Conner's new NetWare backup system offers low cost, high performance.

COSTA MESA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 6, 1995--Conner Tape Products Group, a unit of Conner Peripherals Inc. (NYSE:CNR), today added a SCSI-2 minicartridge tape backup system to its MS family of tape backup systems packaged for Netware applications. The MS 4000 data protection system, designed for small to mid-size servers, includes sophisticated Conner Backup Exec for NetWare software.

"Conner's MS 4000 provides NetWare users with DAT capacity and performance at a much lower price," said Robert Morris, vice president of tape marketing. "The drive's 54MB per minute data transfer rate and 4GB compressed capacity make the MS 4000 a cost-effective solution for backing up data in the 1 GB to 4 GB range. This total storage solution addresses a need not met by any other NetWare product."

Conner's MaynStream (MS) Storage Systems are specifically designed for sophisticated network and high performance workstations. The newest addition to the MS series is based on Conner's SCSI-2 minicartridge tape drive (CTM3200). The drive is one of Conner's complete family of one-inch high DC2000 tape drives featuring high-performance, high reliability and quiet operation.

"Today's storage-intensive network applications and large multimedia files have driven the need for high-performance storage solutions," said Morris. "The new MS 4000 provides a comprehensive backup system specifically designed for the NetWare environment. And as the need for reliable storage evolves, Conner will continue to develop cost-effective solutions for new markets."

The MS 4000 data protection systems feature IntelliTrak high-speed tracking technology developed by Conner and brings the performance characteristics typically associated with DAT products to the minicartridge platform. IntelliTrak technology relies on an intelligent head to tape interface for extremely precise tracking, providing reliable operation at high speeds.

Key features of Conner's MS 4000 Minicartridge

-- "Precision Burst" for Reliable Operation: Conner developed a proprietary intelligent head positioning process, called "precision burst," for precise tracking at high densities. During precision burst preformatting, servo reference bursts are placed at the beginning and the end of the tape. These bursts are used by the tape drive to accurately position the thin-film MR (magneto-resistive) head.

-- Extensive Capacity -- up to 4 GB: The new tape drive supports 400-foot 900 Oe media, preformatted using the precision burst process. QIC-Wide media and software compression is used to attain up to 4 GB of storage capacity. See chart for media type and capacity. -0-

Media (900 Oe, 400-feet) Native Capacity Compressed (typical) QIC-Wide

2 GB 4 GB Quarter inch 1.6 GB

3.2 GB -0-

-- Level-Six ECC for Data Integrity: An interleaved level-six RS-ECC (Reed-Solomon Error Correction Code) is used to achieve a hard error rate of less than 10 to the -15. This comprehensive process is superior to the level-three ECC typically found in competitive products and eliminates the need for costly RAW (read after write) components.

-- FastSense for Optimal Performance: FastSense, a unique Conner feature, allows the tape drive to sense automatically the host system's fastest available data transfer rate and then logically select from three discrete transfer rates: 450 KB, 300 KB or 200 KB/sec. This process maximizes system throughput by eliminating tape repositioning, typical when tape drives operate faster than host computers.

-- Backup Exec for Netware: The software included in the MS 4000 data protection system, Conner Backup Exec for Netware, is a full-featured solution that contains powerful tools to protect data on stand-alone systems and servers in the Novell NetWare environment.

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The MS 4000 data protection system includes a Conner tape drive, Backup Exec for NetWare software, SCSI data cables and power cord (external model), user's guide and installation manual. The internal model is packaged with mounting hardware for either 5.25- inch or 3.5-inch drive bays. Both internal and external models include a Sony QIC-Wide 3080 tape.

In addition, the external model features an integrated universal power supply that enables products to be used anywhere in the world, regardless of international power requirements. An auto-ranging capability allows it to automatically adjust to either 120 or 220 VAC and from 50 Hz or 60 Hz. By integrating the power supply, Conner eliminates the need for a wall adapter.

Pricing and Availability

The MS 4000 data protection system is now available through Conner's authorized distributors. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is $795 for the internal drive and $895 for the external model.

Based in Costa Mesa, Calif., the Conner Tape Products Group, formerly Archive Corp., offers a complete line of digital audio tape (DAT), minicartridge and data cartridge products for DOS, OS/2, Windows, UNIX and NetWare systems, plus DEC, IBM, Apple, Sun and other platforms. The group sells through the Conner worldwide sales force to qualified OEMs, system integrators, distributors, resellers, retailers and mass merchandisers.

Founded in 1986, Conner sells, designs and builds a comprehensive line of information storage solutions, including disk drives, tape drives, storage management software and storage systems products, for a wide range of computer applications.

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Note to Editors: All products mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

CONTACT: Conner Tape Products

Leilani Smith, 714/641-2435

Miller Communications

Tim Westermeyer/Leslie Furuta, 310/822-4669