Cygnet Storage Solutions Announces Availability of Robotic CD Library; Infinidisc Library Designed as Platform for Integration, Modular Design Delivers Very Low Cost Storage in High-Reliability System.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 14, 1997--Cygnet Storage Solutions Inc. today announced the availability of the Infinidisc(TM) Robotic CD Library.

As a platform for integration by OEMs and resellers providing CD-based storage solutions, Infinidisc is designed to provide reliability and flexibility; offering a 500,000 MEBF (Mean Exchanges Before Failure) rating and complete field upgradeability, from 250 to 500 discs and from two to eight CD drives, depending on configuration.

Initially available in six configurations, Infinidisc provides an exceptionally low cost per Megabyte (MB) of storage. Based on suggested list pricing, Infinidisc storage costs range from as little as 4.2 cents/MB in a two drive and 500 disc unit, to 8.7 cents/MB in an eight drive, 250 disc unit. Additionally, the modular design of the system -- with all components in standard width rack mount packaging -- enables simple in-field upgrades and maintenance.

Cygnet also announced that three industry-leading vendors of CD-based Library software have already been qualified to support Infinidisc. Smart Storage Inc., OTG Software, a division of Optical Technology Group, Inc., and Celerity offer storage management software to OEMs and resellers configuring CD Library applications for a full range of network and workstation computer operating systems.

"Our goal is to quickly become the preferred supplier of CD-library systems in both OEM and reseller channels," said Mike Griswold, vice president of sales for Cygnet Storage Solutions, Inc. "This means building partnerships with leading software suppliers, delivering high-reliability, flexible products and offering value in the overall system cost. We are meeting all of these criteria with Infinidisc, providing a platform our customers can use to build successful, profitable businesses."

Designed for Growth

The Infinidisc Robotic CD Library is comprised of separate CD Drive modules, 250 disc capacity media modules, arm tower module, and a controller module. The media modules have a hinged front-door for bulk loading of discs and a front-access mailbox slot for single-disc loading and the system cabinet has a hinged front-panel for easy access.

The system's modular design allows easy upgrade to new CD Drives as they become available and are certified for use in the Infinidisc. During the first quarter of 1997, Cygnet expects that high spin rate (up to 16X) drives and CD-Recordable Drives will be certified for use in the system. An expanded height cabinet, enabling installation of additional disc or CD drive modules, will be released in the second half of 1997.

Availability, Pricing

Infinidisc is available now to OEMs, resellers and system integrators. Suggested list pricing starts at $9,995 for a two-drive and 250 disc configuration, to $14,895 for a four-drive, 500 disc unit. Installation and 90-day on-site service in most metropolitan areas are included in this pricing, and the system hardware is warranted for one year.

Cygnet Storage Solutions Inc. is a leading supplier of optical storage systems, including the Terabyte-capacity Cygnet Series 1800(TM) WORM and REWRITABLE libraries, Infinidisc(TM) CD-libraries, and Crossfire(TM) and Replicator(TM) CD-R duplication systems. The company's 12-in. optical storage library -- equipped with WORM drives from Philips LMS, Sony, or ATG, or REWRITABLE (magneto-optic) drives from Nikon -- has been installed by more imaging and enterprise-class storage end-users than any other large-format optical library.

Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., the company markets its products worldwide through a direct sales force and partnerships with leading imaging solutions providers in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

CONTACT: Cygnet Storage Solutions Inc., San Jose

Dennis Janes, 408/954-1800

or

FS Communications

Matthew Schmidt/Wendy Lewis, 415/691-1488