Spectra Logic's 4000 supported by Avail Systems' HSM software.

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 1, 1995--Spectra Logic and Avail Systems Corporation, both of Boulder, have announced certified support of the Spectra 4000 Series tape libraries with Avail's NetSpace hierarchical storage management (HSM) software.

Together, the products provide complete automation of backup and archival storage for Novell networks.

The Spectra 4000 DDS-2 tape libraries are available with slots for 20, 40 or 60 cartridges. Each library can be configured with one to four tape drives. Using DDS-2 drives, the Spectra 4000/60 can store 600 Gigabytes of data at 2.5:1 compression (240 GB native), the 4000/40 has a capacity of 400 GB compressed / 160 GB uncompressed and the 4000/20 has a capacity of 200 GB compressed / 80 GB uncompressed.

The Avail compatibility program provides storage software and device manufacturers, system integrators and end users the simplest method to build and maintain storage management systems using standard, plug-and-play components. Storage vendors indicate the product is "Avail ABLE" on the packaging, product documentation, and work in cooperation with Avail to make special software drivers available with their offering.

Any Avail ABLE storage product can instantly add storage capacity to an existing NetSpace environment, or can be configured with other Avail certified software and devices to form a hierarchy manageable by NetSpace. Integrators and users are assured that storage equipment bearing the Avail compatibility logo will operate with all applications containing the NetSpace HSM engine.

Another key feature of the Spectra 4000 libraries is their ability to be field upgraded. Users can add tape drives to scale-up throughput and upgrade carousels to scale-up total capacity; barcode readers can be added; robotics/user-interface firmware can be uploaded from tape; and an EISA expansion slot is available for additional hardware functionality. When DDS-3 and DDS-4 drives become available, Spectra 4000 users can replace their drives to increase throughput and capacity.

U.S. list prices start at $9,175 for a 20 cartridge, single- drive unit without a barcode reader; a 60 cartridge, two-drive unit with barcode (typical for high capacity needs) is $25,275.

Spectra Logic has manufactured high-end data storage products since 1979. Now as a division of Boulder, Colorado-based Western Automation, Spectra Logic manufactures a variety of high performance data storage products for a broad range of platforms. For more information contact Spectra Logic, 1700 North 55th Street, Boulder, CO 80301 USA; telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; or E-mail: library("at" symbol)spectra.wali.com.

Avail Systems was the first company to develop hierarchical storage management software for Novell networks. Since the product's introduction in July, 1993, Avail's software has received many accolades, including Computer Technology Review's Reseller's Choice Award and industry honors for technical excellence and outstanding new storage product. Avail Systems Corporation, founded January, 1991, is a privately held company whose investors are Aweida Ventures, Euclid Partners, and Hambrecht & Quist.

CONTACT: Spectra Logic, Boulder

John Kranz, 800/833-1132 or 303/449-7759

or

Avail Systems Corp., Boulder

Risa Wight, 303/546-4222