Exhibit 10.01

June 24, 2005

Marcus D. Lowe

Dear Marc:

On behalf of Adaptec, Inc., I am pleased to offer you the position of Vice President, General Manager reporting to Sundi Sundaresh.  I am confident that you will provide the senior leadership that will continue to enhance our customer and stockholder value.

Your initial base salary will be $250,000 per year. You will also be eligible to participate in the Quarterly Variable Incentive Plan (VIP) and the Annual Incentive Plan (AIP), which targets a percentage of your base salary to be paid.  The VIP is based on achievement of quarterly objectives and is targeted at 4% of your base pay.  The AIP is based on Company achievement of revenue and operating profit before taxes and is targeted at 40% of your base salary.  Actual bonus payout will vary based on Company and individual performance.

In accordance with the Company’s Stock Option Plan, we will recommend to our Board of Directors that you be granted an option to purchase 100,000 shares of Adaptec stock that will vest 20% on the one-year anniversary of your hire date and thereafter at 5.00% per quarter, and will be fully vested at the end of five years. These options will be priced based upon your start date. The option price will be the previous trading day’s closing price with vesting commencing on the hire date.

Adaptec provides a full range of company paid benefits including a flexible program that provides employees with “credits” to purchase coverage tailored to individual needs.  As a Vice President, you may elect to defer up to 100% of your salary and/or bonus income under the Deferred Compensation Plan.  In addition, you will receive a $650 per month car allowance.

This