Bell Microproducts acquired it. It opened its Chilean subsidiary in Santiago in September 1999, as well as sales offices in Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo in October 1999. In November 1999, it regained its position as the #1 storage distributor with 170,000 drives sold - over 45% of market share. Its name was changed to Bell Microproducts Latin America in February 2000.

About Bell Microproducts

Bell Microproducts is a value-added provider of a wide range of high technology products, solutions, and services to the industrial and commercial marketplace. The company's offering includes semiconductors, computer platforms, peripherals, and storage products of various types including desktop, high-end computer and storage subsystems, fibre channel connectivity products, RAID, NAS and SAN storage systems and back-up products. Bell Microproducts is an industry-recognized specialist in storage products and is one of the world's largest storage-centric value-added distributors. The company's products are available at any level of integration from components, to subsystem assemblies, to fully integrated, tested and certified system solutions. The company adds value with a broad range of services including testing, software loading, kitting, mass storage system integration, and computer system integration. Trained and certified technical personnel complete each of these processes at Bell Microproducts' ISO 9002 facilities. Bell Microproducts markets and distributes more than 100 brand name product lines, as well as its own BellStor storage and Trademark computer brands, to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), contract electronic manufacturing services (EMS) customers, value-added resellers (VARs) and system integrators in the Americas and Europe. More information can be found in SEC filings, or by visiting the Bell Microproducts Web site at www.bellmicro.com.

About 3ware

3ware is a company that creates innovative storage solutions specifically designed to meet the needs of Internet applications. 3ware leverages proprietary algorithms and packet-switching technology, delivered in the company's DiskSwitch-based product, to create scalable, reliable, high-speed storage solutions. 3ware solutions address the fundamental issues of data storage, access, back up, security, and management - without requiring that customers adopt new standards or deal with unfamiliar technologies. Located in Mountain View, California, the company has a seasoned management team and a roster of established industry partners. For more information about 3ware, call (650) 327-8600 or visit www.3ware.com.