Procom Expands DataFORCE Line of Network CD Appliances With New 6.4- to 50-GB Storage Models.

SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 9, 1999--Procom Technology Inc. (Nasdaq:PRCM) Tuesday announced new high-capacity extensions to its DataFORCE(tm) family of networked CD appliances, supporting from 6.4 GB up to 50 GB of CD-ROM storage.

The new DataFORCE models maintain the award-winning technology that has made Procom the world leader in CD-ROM networking solutions, with an installed base of more than 30,000 units.

"Tens of thousands of customers have validated the utility of Procom's DataFORCE architecture as the standard for CD-ROM networking applications, and we have now raised the capacity level with the delivery of the next-generation DataFORCE technology," said Page Tagizad, director of Product Management at Procom.

"The DataFORCE family follows this tradition of leadership with new capacity points and higher-speed data access, and the low cost standards already established by Procom with previous DataFORCE products."

The new DataFORCE series redefines simple plug-and-play installation via added DHCP and Auto-IPX features which allow these new appliances to self-configure in Novell networks and Windows NT networks. The addition of "Dynamic Caching" allows for flexibility in storing more CDs on the hard disk. For example, the 50 GB DataFORCE 275 can network 75 CDs with 640 MB or 125 CDs with 400 MB.

The DataFORCE series combine Procom Technology's renowned enterprise-strength hardware with revolutionary embedded software, producing a simple-to-install and easy-to-manage cross-platform CD-ROM solution.

DataFORCE is built on Procom Technology's award-winning CD FORCE(r) engine, which delivers the highest available CD-ROM networking performance and a full set of administrative tools that simplify CD-ROM data management. Together they make the DataFORCE product line the choice for the lowest TCO for CD-ROM networking.

Procom's embedded MESA (Managed Enterprise Storage Architecture) software allows DataFORCE to connect directly to the network cabling and provide access to client workstations without TSRs or proprietary software. Thus the users can take advantage of the native networking ability of their operating system.

Once the hardware is installed, DataFORCE can self-configure in NT or Novell environments via DHCP or Auto-IPX protocols. CD-ROMs are loaded into 5-disc CD-ROM changers and then cached onto the built-in hard disk storage for fast access.

DataFORCE incorporates CD-ROM dynamic caching technology, which accelerates CD-ROM access through fast-burst reads to provide a data transfer rate of hard disk data transfer rates 100 percent of the and the ability to organize CD-ROM titles intoed under a single drive letter or

individual CDs can be listed as subdirectories of a drive letter

Benefits

-- Networks 10-75 640 MB CDs or 16-125 400 MB CDs -- Allows access of CD data at hard disk speeds -- Easy and seam Windows 95-based workstations -- Administrators have full control of assigning security rights

for each CD and limiting the number of users that can access CDs -- Allows for accessing more CDs than available drive letters

Pricing and Availability

Now available in bo 6.4 $2,685 DF120-FE 20/34 13.5 $4,295 DF240-FE 40/67 27 $6,175 DF250-FE 50/82 33 $7,515 DF275-FE 75/125 50 $9,995

Token Ring: Number of Discs HD Space MSRP 

(640 MB/400 MB) (GB) (US dollars) DF110-TR 10/16

6.4 $3,225 DF120-TR 20/34 13.5

$4,835 DF240-TR 40/67 27 $6,715 DF250-TR 50/82 33 $8,055 DF275-TR 75/125 50 $10,595

Warranty

Procom backs its NetFORCE products with a three-year parts warranty and 90-days on-site service plus toll-free technical support. Additional on-site service and 24/7 telephone service are also available.

About Procom Technology

Procom Technology is a leading manufacturer and pioneer in the development of network attached storage (NAS) appliances. Its products today reflect a logical, carefully planned evolution that began in the mid-1980s when Procom became nationally prominent as one of the first companies to meet the demand for complete high-performance storage systems.

The company's leadership in NAS technology is exemplified today in its comprehensive line of storage appliances that provide fast, simple, reliable and cost-effective access to data stored on networks along with simultaneous shared file services for UNIX(see Note), Windows NT(see Note) and the World Wide Web.

The company's broad line of NAS solutions effectively meet both present and future storage requirements for constantly growing, data-dependent networks. Procom products are offered in more than 90 countries worldwide. They are covered by comprehensive warranty plans and backed by one of the industry's most respected technical support teams.

The company has headquarters at 1821 East Dyer Road, Santa Ana, Calif. 92705. Phone is 949/851-1000. Fax is 949/852-1221. E-mail: [e-mail]. Web site: http://www.procom.com.

Note: A trademark or trade name of an entity other than Procom.

Note to Editors: Procom DataFORCE products are available for editorial review by contacting JPR Communications at 818/386-0403, or via email at [e-mail].