CMS ANNOUNCES HARDWARE, SOFTWARE AND OS UPDATES TO PORTABLE DATA STORAGE AND RECOVERY SOLUTIONS.

With the recent launch of the new 4.1 software update, CMS Peripherals announces several new software, hardware and OS updates to improve their line of PCMCIA Automatic Backup System Plus (ABSplus) for notebook computers.

Enhancements include the addition of XP support, a backup scheduler, the ability to run user-defined backup sets, as well as the launch of the company's first ever, ready-to-use line of swap bay drives.

The 4.1 software update not only provides ABSplus and Desktop ABS users with support for Microsoft's latest XP release, but with the update, users can now perform backup sets of specific file folders at specific times, or even schedule unattended backups using the ABS' easy-to-follow advanced configuration options.

With the addition of the new software, CMS' line of Desktop ABS solutions now provides USB 2.0 support. Considerably faster than first generation USB 1.1 (with only 12 Mbits/sec. data transfer rates) and even FireWire (400 Mbits/sec.), USB 2.0 provides up to 480 Mbits/sec. data transfer rates ensuring Desktop ABS users increased functionality and bandwidth in capacities ranging from 20GB to 100GB.

The 4.1 software update has also enabled CMS to launch a new line of removable notebook hard drives designed to provide additional storage capacity to systems supporting the Ultra Bay for IBM, the Select Bay for Toshiba, or the Multi Bay for Compaq.

Unlike other swap-bay drives that must be configured and have drivers added before they are useable, CMS' 4.1 software makes their line of swap drives ready to use straight from the box. CMS' entire notebook hard drive and swap drive line are thoroughly tested to meet or exceed the exacting standards of the notebook manufacturers.

"With the launch of this new software, we are able to provide users with unprecedented levels of protection," said Ken Burke, president of CMS Peripherals. "No other technology in the world can offer this level of protection combined with the ease-of-use and speed of operation offered by the ABSplus."

The first self-contained, pocket-sized backup solution, ABSplus requires no additional cables, power source, docking station, software or media. The PCMCIA card simply flips out from the underside of the ABSplus and plugs directly into the notebook.

The ABSplus prevents user downtime due to notebook failure with instant Disaster Recovery (DR) software and a bootable, removable hard drive enabling users to replace their failed notebook drive instantly, with the drive inside the ABS.

Both ABSplus and Desktop ABS users can recover lost data using Windows Explorer to drag and drop files, or CMS' Backup and Compare to restore missing files. The ABSplus includes a Rescue Disk.

First shipments of the PCMCIA ABSplus, Desktop ABS and new line of CMS swap drives containing the new 4.1 software upgrade officially begin October 2001. Compatible with Windows 95B/98/NT/Me/2000 and XP, the PCMCIA ABSplus with instant disaster recovery is now shipping with a three-year warranty in capacities of 6GB, 10GB, 20GB, 30GB, 40GB and 48GB. Pricing starts at $329.

The Desktop ABS is available now in capacities of 20GB, 40GB, 60GB, 80GB and 100GB capacities with a three-year warranty. MSRPs range from $399 for the 20GB solution, to $1,099 for the 100GB. CMS swap bay drives are available for systems supporting the Ultra Bay for IBM, the Select Bay for Toshiba, or the Multi Bay for Compaq in capacities ranging from 6GB to 40GB. Pricing starts at $399.