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Technology Stocks : QUANTUM -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Daniel Liberty who wrote (7701)	4/2/1998 9:09:00 AM
From: still learning	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 9124

New generation of products plus new distribution announcement with SYNNEX may have both contributed to the spike. Then again, it could have simply rode the coattails of a good day on wall st.

To: Daniel Liberty who wrote (7701)	4/2/1998 9:14:00 AM
From: still learning	Respond to of 9124

See below. Time to volume is a key QNTM "selling point." The significance of this announcement is also that, with volume shipments, this helps move sales into higher margin new products and away from price-pressure-sensitive older drives. Monday March 30, 8:39 am Eastern Time Company Press Release Quantum is Early to Volume With 18.2GB, Ultra2 SCSI Hard Drive for High-End Storage Applications Now shipping in volume to distributors, new Quantum Atlas(tm) III drive delivers leading maturity and reliability for enterprise-class storage MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 1998-- Quantum Corporation (NMS:QNTM) today announced that the Quantum Atlas(tm) III -- the company's new enterprise-class, 18.2GB, multimode hard drive featuring support for both the high-speed Ultra2 SCSI Low Voltage Differential (LVD) interface and the Ultra SCSI interface -- is among the first such products to arrive in volume on the data storage market. Quantum has begun shipping the new 3.5-inch drive to the company's nationwide network of leading industrial distributors. It also has delivered evaluation units to OEMs, and has completed broad compatibility testing for the Quantum Atlas III with leading system platforms, operating systems, and host adapters. Quantum expects volume shipments to major system and server vendors to begin during this calendar year's second quarter. As a result of the Quantum drive's availability, organizations across a spectrum of industries no longer have to wait for a data storage solution that is precisely targeted for the capacity-hungry, bandwidth-constrained applications running on today's enterprise systems, high-performance servers and RAID subsystems. Among these applications are online transaction processing, RAID storage, digital video, data warehousing, Internet/intranet services, and the spectrum of business-critical systems installed on clustered NT, UNIX, and OS servers. Optimized for high-end computing The Quantum Atlas III provides an extensive features set that has been optimized for heavy workload, high-end computing. These features include a dual-microprocessor architecture with a large 1MB cache buffer, intelligent caching algorithms that minimize command overhead, and advanced multi-initiator capabilities that speed data access in multithread, multidrive storage environments. The new Quantum drive also delivers all the advantages of the new Ultra2 SCSI interface, including unprecedented Ultra SCSI bus transfer rates of up to 80 MB/second; extended cable lengths, improved drive connectivity, and enhanced signal quality; and backward compatibility with older SCSI drives. ''What we're delivering in volume ahead of most other vendors is a storage solution that combines superb bandwidth with superior reliability and cost-effectiveness for the growing number of business systems that process terabyte levels of data,'' said Brendan Collins, Atlas III program marketing manager for Quantum. Collins noted that the Quantum Atlas III leverages the field-proven design and manufacturing process of the new drive's popular predecessor, the Quantum Atlas II, to provide high data availability. ''At the same time, our ability to double Atlas capacities to more than 18GB means users can cut by half the number of drives they need for data-intensive applications. And of course, our use of the multimode Ultra2 SCSI/Ultra SCSI interface generates additional cost savings by providing blazing data delivery without requiring users to switch to an alternate interface technology. It all adds up to the ideal storage solution for enterprise-class computing, and it's available through the distribution channel now.'' According to Josh Napua, senior vice president, computer products, for distributor Wyle Electronics of Irvine, Calif., the Quantum Atlas III is an excellent choice for OEMs that want to provide their customers with high-capacity, high performance, yet affordable data storage. ''Quantum's implementation of the Ultra2 SCSI interface meets the need for increased drive connectivity and high I/O throughput for many enterprise applications, but without breaking IT budgets,'' Napua said. ''We consider the Quantum Atlas III a valuable addition to our storage product portfolio.'' About the Quantum Atlas III The Quantum Atlas III features leading capacities of 18.2GB and 9.1GB to address the storage requirements of a range of enterprise and departmental computing environments. Its industry-leading performance includes an average seek time of 7.8 ms, a rotational speed of 7200 RPM, and an internal data transfer rate of 180 Mb/second. The new drive's multimode, Ultra2 SCSI/Ultra SCSI capabilities let users take advantage of new Ultra2 SCSI external transfer rates while maintaining backward compatibility with earlier Quantum drives, so they can continue utilizing their current investments in SCSI storage. In addition, the Quantum Atlas III supports Level 4 hot pluggability -- a key requirement for obtaining high data availability from RAID subsystems -- in both single-ended SCSI and Ultra2 SCSI LVD modes. Quantum provides these multimode capabilities without charging its customers a price premium for the Quantum Atlas III. The new Quantum drive also meets the high-end storage market's critical need for round-the-clock, 7x24 data availability through its use of a fourth-generation PRML digital read channel and advanced Error Correction Code (ECC) on-the-fly technology. The Quantum Atlas III's high reliability derives as well from the fully-automated manufacturing capabilities of Quantum partner Matsushita-Kotobuki Electronics, Ltd. (MKE) of Japan, which deliver process consistency across Quantum Atlas series drives. Suggested retail prices for the Quantum Atlas III are $1,620 and $1,020 for the 18GB and 9.1GB models, respectively. About Quantum Founded in 1980, Quantum Corporation (www.quantum.com) has developed leadership positions in both fixed and removable storage products. One of the highest volume global suppliers of hard disk drives and the leader in the mid-range tape market, Quantum is widely recognized as a quality leader in the industry. The company sells a broad range of storage products to OEM and distribution customers worldwide. Quantum's sales for the fiscal year ending March 1997 were $5.3 billion. Contact: UpStart Communications Julie Criscenti-Heck Public Relations 510/420-7975 jheck@upstart.com

To: Daniel Liberty who wrote (7701)	4/2/1998 9:15:00 AM
From: still learning	Respond to of 9124

Same deal here -- except this helps improve QNTM's workstation biz situation. Monday March 30, 9:09 am Eastern Time Company Press Release Quantum Viking II Ranks Among First Widely Available Ultra2 SCSI LVD Hard Drives Fast-growing PC server and workstation markets now can leverage current technologies to obtain needed throughput for data-intensive applications MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 1998-- Quantum Corporation (NMS:QNTM) today announced that the Quantum Viking(tm) II high-capacity hard drive -- one of the industry's first 9.1GB and 4.5GB drives to feature the high-bandwidth Ultra2 SCSI Low Voltage Differential (LVD) interface -- is also one of the first such products to move in volume through the distribution channel. Widespread availability of the Quantum Viking II means today's legions of LAN server and workstation users can obtain the I/O throughput they need for increasingly data-intensive applications without having to switch to a more expensive, alternative interface technology. Quantum has begun shipping the new hard drive to its worldwide network of leading industrial distributors, including Arrow, Bell Micro, Marshall Industries, and Wyle. The company also has delivered evaluation units to OEMs. Quantum expects to begin volume shipments to major server and workstation OEMs within the second quarter of the calendar year. The Quantum Viking II has successfully undergone broad compatibility testing with host-adapter products from leading vendors, including Adaptec, ATTO Technology, Diamond Multimedia, and Symbios Logic. ''Quantum continues to be a leader in bringing new drive interface technologies to market,'' said Drew Hoffman, corporate vice president and general manager of Adaptec's SCSI Solutions Group. ''Quantum Viking II is an excellent solution for delivering both the increased connectivity and higher bandwidth capabilities of Ultra2 SCSI.'' 'The right product for the right market at the right time' The Quantum Viking II is specifically designed to meet the high performance, high reliability, yet low-cost storage requirements of applications running on LAN servers and personal workstations -- today's fastest-growing storage segments. Unit shipments of high-performance hard drives for LAN servers alone are expanding 27 percent annually and will reach nearly 6.5 million units in 1998, according to market research firm International Data Corporation. Applications driving this growth include digital video, Internet and intranet services, workgroup computing, and RAID storage. The Quantum Viking II economically addresses the increasing throughput demands of these applications via Quantum's implementation of the new Ultra2 SCSI interface. Representing the latest advancement in parallel SCSI technology, Ultra2 SCSI brings immediate improvements to system I/O performance by doubling the drive's external data transfer rate to an unprecedented 80 megabytes (MB)/second. Unlike serial SCSI interfaces, it also enables users to leverage their existing parallel SCSI infrastructures while obtaining the bandwidth they need. ''Our ability to quickly supply distributors with an Ultra2 SCSI drive demonstrates Quantum's leadership not only in storage technology, but also in bringing the right product to the right market at the right time,'' said Skip Shapiro, product line manager for the Quantum Viking II. Shapiro noted that organizations across a broad spectrum of industries are running mission-critical applications on LAN servers utilizing Intel/Microsoft and UNIX platforms, and the possibility of I/O constraints on system performance is something they cannot tolerate. ''Yet many of these companies also cannot afford the risk of switching to an expensive new drive interface to avoid such bottlenecks, or having to throw out their current storage investments,'' he said. ''With the Quantum Viking II drive, organizations don't have to make such tradeoffs -- and they no longer have to wait for a precisely targeted solution.'' According to an article published in the January 19, 1998, issue of Computer Reseller News, the Viking II is the best buy for storage capacity per dollar among 9.1GB drives. ''It offers more than 10 Mbytes per dollar,'' the article stated. Quantum's distribution customers also emphasize the drive's cost-effectiveness, as well as its other benefits. ''The Quantum Viking II will help us better serve our OEM customers by enabling them to keep pace with changing drive requirements while meeting end users' real cost-of-ownership needs,'' said Steve Woo, vice president, computer products, for nationwide distributor Marshall Industries. ''Combined with the quality and reliability for which Quantum drives are renowned, that makes the Quantum Viking II a valuable offering for Marshall Industries.'' About the Quantum Viking II The Quantum Viking II has been optimized to address the range of its target market's capacity and price/performance needs. The new hard drive features leading capacities of 9.1GB and 4.5GB in a 1-inch-high, 3.5-inch disk form factor suited to the low-profile storage requirements of LAN servers and desktop workstations. The Quantum Viking II is available in dual mode, Ultra2 SCSI/Ultra SCSI models that enable users to take advantage of the new SCSI bus transfer rate while maintaining compatibility with earlier Quantum drives. Its industry-leading performance also derives from an average seek time of 7.5 ms, a rotational speed of 7200 RPM, and a fast internal data transfer rate of 170 megabits (Mb)/second. The Quantum Viking II combines these capabilities with an economical, single microprocessor-based design, resulting in a high-end drive precisely suited to PC server and workstation users' cost requirements The new Quantum drive also meets the critical need for high data availability and integrity through its advanced technology design, triple-burst Error Correction Code (ECC) on-the-fly technology, and Smart Revision 2 support. Suggested retail prices for the 9.1GB and 4.5GB Quantum Viking II drives are $895 and $595, respectively. About Quantum Founded in 1980, Quantum Corporation (www.quantum.com) has developed leadership positions in both fixed and removable storage products. One of the highest volume global suppliers of hard disk drives and the leader in the mid-range tape market, Quantum is widely recognized as a quality leader in the industry. The company sells a broad range of storage products to OEM and distribution customers worldwide. Quantum's sales for the fiscal year ending March 1997 were $5.3 billion. Contact: UpStart Communications Public Relations Julie Criscenti-Heck 510/420-7975 jheck@upstart.com

To: Daniel Liberty who wrote (7701)	4/2/1998 9:20:00 AM
From: still learning	Respond to of 9124

Significance of this deal is it adds another source to help clear inventories, plus reduces reliance on top-tier OEM sales, which some think may be slowing right now. Also, QNTM has long wanted to improve its standing with distributors and balance its very strong OEM relationships with channel partners. The advantage of channel partners is they are much more flexible than OEMS about taking product so they help improve inventory management on an ongoing basis (even though they can be a double-edged sword -- and beat you up on margins in a glutted market). Wednesday April 1, 9:01 am Eastern Time Company Press Release Quantum and SYNNEX Sign Distribution Agreement SYNNEX's storage distribution expertise, comprehensive services and diverse market segments expected to expand Quantum's customer base FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 1, 1998-- SYNNEX Information Technologies, Inc., a leading distributor of computer products and peripherals, announced today that it has extended its business relationship with Quantum Corporation [Nasdaq:QNTM - news], one of the world's largest manufacturers of hard disk drives. The company began integrating Quantum hard drives into PCs through its contract manufacturing business, and is now distributing Quantum's desktop hard disk drive product line. Quantum's hard drive product lines target two of the largest and fastest-growing computer markets: entry-level to high-end desktop PCs; and workstations, servers, disk arrays and minicomputers. As an authorized distributor of Quantum's desktop PC storage products, SYNNEX is now distributing Quantum 5.25'' drives at 4 - 12GB capacities for consumer PCs, and 3.5'' drives at 2 - 8.4GB capacities for entry-level, mid-range and high-end PCs. ''SYNNEX is well known within the industry as a leader in hard disk drive distribution,'' said Marc Tanguay, director, North American distribution sales, Quantum Corporation. ''SYNNEX's strong storage distribution track record, coupled with its integration expertise and diverse reseller base of VARs, aggregators and ComputerLand franchisees make it an excellent distribution partner as we seek to expand our reseller customer base.'' ''Quantum's reliable hard disk drives are an excellent fit with SYNNEX's storage distribution expertise and varied customer base,'' said Jerry Lumpkin, vice president of marketing, SYNNEX. ''SYNNEX is the only distribution company offering distribution, aggregation, franchise and manufacturing logistic services to resellers. Those services, and SYNNEX's entry into the channel assembly arena, uniquely qualify SYNNEX as a distributor who will grow Quantum's reseller base.'' Company Information Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Fremont, CA, SYNNEX Information Technologies, Inc., is a major international distributor of computer products and peripherals. In 1997, SYNNEX expanded its operations to include ComputerLand Corporation (www.computerland.com), a wholly owned franchise and aggregation subsidiary. SYNNEX (www.synnex.com) has U.S. distribution sales offices located in Fremont, CA and Greenville, SC. International distribution offices are located in Japan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Sales revenue for fiscal year 1998 is expected to exceed $2.5 billion. Founded in 1980, Quantum Corporation (www.quantum.com) has developed leadership positions in both fixed and removable storage products. One of the highest volume global suppliers of hard disk drives and the leader in the mid-range tape market, Quantum is widely recognized as a quality leader in the industry. The company sells a broad range of storage products to OEM and distribution customers worldwide. Quantum's sales for the fiscal year ending March 1997 were $5.3 billion. -0- Note to Editors: SYNNEX is a registered trademark of SYNNEX Information Technologies, Inc. ComputerLand is a registered trademark of ComputerLand Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of SYNNEX. Other brand and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders. Contact: SYNNEX Information Technologies, Inc. Heather Kellogg 510/440-3530 eMail: heatherk@synnex.com