August 9, 2007



Russell Johnson
[Address]

Dear Russ,

Adaptec must react to changing business needs to be competitive in today's market.  After careful consideration of our future
business, we need to make some difficult business decisions, one of which impacts your position.

We regret to notify you that your position will be eliminated.  Your last work date will be August 17,
2007.  Your separation and termination date will be September 7, 2007.  You will be on approved vacation time from August 20, 2007 to
September 7, 2007.  We will need your assistance with transferring the managing director role in the European entities during your
transition and vacation time and potentially after your termination date.  Adaptec will also assist with any additional tax filing as part of
your prior expatriate assignment.

Your current health and dental benefits end on September 30, 2007.  Your final payroll check will include payout of unused accrued
vacation.  Your final commission will be calculated and paid as soon as administratively possible.

We find these circumstances unfortunate and wish to offer you severance benefits as identified in your Employment Agreement to
assist you in pursuing other opportunities outside of Adaptec.



Please sign and return the Separation Agreement and General Release below along with the exit paperwork to Adaptec Human
Resources in the enclosed envelope no later than September 30, 2007.Severance payment will be processed 8 days after
receipt of the signed Agreement.

SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

1. Adaptec's Consideration for Agreement:  In exchange for the release and agreements described herein, Adaptec agrees as
follows:



1. Consideration for Agreement: In consideration for the payments and undertakings described above, you individually and on behalf
of your representatives, successors, and assigns, do hereby completely release and forever discharge Adaptec, its shareholders,
employees, owners, officers and directors, Board Members, and all other representatives, agents, entities, subsidiaries, divisions,
directors, attorneys, successors, and assigns from all claims, rights, demands, actions, obligations, and causes of action of  any and
every kind, nature and character, known or unknown, which you may now have, or have ever had, against them arising from or in any
way connected with the employment relationship between the parties, any actions during the relationship or the termination thereof.
This Release covers all statutory, common law, constitutional and other claims, including but not limited to: all "wrongful
discharge" and "constructive discharge" claims; all claims relating to any contracts of employment, express or implied;
any claims for defamation, misrepresentation, fraud, or breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, express or implied; any
claim for negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress; any claim for negligence; any claims for attorney's fees or costs; any tort
claims of any nature; any claims under federal, state or municipal statute or ordinance; any claims under the California Fair
Employment and Housing Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of  1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers' Benefit Protection Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act, the California Labor and Civil Codes, the California Constitution, Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
Federal Family and Medical Leave Act, the California Family Rights Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act
(WARN), CalWARN,  and any other laws and regulations relating to employment, employment discrimination, and employment
termination.
2. Wavier of Unknown Future Claims: You have  read Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California, which provides as
follows:
3. Confidentiality of Agreement: You agree that the existence, terms and conditions of this Agreement, including any and all
references to any alleged underlying claims, are strictly confidential. You shall not disclose, discuss or reveal the existence or the terms
of this Agreement to any persons, entities or organizations except to your spouse, attorney, financial advisor, or as required by court
order.
4. Savings Clause: Should any of the provisions of this Agreement be determined to be invalid by a court or government agency of
competent jurisdiction, it is agreed that such determination shall not affect the enforceability of the other provisions herein.  California
law shall govern the validity and interpretation of this Agreement.
5. Preparation of Agreement: Regardless of which party initially drafted this Agreement, it shall not be construed against any one
party, and shall be construed and enforced as a mutually prepared Agreement.
6. Mandatory Arbitration Clause: You and Adaptec agree that any action to enforce the terms and conditions of this Agreement or for
the breach of this Agreement, shall be referred to final and binding arbitration.  Any arbitration proceeding will be governed by the rules
and procedures of the

Page 2 of 3American Arbitration Association and the Federal Arbitration Act and the parties hereto expressly waive their
rights, if any, to have any such matters heard by a court or jury, or administrative agency whether federal or state.  The prevailing party
in any arbitration to enforce this Agreement or remedy its breach will be entitled to costs and reasonable attorney's fees
incurred.

1. Complete and Voluntary Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered.
You expressly warrant that you have read and fully understand this Agreement; that you have had the opportunity to seek legal counsel
of your own choosing and to have the terms of the Agreement fully explained to you that you are not executing this Agreement in
reliance on any promises, representations or inducements other than those contained herein; and that you are executing this Release
voluntarily, free of any duress or coercion.



Cancellation of Agreement By Adaptec: If you exercise your right of rescission under Section 8 (b) of this Agreement, Adaptec will
have the right to terminate this Agreement in its entirety.

Effective Date: This Agreement is effective on the eighth day after it is signed and received by Adaptec HR. If you wish to accept
the terms of this Agreement, please sign on the line provided below and return the original in the enclosed self addressed
envelope.

Sincerely,



|/s/ Shirley Olerich  
|---------------------
|Shirley Olerich      
|VP of Human Resources

I have read and understand the Agreement above and agree to be bound by its terms and
conditions.

Agreed:

|Dated: 22 Sept. 2007 | BY: | Russ Johnson | / | /s/  Russ Johnson
|-------------------- | --- | ------------ | - | -----------------
|                     |     | Print        | / | (Signature)      



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