September 30, 2008

Subject: Reference letter for Ms. Anyck Turgeon

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

This letter confirms my full support of Ms. Turgeon’s business acumen and technological expertise.

For the past 35 years I have worked in the Information Technology field in Texas. I served as CIO in many positions during my tenure – Westinghouse Electric Heavy Industry Motor Division, Texas Youth Commission, Texas Health and Human Services Commission and as CIO for the state of Texas under three governors from 1994 through 2003. During my tenure as Texas’ CIO I designed, promoted and oversaw the development of TexasOnline (www.texasonline.com) Texas’ government web portal, guided the state and related industries through Y2K, oversaw the installation of the states large system data center in San Angelo, Texas, improved its operations and promoted it’s growth. I was an early adopter of cyber security practices in government and was fortunate to have a very credible staff who managed security across the state agencies and universities. I served as president of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO), chairman of National Electronic Commerce Coordinating Council (NECCC), on the Editorial Advisory Board of CIO magazine, and as an inaugural member of the Harvard Policy Group. I was named among “The Most Powerful Texans in High Tech” by Texas Monthly biz magazine in 2000. In 2003, Governing magazine selected me as one of their Public Officials of the Year. I now serve as a Director in Cisco’s Internet Business Solutions Group.

I have known Ms. Turgeon for the past 4 or 5 years through my role as an advisory board member of Crossroads Systems. Ms. Turgeon has been a very important member of the Crossroads team. She has raised the visibility of the organization tremendously. I have also come to consider her as a great friend. Ms. Turgeon has excelled in her award-winning accomplishments and contributions to Crossroads and the global IT community, as well as her continued work on leading-edge business opportunities. I recognize her tremendous value to Crossroads and heartily endorse her technological expertise. She is a tremendous asset to Crossroads and the US IT community at large.

I believe that Ms. Turgeon’s petition includes ample demonstration of her recognition within our community as an exceptional individual. She is a tireless worker, a dedicated employee, a fearless innovator and credit to our profession. She is established as a pre-eminent member within the information protection, data management and storage security disciplines. I have no hesitation in recommending Ms. Turgeon, as I am confident that she will continue to serve as a dedicated industry contributor.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for additional information.

Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn Purcell
6607 Beauford Dr.
Austin, Texas 78750
512.917.7448