RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Mike Easley announced Tuesday that California-based

Network Appliance

will expand its operations in the Triangle, bringing 361 new jobs and $59 million in additional investment to the area.

Network Appliance, a world-leading data storage provider, is the 15th recipient of an award under the new state Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) program.

"As a result of targeted, performance-based initiatives such as JDIG, North Carolina is leading the nation in job growth," said Easley. "Companies such as Network Appliance are choosing to locate and expand in North Carolina because our of business-friendly climate, low tax burden as well as our superior educational system and infrastructure."

Since its inception in 1992, Network Appliance has been a pioneer in the development of electronic data storage systems and technologies. NetApp storage solutions include specialized hardware, software and services, providing seamless storage management for open network environments. Major corporations and service providers include Bank of America, Citicorp Securities, Krispy Kreme, Lockheed, Merrill Lynch, Oracle, Red Hat, SAS, Texas Instruments and Yahoo!

With headquarters in Sunnyvale, Calif., the company employs 2,800 employees worldwide. Network Appliance currently has offices in Durham and employs more than 150 people in sales, customer support and research and development.

Network Appliance anticipates purchasing three shell buildings owned by Cisco Systems in the Research Triangle Park and should state hiring later this year. The jobs, which will primarily focus on research and development, will also include sales and customer support positions. The average salary for the positions is projected to be at least $115,000.

"We are delighted that the Economic Investment Committee of North Carolina has chosen us for the JDIG grant," said Tom Mendoza, president of Network Appliance. "Our company has been in the RTP area since 1999. "This grant will enable us to undertake this project and continue to build and develop strong local ties with our business partners and customers and reap the benefits of a highly talented workforce in North Carolina."