Alanco's Excel/Meridian Data Awarded Best Value for Mid-Range NAS from "Network Computing".

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 4, 2000

Excel Meridian Data Inc., an Alanco Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: ALAN ) company, received the Best Value Award for its NAS Drive Z product in the "Network Computing" magazine performance review of mid-range Network Attached Storage (NAS) servers.

Network Computing reviewed mid-range NAS servers priced from $49,995 to $5,205, commenting as follows:

-- "Offering more features than servers that cost three times as much, the
Excel NAS Z server gets our BEST VALUE award."

-- "The NAS Drive Z was the only server that remained trouble free throughout
our tests."

-- "Although it posed no threat to the NSS Thunderbolt ($49,995), the Excel NAS
($15,575) did produce respectable performance numbers. Like the NSS
Thunderbolt, the Excel NAS has a sweet spot -- between 10 and 50 users. For
medium to light applications, where user loads are unlikely to be as high or as
I/O-intensive as for a large workgroup or small departmental application, the
Excel NAS makes a good fit."

Network Computing tested NAS Servers from Network Storage Solutions ($49,995), Network Appliance ($32,900), Land-5 ($30,620), Procom ($29,995), Excel/Meridian Data ($15,575), and JES Hardware Solutions ($5,205).

The six NAS servers were tested in a Microsoft Windows NT environment, with client loads generated by 20 Windows NT workstations. The test included random file read-and-write operations, and file and directory creation.

Dick Vanek, President of Excel/Meridian Data, commented, "I am pleased that the results of this review confirm that we have met our goal to provide the "Best Value" combination of quality, price and performance for our mid-range NAS Drive Z."

Robert R. Kauffman, Alanco Chairman and chief executive officer, stated, "We are pleased this leading industry publication has recognized the outstanding value of Excel/Meridian's "NAS Z Drive" product offering. This mid-range segment of the NAS market represents a substantial opportunity for Excel/Meridian and is a major focus segment of Alanco's network storage business growth."

About Excel/ Meridian Data Inc.

Excel/Meridian Data Inc. (EMDI) is a leading provider of Network Attached Storage solutions with a broad line of both hard disc and CD/DVD NAS products. EMDI's experienced sales and technical service staff provides customers with solution-oriented pre and post sales support.

Alanco Technologies Inc., headquartered in Scottsdale, is a publicly owned company focused on the high-growth storage networking industry.

Alanco Technologies companies provide comprehensive Storage Area Network (SAN) solutions from SanOne; complementary Network Attached Storage (NAS) from Excel/Meridian Data; and storage upgrade solutions for legacy computer systems from Arraid. Alanco's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq stock market under the symbol ALAN.

This news release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the private securities litigation reform act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and the actual results may differ from management's expectations.