New I-O Data IDE-SCSI Converter Brings SCSI Interface into New Territory.

LOS GATOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 5, 1999--

New I-O Data IDE-SCSI Converter Enables IDE Peripherals in

SCSI Environments, Saving System Integrators Time and Money

I-O Data Device, Inc., a world leader in computer peripherals and interface design, announced today the IDSC family of IDE to SCSI conversion products for system integrators and device manufacturers. Based on I-O Data's unique one-chip solution, IDE to SCSI conversion allows most IDE interface peripherals to be used in a SCSI environment with little or no decrease in performance.

"I-O Data's IDSC IDE to SCSI conversion modules are a `must' for the many system integrators and VARs who need the flexibility and performance inherent in SCSI, but are disenchanted by the expense and allocation problems associated with the shrinking SCSI market," said Craig Prater, Strategic Projects and Marketing Manager. "The cost savings and design flexibility that these devices offer systems integrators creates a significant competitive advantage over companies using native SCSI devices."

The IDSC family of IDE to SCSI adapters was born when I-O Data's storage R&D section wanted to integrate an IDE-only device into an external SCSI peripheral system for I-O Data's retail business, and decided to create their own solution. Years later, I-O Data's IDE to SCSI conversion technology has evolved into a strong line of OEM products.

The converter is a simple, board-level device with a small enough profile to fit conveniently onto almost any peripheral product. It is compatible with SCSI-2, SCSI-3, and ATA-3 standards. "Made only by I-O Data, this unique product is a prime example of I-O Data's expertise in interface designs," added Craig Prater. "Our customers now have the option of using traditionally ATAPI devices in a SCSI environment. This device essentially breaks down current interface barriers giving device manufactures and system integrators alike an entirely new, not to mention cost-effective, development option."

The different form factors and flashable firmware of IDSC modules optimize integration with most popular types of storage devices. Since the IDE to SCSI data format changes occur on the fly, there is less than 0.2 - 0.4% data transfer degradation on average for ATAPI devices. Applications include mass storage devices, CD towers and jukeboxes, RAID arrays, peripherals, servers and workstations. I-O Data offers various versions of the IDE to SCSI converter to OEMs, systems integrators, and VARs.

I-O Data's IDE-SCSI conversion modules are available now for under $50 in volume pricing. For more information regarding the IDE-SCSI converter, please contact I-O Data Device at: 1-800-733-3374, or visit the I-O Data website at: www.iodata.com.

Established in 1976, I-O Data Device, Inc., is a worldwide manufacturer of computer peripherals and interface products. I-O Data's U.S. Operations, located in California's Silicon Valley, is the international OEM sales and support arm of Japan-based I-O Data Device, a publicly traded technology company with subsidiaries in Taiwan and Singapore. I-O Data's wide range of products includes memory, storage, interface, graphics and video, LCD, sound, network and data-com, MP3, software, and many others.