Quantum Revolutionizes Server Market With Expanded Line
Of High Performance, Low Cost Network Attached Storage
Products
MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 25, 1999--Quantum Corporation's DLT and Storage Systems Group (NYSE: DSS -
news) today furthered its leadership in the network attached storage (NAS) market with the introduction of two new Snap Server
products, with suggested U.S prices of $999 for 20 GB and $1,799 for 40 GB. These products replace the Snap Server 8 GB ($995),
16 GB ($1,795) and 32 GB ($2,495).
Quantum's Snap Server family of NAS appliances offers unparalleled price/performance and product features for the storage needs of
corporate workgroups. The Snap Server provides shared storage for workgroups with up to 100 users and allows access to stored
information even if the primary network server goes down.
``We see our Snap Server products storing and serving data in virtually every type of corporate workgroup setting,' said Jeff Hill,
vice president of product marketing for Quantum's Snap Division. ``Our customers use our products for all of their data storage
needs. Whether it's for general purpose file sharing and backup, remote office data storage, or even for distributing software
upgrades to clients across the network, the Snap Server is the easiest, most reliable solution for IT managers to add performance and
functionality to their network.'
NAS Continues to Grow
The massive amount of information on networks has led to the evolution of NAS -- a category of products dedicated to perform a
single function on a network. NAS servers provide a simpler, more cost-effective solution to these storage demands than traditional
file servers.
``Dataquest/GartnerGroup predicts that the entry and workgroup level NAS appliance markets will grow from $160 million in 1998 to
almost $4.5 billion by 2003, placing these segments among the fastest growing in the computing market,' said Kimball Brown, vice
president and chief analyst at Dataquest/GartnerGroup.
The Snap Server Wins vs. General Purpose Servers
The Snap Server offers businesses a storage solution that is less expensive and easier to own than general purpose file servers.
Adding a new file server to workgroup-size LANs can cost between $3,000 and $10,000 and requires technical resources that some
smaller companies or remote offices might not have. Even large businesses with IT departments sacrifice resources when a new
server needs to be installed. Often this translates into IT staff that must work after hours or over the weekend to install the server, so
that company productivity does not suffer from the network downtime.
Unlike NT servers that may take several hours or days to install, the Snap Server installs in minutes without taking down the network
and requires minimal technical experience. Furthermore, because the Snap Server attaches directly to the network, users bypass the
typical server I/O bottlenecks created from applications competing for server processing power, resulting in faster access to data.
``We chose the Snap Server over adding traditional file servers because we needed an easy to own, space-saving solution, that would
be dedicated to storing our electronically imaged medical documents,' said Brian Deaver, CEO of Healthsouth Treasure Valley
Hospital in Boise, Idaho. ``In this heavily-regulated healthcare environment, it's critical that we have a reliable, responsive, secure
storage solution for files as sensitive and important as our patients' clinical records. The Snap Server perfectly meets these storage
needs and fits seamlessly into our network environment.'
Easy to Own, Integrate and Manage
The Snap Server is configured through a Web browser-based interface that enables IT managers to install the product within the
existing network infrastructure. Security can be integrated within existing Microsoft NT Domain and Novell NetWare bindery
servers. These same tools allow network administrators to manage the Snap Server from any location, as long as they have access to
a Web browser.
The Snap Server contains two hard drives and can be configured to maximize data protection through internal disk mirroring (RAID
1) or for high performance with striping enabled (RAID 0). The Snap Server continues to be the only NAS appliance in its class to
offer mixed-network support, pre-configured for integration into all major network environments including NT, NetWare, UNIX and
Apple Macintosh. In addition, the Snap Server supports the protocols most commonly found in today's networks, including TCP/IP,
IPX, NetBEUI and AppleTalk.
Product Availability and Warranty
Both the Snap Server 20 GB and 40 GB products are available immediately. End users can purchase the Snap Server through their
local Value Added Reseller (VAR) or leading catalog resellers. The Snap Server is available for VARs through Ingram Micro and Tech
Data; Quantum's authorized wholesale distributors.
Customers can rely on Quantum's best-in-class service and support for the Snap Server line of products. The Snap Server comes
with a three year limited parts and labor warranty; toll free telephone technical support available Monday through Friday from 6:00
a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST; a 30-day money back guarantee; and advanced Web support tools.
Additional information about the Snap Server is available via Quantum's toll-free telephone number, 1-888-343-SNAP and by visiting
www.snapserver.com.
About Quantum
Founded in 1980, Quantum Corporation (www.quantum.com ) is the world's leading storage supplier in four of the six markets it
serves: desktop hard disk drives, tape drives, network attached storage (NAS) appliances and solid state systems. Quantum is also the
second largest supplier of mid-range tape automation systems and a leading supplier of high capacity hard disk drives. In 1999,
Quantum became the first Silicon Valley company to issue tracking stock, replacing its existing common stock with the ticker
symbols DSS and HDD, which track the separate performance of the company's DLT and Storage Systems and Hard Disk Drive
businesses. Both stocks are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Selling its products through OEM and distribution channels
worldwide, sales for the fiscal year ending March 1999, were $1.3 billion for Quantum's DLT and Storage Systems Group and $3.6
billion for Quantum's Hard Disk Drive Group.
The foregoing statements regarding future technology, products incorporating that technology, the anticipated performance,
capabilities, applications, and estimated availability of future products, as well as the potential market acceptance and impact of the
new products are forward looking statements and actual results could vary. Factors which could affect actual results include the
success of the ongoing technology development efforts, the ability to successfully integrate new technology into products in a
cost-effective manner, the ability to successfully manufacture and distribute new products at sufficient volume, quality and
reasonable cost, the timing of new product introductions, the success of competing products and technologies, and the significant
uncertainty of market acceptance of new products.
Quantum and the Quantum logo are trademarks of Quantum Corporation, registered in the United States and other countries. Snap
Server is a trademark of Quantum Corporation. All other marks are trademarks of their respective companies. |
