"Iomega and WebSurfer Offer First Internet Set-top Box With Removable Storage Capacity for Saving Web Content "
(see it at COMDEX)
newsalert.com
Business Wire - November 02, 1998 09:59
ROY, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 2, 1998--
Popular Zip(R) Drive Enables Consumers to Easily Download and Save Internet Content
Iomega Corporation (NYSE:IOM) and WebSurfer Inc. today announced the first Internet TV set-top solution to allow consumers to download and save unlimited digital content from the Web using Iomega's 100MB Zip(R) disks. WebSurfer's new set-top technology will be the industry's first to offer support for the popular Zip drive, paving new ground in this burgeoning market by providing consumers a way to easily save, organize and access Web content and e-mail. The Companies have signed a letter of intent to co-develop future WebSurfer set-top box models with Zip drives built-in.
WebSurfer's new set-top box, WebSurfer Pro, will support Iomega's external parallel port Zip(R) drives and genuine 100MB Zip disks. By simply connecting the Zip drive to WebSurfer Pro, users can save and organize their e-mail messages, download entire Web sites or files such as music singles, digital photos, street maps, or famous biographies. Zip disks bridge the gap between set-top boxes and PCs, allowing consumers to access their digital content at work or in the comfort of their homes.
"The rise of set-top boxes in the home is driven by the basic fact that many consumers want easy access to e-mail and Web content without having to purchase a PC," said Paul Batra, president of WebSurfer Inc. "Those consumers are now asking for a place to save, organize and share all of the interesting and entertaining content they are finding on the Web."
WebSurfer set-top technology enables consumers to access the Internet directly through a standard television set. WebSurfer Pro will come complete with a built-in printer port, telephone handset and an infrared keyboard equipped with a built-in mouse. The handset is for use with the WebSurfer-unique Internet telephony application. WebSurfer Pro's SurfPhone application will allow users to connect long distance phone calls via the Internet. WebSurfer Pro will also feature SurfWriter, a customized word processing application, SurfMail, Web based e-mail, and SurfBuild, an easy-to-use Web page creation application.
"Integrating Iomega Zip drive support into WebSurfer's new set-top solution offers a distinct advantage over other set-top boxes. WebSurfer customers now have the opportunity to save Web content and e-mail or access that same information beyond their TV," said Mike Lynch, director of beyond-PC applications at Iomega. "Zip drives and disks provide a cost effective and flexible solution for set-top box customers to save Internet content, making Zip SuperFloppy the disk for the digital age."
Today's announcement supports Iomega's initiative to make its popular Zip(R) drives available beyond the PC wherever consumers need a place to keep their digital content safe. In a separate announcement made today, the Company announced that the Zip drive is, or will be, available for other beyond-PC devices including printers, scanners, set-top boxes, projection systems, and musical and medical devices.
Iomega's parallel port Zip(R) drives are available at major retail stores for an estimated retail price of $119.95 (U.S.) and Zip disks are available for an estimated retail price of $9.95 (U.S.) each when purchased in a 10-pack. WebSurfer Pro Internet TV set-top boxes are expected to be available in Q4 1998 in several North American retail stores for as low as $249 (U.S.) (including wireless keyboard).
With over 18 million Zip(R) drives shipped and 100 million Zip disks shipped, WebSurfer Pro set-top box customers will benefit from the ability to share their digital content. Iomega genuine 100MB Zip disks provide 70 times the capacity of traditional floppy disks, giving consumers virtually unlimited storage capacity, increased flexibility and a built-in back-up system for critical files. Iomega Zip drives and disks are available worldwide through retailers, OEMs, VARs, system integrators and distributors.
About WebSurfer Inc.
WebSurfer Inc. is privately held by the Batra Group of companies. The Batra Group is a conglomerate of several hi-tech companies, ranging from Internet technology development to PC manufacturing. WebSurfer Inc. is a leading technology company offering a total solution in the convergence industry. Its core competencies are focused on client-side and server-side software supported by the network infrastructure it has developed. As part of a total solution, WebSurfer Inc. offers end-to-end resources including hardware sourcing or licensing, client
and server side software licensing, connectivity through its alliances and options for channel distribution. WebSurfer expects to exhibit WebSurfer Pro "LIVE" at Comdex, Las Vegas, Nov. 16-20, 1998 in booth L4822. The company can be reached toll free at 1-888-527-8888 or via the Internet at websurfer.com.
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