MILPITAS, Calif. -- Force10 Networks(R), a pioneer in building and securing high performance networks, today announced that it has named industry veteran Karen Blasing as chief financial officer. Ms. Blasing, who has more than 20 years of experience in corporate finance, strategy and compliance, will be responsible for managing Force10's financial resources and processes as the company expands its worldwide operations.

"Karen brings significant experience, with both public and private companies, in successfully directing financial operations for the benefit of investors, customers, partners and employees," said Marc Randall, president and CEO of Force10 Networks. "Karen's financial insight and acumen will be instrumental as Force10 scales to its next level of growth."

Ms. Blasing joins Force10 from Salesforce.com, where she had responsibility for worldwide accounting, finance, tax and treasury functions as well as real estate, facilities and procurement. Prior to Salesforce.com, she served as chief financial officer at Nuance Communications, where she was instrumental in negotiating the 2005 merger with ScanSoft, Inc. Ms. Blasing also served as chief financial officer for Counterpane Internet Security and has held senior finance positions with Informix, Oracle and Syntex Corporation.

"Force10 is uniquely positioned in the networking industry with a marquee customer list and a history of growing sales ahead of the market," said Blasing. "As Force10 continues to expand its worldwide operations, I look forward to further developing and directing the resources required to extend the company's technological innovation and market leadership."

Force10 Networks Inc.