ADIC INTRODUCES NEW LINE OF AIT TAPE LIBRARIES.

Advanced Digital Information Corporation (Nasdaq:ADIC) has introduced a new family of automated tape libraries -- the Scalar AIT series -- based on Sony's AIT tape technology and designed to provide high performance, scalable data storage for a wide range of client-server environments. With the addition of the new products, ADIC now offers the industry's broadest AIT product lineup, ranging from single-drive subsystems up to data center-class large library systems with more than 1000 terabytes of storage capacity. There are three Scalar AIT libraries in the new series: the 220, 480 and 1000. All can use both the new 70GB capacity AIT media as well as the original 50GB AIT tape, and all are designed to be field upgradable to support the new AIT 2 drives and media when they are introduced in early 1999. Library capacity of the series ranges from 1.4 TB for the Scalar 220 up to more than 80 TB for the Scalar 1000. With throughput of 21.6 GB/hour per drive and average file access time of only 37 seconds, AIT technology has widely been looked to as a high-performance, low-cost alternative to optical storage systems for archive data that needs to be accessed regularly. "We believe that it is critical for ADIC to supply our customers with access to the best available technology to support their varied data storage requirements," commented Bill Britts, ADIC executive vice president of sales and marketing. "With its favorable price-performance position and rapid file recovery time, AIT use is growing both for backup and for more specialized data access applications. And we're proud that the industry is recognizing the strength that comes from the combination of AIT technology with ADIC's library expertise and strong support -- the Scalar 1000 AIT library was recently recognized by Unix Review's Performance Computing as the outstanding tape library for 1998." "With high growth in both the amount of network data and the number of ways that people want to use it, buyers are well served by having a choice of multiple tape technologies for their library-level storage," noted Ray Freeman of Freeman Associates. "AIT's high capacity and rapid file access make it well suited to archiving and nearline storage applications, in addition to being a strong technology for backup. This announcement rounds out ADIC's product offering, providing valuable new choices." "The Scalar AIT library series is a perfect hardware platform for ADIC's AMASS data management software," explained Robert Clark, ADIC vice president of marketing. AMASS software allows automated libraries to be used as fast-access storage resources that can be shared among many network clients. "By making information easily accessible, the AMASS-Scalar combination can unlock potent business advantages for users who want a cost-effective way to leverage the value in the data they already have." Scalar 220 and 480 The Scalar 220 and 480 are significant new additions to the Scalar series, delivering the file access speed and capacity of AIT technology in designs that match well with network server storage requirements. The Scalar 220 provides up to 2 drives and 20 cartridges for a capacity of 1.4 TB; the Scalar 480 offers up to 4 drives and 80 cartridges for a capacity of up to 5.6 TB (all capacities assume normal 2:1 compression and the new 35/70GB capacity media). Both models use interchangeable 10-cartridge magazines that also serve as stacking media storage units. The 480 features a keypad-secured import/export mail slot for secure media exchange. For maximum performance and system flexibility, the drives can easily be configured to attach to multiple SCSI busses. Both the 220 and 480 are available in tower models, but are also compact enough to be mounted in the 19-inch rack systems widely used for PC servers systems. The Scalar 220 mounts in only 5 rack units; the 480 in only 12. Barcode reader and SCSI adapter card are standard, as is one year of on-site service. The Scalar 1000 The Scalar 1000 AIT library offers a flexible and cost-effective growth path from 2 to 48 AIT drives and from 237 to 1182 tape cartridges. When configured for maximum storage capacity, it offers over 80 terabytes of storage capacity (assuming normal 2:1 data compression). The Scalar 1000 scales by expanding the size of its modular cabinet and by extending its robotics along one axis -- it does not use "pass-thru" ports. This modular expansion means that as the library grows, it continues to operate as one integrated unit with one robotic system. The resulting performance, reliability, and cost benefits make the Scalar 1000 especially well suited for imaging, archive, and file migration systems where high capacity and quick information recall are required. All Scalar 1000 AIT libraries feature a 18-position import/export mailbox, barcode reader, and a full year of on-site service. The Scalar 1000 offers support both for TCP/IP network backup and the new, high-bandwidth Fibre Channel Storage Area Networks. The Scalar 1000 also supports other tape technologies; models are available for DLT, 3590, and NCTP drives and media. All of the Scalar AIT products are compatible with the leading backup software applications for UNIX, NetWare and Windows NT systems, including those from Computer Associates, Legato, Seagate Software and Veritas. Scalar AIT libraries are available immediately, with suggested list price beginning at $14,400. About ADIC Headquartered in Redmond, Wash., Advanced Digital Information Corporation (ADIC) has been providing data storage solutions since its founding in 1983. With an installed base of nearly 35,000 libraries and the broadest product line in the industry, ADIC is a drive-independent supplier of automated tape libraries used to store and protect information in computer networks. Marketed under ADIC and EMASS brands and the brands of OEM partners, including Dell and Unisys, these storage devices are available with DLT, D2, half-inch, AIT, 4mm and 8mm tape technologies, and are supported by leading backup and storage management software products for Windows NT, UNIX, and MVS operating systems. The company's own storage management tools include AMASS direct data access software which provides network users shared access to information stored in automated libraries. A pioneer in the development of products for Storage Area Networks, ADIC markets Fibre Channel routers for use in Storage Area Networks and tape libraries with direct Fibre Channel connectivity. Product information is available via the Internet at http://www.emass.com and http://www.adic.com For more information, call 425/895-3435.