2. Significant Accounting Policies

Fiscal Year — Our fiscal year is reported on a 52- or 53-week year ending on the last Friday in April. Fiscal 2012 and 2011 contained 52 weeks and fiscal 2010 contained 53 weeks.

Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Accounting Change — In our fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, we adopted amended standards that eliminate the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the consolidated statements stockholders' equity and require them to be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The adoption of these amended standards did impact the presentation of other comprehensive income, as we have presented two separate but consecutive statements, but did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Use of Estimates — The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Such estimates include, but are not limited to, revenue recognition, reserves and allowances; inventory valuation and purchase order accruals; valuation of goodwill and intangibles; restructuring reserves; product warranties; employee benefit accruals; stock-based compensation; loss contingencies; investment impairments; income taxes, and fair value measurements. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Financial Instruments — For certain financial instruments, including accounts receivable, accounts payable and other long-term financing arrangements, the carrying amounts approximate their fair value due to their relatively short maturities. The following methods were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds. We consider all highly liquid debt investments with original maturities of three months or less at time of purchase to be cash equivalents and such investments are recognized at carrying value which approximates fair value.

Short-Term Investments — Short-term investments consist of marketable debt or equity securities which are classified as available-for-sale and are recognized at fair value. The determination of fair value is further detailed in Note 9 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements. We regularly review our investment portfolio to identify and evaluate investments that have indicators of possible impairment. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is other-than-temporary include, but are not limited to: the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been lower than the cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, credit quality of the issuer, likelihood of recovery, and our intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. We classify our investments as current or noncurrent based on the nature of the investments and their availability for use in current operations.

Unrealized gains and temporary losses, net of related taxes, are included with accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI). Upon realization, those amounts are reclassified from AOCI to results of operations. The amortization of premiums and discounts on the investments and realized gains and losses related to investments are included in results of operations. Other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale debt securities are determined to be either credit losses or losses due to other factors. Credit losses are recognized in our results of operations and other losses are included in AOCI. Realized gains or losses on our short-term investments are calculated based on the specific identification method.

Fair Value Measurements and Impairments — All of our available-for-sale investments are subject to periodic impairment review. Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is judged to be other-than-temporary. This determination requires significant judgment.

For short-term investments, impairment is determined based upon the specific facts and circumstances present at the time, including factors such as current economic and market conditions, the credit rating of the security's issuer, the length of time an investment's fair value has been below our carrying value, the extent to which fair value was below cost, and our ability and intent to hold investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for anticipated recovery in value. If an investment's decline in fair value, caused by factors other than changes in interest rates, is deemed to be other-than-temporary, we reduce its carrying value to its estimated fair value, as determined based on quoted market prices, liquidation values or other metrics. Declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary, if any, are recorded in our consolidated statements of operations as incurred.

For long-term investments, such as auction rate securities (ARSs), impairment is determined based on fair value and marketability of these investments. The valuation models used to estimate fair value included numerous assumptions such as assessments of the underlying structure of each security, expected cash flows, discount rates, trading activity in the secondary market for similar securities, credit ratings, workout periods, and overall capital market liquidity.

Inventories — Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis. We write down for excess and obsolete inventory based on the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand forecasts and market conditions. At the point of a loss recognition, a new, lower cost basis for that inventory is established, and subsequent changes in facts or circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established basis. In addition, we record a liability for firm, noncancelable, and unconditional purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers for quantities in excess of our future demand forecasts consistent with our valuation of excess and obsolete inventory.

Property and Equipment — Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method, generally over the following periods:


	Depreciation Life (years)
Buildings		40 years
Building improvements		10 years
Furniture and fixtures		5 years
Computer, production, engineering and other equipment		3 years
Software		3 to 5 years
Leasehold improvements		Shorter of remaining lease term or useful life

Construction in progress will be depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets when they are ready for use. We capitalize interest on facility assets under construction and on significant software development projects.

Software Development Costs — The costs for the development of new software products and substantial enhancements to existing software products are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility has been established, at which time any additional costs would be capitalized in accordance with the accounting guidance for software. Because our current process for developing software is essentially completed concurrently with the establishment of technological feasibility, which occurs upon the completion of a working model, no costs have been capitalized for any of the periods presented.

Internal-Use Software Development Costs — We capitalize qualifying costs, which are incurred during the application development stage, for computer software developed for or obtained for internal-use and amortize them over the software's estimated useful life.

Business Combinations — We recognize identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. While we use our best estimates and assumptions as a part of the purchase price allocation process to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill to the extent that we identify adjustments to the preliminary purchase price allocation. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to our consolidated statements of operations.

Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets — Goodwill is recorded when the consideration paid for an acquisition exceeds the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Acquisition-related intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their economic lives of four to six years for developed technology, two to eight years for customer contracts/relationships, one to three years for covenants not to compete and two to seven years for trademarks and trade names as we believe this method would most closely reflect the pattern in which the economic benefits of the assets will be consumed.

Goodwill is measured and tested for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year or more frequently if we believe indicators of impairment exist. Triggering events for impairment reviews may be indicators such as adverse industry or economic trends, restructuring actions, lower projections of profitability, or a sustained decline in our market capitalization. The performance of the test involves a two-step process. The first step requires comparing the fair value of the each of our reporting units to its net book value, including goodwill. We have three reporting units, the fair values of which are determined based on an allocation of our entity level market capitalization, as determined through quoted market prices. A potential impairment exists if the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its net book value. The second step of the process is only performed if a potential impairment exists, and it involves determining the difference between the fair value of the reporting unit's net assets other than goodwill to the fair value of the reporting unit and if the difference is less than the net book value of goodwill, an impairment exists and is recorded. We have not been required to perform this second step of the process because the fair value of our reporting units have exceeded the net book value at every measurement date.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets — We review the carrying values of long-lived assets whenever events and circumstances, such as reductions in demand, lower projections of profitability, significant changes in the manner of our use of acquired assets, or significant negative industry or economic trends, indicate that the net book value of an asset may not be recovered through expected future cash flows from its use and eventual disposition. If this review indicates that there is an impairment, the impaired asset is written down to its fair value, which is typically calculated using: (i) quoted market prices and/or (ii) expected future cash flows utilizing a discount rate. Our estimates regarding future anticipated net revenue and cash flows, the remaining economic life of the products and technologies, or both, may differ from those used to assess the recoverability of assets. In that event, impairment charges or shortened useful lives of certain long-lived assets may be required, resulting in charges to our consolidated statements of operations when such determinations are made.

Derivative Instruments — Derivatives that are not designated as hedges are adjusted to fair value through earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the contracts' gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value is recognized in AOCI until the forecasted transaction is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of the hedge is recognized in earnings immediately.

As a result of our significant international operations, we are subject to risks associated with fluctuating exchange rates. We use derivative financial instruments, principally currency forward contracts and currency options, to attempt to minimize the impact of exchange rate movements on our balance sheet and operating results. Factors that could have an impact on the effectiveness of our hedging program include the accuracy of forecasts and the volatility of foreign currency markets. These programs reduce, but do not always entirely eliminate, the impact of currency exchange movements. The maturities of these instruments are generally less than one year.

Currently, we do not enter into any foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge exposures related to firm commitments or nonmarketable investments. Cash flows from our derivative programs are included under operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows with the exception of cash flows from the derivatives used to hedge the 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 (the Notes). The cash flows related to the Note hedges are included under financing activities.

Residual Guarantees — We record liabilities for the fair value of residual guarantees relating to certain properties under our synthetic leases. In the event that the fair values of the properties, as determined by appraisals, are below the cost, we accrue for the deficiencies over the remaining term of the respective leases.

Revenue Recognition — We recognize revenue when:

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Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists: It is our customary practice to have a purchase order and/or contract prior to recognizing revenue on an arrangement from our end users, customers, value-added resellers, or distributors.

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Delivery has occurred: Our product is physically delivered to our customers, generally with standard transfer terms such as FOB origin. We typically do not allow for restocking rights with any of our value-added resellers or distributors. Products shipped with acceptance criteria or return rights are not recognized as revenue until all criteria are achieved. If undelivered products or services exist that are essential to the functionality of the delivered product in an arrangement, delivery is not considered to have occurred.

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The fee is fixed or determinable: Arrangements with payment terms extending beyond our standard terms, conditions and practices are not considered to be fixed or determinable. Revenue from such arrangements is recognized at the earlier of customer payment or when the fees become due and payable. We typically do not allow for price-protection rights with any of our value-added resellers or distributors.

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Collection is reasonably assured: If there is considerable doubt surrounding the credit worthiness of a customer at the outset of an arrangement, the associated revenue is deferred and recognized upon cash receipt.

Our multiple element arrangements include our systems and one or more of the following undelivered elements: software entitlements and maintenance (SEM), premium hardware maintenance, and storage review services. Our SEM entitle our customers to receive unspecified product upgrades and enhancements on a when-and-if-available basis, bug fixes, and patch releases. Premium hardware maintenance services include contracts for technical support and minimum response times. Revenues from SEM, premium hardware maintenance services and storage review services are recognized ratably over the contractual term, generally from one to five years. We also offer extended service contracts (which extend our standard parts warranty and may include premium hardware maintenance) at the end of the warranty term; revenues from these contracts are recognized ratably over the contract term. We also sell professional services either on a time and materials basis or under fixed price projects; we recognize revenue for these services as they are performed. Revenue from hardware installation services is recognized in the period the services are delivered.

In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended the accounting standards for revenue recognition to exclude tangible products containing software components and non-software components that function together to deliver the tangible product's essential functionality from the scope of the software revenue recognition guidance. Concurrently, the FASB also amended the accounting standards for multiple deliverable revenue arrangements to:

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provide updated guidance on whether multiple deliverables exist, how the deliverables in an arrangement should be separated, and how the arrangement consideration should be allocated among its elements;

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require an entity to allocate revenue in an arrangement that has separate units of accounting using best estimated selling prices (BESP) of deliverables if a vendor does not have vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) of fair value or third-party evidence of selling price (TPE); and

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eliminate the use of the residual method and require an entity to allocate revenue using the relative selling price method to the separate units of accounting.

We adopted these standards in fiscal 2011 for new and materially modified revenue arrangements originating after April 30, 2010.

The majority of our products are hardware systems containing software components that function together to provide the essential functionality of the product. Therefore, our hardware systems and software components essential to the functionality of the hardware systems are considered non-software deliverables and therefore are not subject to industry-specific software revenue recognition guidance.

Our product revenues also include revenues from the sale of non-essential software products. Non-essential software products may operate on our hardware systems, but are not considered essential to the functionality of the hardware. Non-essential software sales generally include a perpetual license to our software. Non-essential software sales continue to be subject to the industry-specific software revenue recognition guidance. For arrangements within the scope of the guidance, a delivered item is accounted for as a separate unit if the delivered item has standalone value and if the customer has a general right of return relative to the delivered item, delivery or performance of the undelivered item is probable and substantially within our control. Both of the separation criteria must be met in order for a delivered item to be accounted for as a separate unit.

For transactions entered into or materially modified after April 30, 2010, we recognize revenue in accordance with the accounting standards when applicable. Certain arrangements with multiple deliverables may continue to have software deliverables that are subject to the existing software revenue recognition guidance along with non-software deliverables that are subject to the standards. The revenue for these multiple element arrangements is allocated to the software deliverables and the non-software deliverables as a group based on the relative selling prices of all of the deliverables in the arrangement using the selling price hierarchy set forth in the standards.

For our non-software deliverables, we recognize revenue based on the standards and allocate the arrangement consideration based on the relative selling price of the deliverables. For our non-software deliverables, we use BESP as our selling price. For our software entitlements and support services, we generally use VSOE as our selling price. When we are unable to establish selling prices using VSOE for our software entitlements and support services, we use BESP in our allocation of arrangement consideration.

VSOE of fair value for elements of an arrangement is based upon the normal pricing and discounting practices for those services when sold separately. In determining VSOE, we require that a substantial majority of the selling prices for an element fall within a reasonably narrow pricing range, generally evidenced by a substantial majority of such historical stand-alone transactions falling within a reasonably narrow range. In addition, we consider major service type, customer classifications, and other variables in determining VSOE.

When VSOE cannot be established, we attempt to establish the selling price of each element based on TPE. TPE is determined based on competitor prices for similar deliverables when sold separately. Generally, our go-to-market strategy differs from that of our peers and our offerings contain a significant level of differentiation such that the comparable pricing of products with similar functionality cannot be obtained. Furthermore, we are unable to reliably determine what similar competitor products' selling prices are on a stand-alone basis. Therefore, we typically are not able to determine TPE for our products or services.

When we are unable to establish the selling price of our non-software deliverables using VSOE or TPE, we use our BESP in our allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of BESP is to determine the price at which we would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a stand-alone basis. BESP is determined for a product or service by considering multiple factors, including, but not limited to, cost of products, gross margin objectives, historical pricing practices, customer classes and distribution channels. In determining BESP, we require that the majority of the selling prices fall within a reasonable pricing range, generally evidenced by a majority of such historical transactions falling within a reasonable range.

We regularly review VSOE, TPE, and BESP and maintain internal controls over the establishment and updates of these estimates.

For sales of software deliverables after April 30, 2010 and for all transactions entered into prior to the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, we recognize revenue based on software revenue recognition guidance. Under the software revenue recognition guidance, we use the residual method to recognize revenue when a multiple element arrangement includes one or more elements to be delivered at a future date and VSOE of fair value of all undelivered elements exists. In the majority of our contracts, the only element that remains undelivered at the time of delivery of the product is SEM and/or service. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the contract fee is recognized as product revenues. If evidence of the fair value of one or more undelivered elements does not exist, all revenue is generally deferred until the earlier of when delivery of those elements occurs or when fair value can be established. In instances where the only undelivered element without fair value is SEM, the entire arrangement is recognized ratably over the maintenance period.

We record reductions to revenue for estimated sales returns at the time of shipment. Sales returns are estimated based on historical sales returns, current trends, and our expectations regarding future experience. We monitor and analyze the accuracy of sales returns estimates by reviewing actual returns and adjust them for future expectations to determine the adequacy of our current and future reserve needs. If actual future returns and allowances differ from past experience, additional allowances may be required.

Sales and Value Added Taxes — Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Product Warranties — Estimated future hardware and software warranty costs are recorded as a cost of product revenues when the related revenue is recognized, based on historical and projected warranty claim rates, historical and projected cost-per-claim and knowledge of specific project failures that are outside our typical experience. Factors that affect our warranty liability include the number of installed units subject to warranty protection, product failure rates, estimated material costs, estimated distribution costs and estimated labor costs. We assess the adequacy of our warranty accrual each quarter and adjust the amount as considered necessary. If actual product failure rates or repair costs differ from estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required and could materially affect our results of operations.

Foreign Currency Translation — For international subsidiaries whose functional currency is the local currency, gains and losses resulting from translation of these foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are recorded in AOCI. For subsidiaries where the functional currency is the U.S. dollar, gains and losses resulting from the process of remeasuring foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in other income (expense), net.

Benefit Plans — We have a postretirement health care plan and various international defined benefit plans for certain of our employees. We record actuarial gains and losses within AOCI and amortize net gains or losses in excess of 10 percent of the greater of the market value of plan assets or the plans' projected benefit obligation on a straight-line basis over the remaining estimated service life of plan participants. The measurement date for all defined benefit plans is our fiscal year end.

Stock-Based Compensation — We measure and recognize stock-based compensation for all stock-based awards, including employee stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and rights to purchase shares under our employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), based on their estimated fair value, and recognize the costs in our financial statements using the single option straight-line approach over the requisite service period for the entire award.

The fair value of employee RSUs is equal to the market value of our common stock on the grant date of the award. Calculating the fair value of employee stock options and the rights to purchase shares under the ESPP requires estimates and significant judgment. The fair value of each award grant is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and is not remeasured as a result of subsequent stock price fluctuations. Option-pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected term of awards and the price volatility of the stock underlying such awards. Our expected term assumption is based primarily on historical exercise and post-vesting forfeiture experience. Our stock price volatility assumption is based on an implied volatility of call options and dealer quotes on call options, with terms closest to the expected term of the award, generally those having a term of twelve months. In addition, the Black-Scholes option pricing model requires a risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. The risk-free interest rate is based upon United States Treasury bills with equivalent expected terms, and the expected dividend is based on our history and expected dividend payouts. Changes in the subjective assumptions required in the valuation models may significantly affect the estimated value of our stock-based awards and the related stock-based compensation expense. Likewise, the shortening of the contractual life of our options could change the estimated exercise behavior in a manner other than currently expected.

In addition, we estimate the number of stock-based awards that will be forfeited due to employee turnover. Our forfeiture assumption is primarily based on historical experience. Changes in the estimated forfeiture rate may have a significant effect on reported stock-based compensation expense, as the effect of adjusting the rate is recognized in the period the forfeiture estimate is changed.

In the event of a modification of stock-based awards, if the requisite service period of the modified award is longer than the requisite service period of the original award and, both before and after the modification, it is probable that the awards will vest, we recognize the unrecognized compensation cost remaining from the original award plus the incremental compensation cost, if any, as a result of a modification in its entirety over the remaining portion of the requisite service period of the modified award.

Income Taxes — Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are provided for temporary differences that will result in tax deductions or income in future periods, as well as the future benefit of tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance reduces tax assets to their estimated realizable value.

Determining the liability for uncertain tax positions requires us to make significant estimates and judgments as to whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes may be due based on potential tax audit issues in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions throughout the world. Our estimates are based on the outcomes of previous audits, as well as the precedents set in cases in which others have taken similar tax positions to those taken by us. If we later determine that our exposure is lower or that the liability is not sufficient to cover our revised expectations, we adjust the liability and effect a related change in our tax provision during the period in which we make such a determination.

The accounting guidance for income taxes prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that we have taken or expect to take on a tax return (including a decision whether to file or not to file a return in a particular jurisdiction). We recognize the tax liability for uncertain income tax positions on the income tax return based on the two-step process prescribed in the interpretation. The first step is to determine whether it is more likely than not that each income tax position would be sustained upon audit. The second step is to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority. Estimating these amounts requires us to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. We evaluate these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis.

Significant judgment is also required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider all available evidence, including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income, and the feasibility of tax planning strategies. In the event that we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we adjust our valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.

Net Income per Share — Basic net income per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share is computed giving effect to all dilutive potential shares that were outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential common shares consist of common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options, RSUs, ESPP shares, warrants and assumed conversion of our Notes. Repurchased shares that are held as treasury stock are excluded from the outstanding shares.

Treasury Stock — We account for treasury stock under the cost method. If treasury stock is re-issued at a price higher than its cost, the difference is recorded as a component of additional paid-in-capital in our consolidated balance sheets. If treasury stock is re-issued at a price lower than its cost, the difference is recorded as a component of additional paid-in-capital to the extent that there are gains to offset the losses. If there are no treasury stock gains in additional paid-in-capital, the losses upon re-issuance of treasury stock are recorded as a component of retained earnings in our consolidated balance sheets. Upon the retirement of treasury stock, we allocate the value of treasury shares between additional paid-in capital and retained earnings.