THIC Organization Celebrates 30th Anniversary; Non-Profit Organization Established to Address Tape Recording Technologies and Applications.

Business Editors

GREENBELT, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 2004

2004 marks the 30th anniversary since the establishment of the THIC (Tape Head Interface Committee) Forum in Washington D.C. through the co-operation of the Department of Defense and tape technology vendors and researchers. The incorporation of THIC grew out of a need to bring together users, researchers and vendors of advanced tape recording technologies to communicate new technology approaches and address industry-wide issues. Since its inception, THIC has focused on the open communication and interchange of ideas among attendees through the sponsorship of several two-day symposia each year.

"THIC grew out of a need in the industry to communicate new approaches to magnetic tape recording and solutions and, over the years, has helped the industry to grow and prosper," explained George Armes, founding chairman of THIC. "As an organization, THIC can mobilize broader resources to address specific issues more effectively and quickly than any single vendor, user or researcher could and keep the participants at the cutting edge of technology with R&D focused in the right direction."

"As a key user of advanced tape recording technologies, I view THIC as an indispensable tool for the open communication of new approaches to information storage and retrieval," states Alan Montgomery, current THIC chairman. "The opportunity to bring together user, vendor and research communities on a frequent basis, to discuss new ideas and developments in magnetic recording, is unique and differentiates THIC from other organizations. Although THIC does not directly sponsor research and development, it nonetheless influences its direction in a very effective and positive way."

Over the years, most of the tape recording technology industry has been represented at THIC either as a sponsor, associate sponsor or presenter. Although the industry has evolved considerably over the past 30 years, several of the early sponsors and participants are still involved today. Companies such as, Enertec, Fuji Photo Film and Sony are sustaining sponsors and continue to be closely involved in THIC as well as associate sponsors such as StorageTek, Imation and others.

"Sony is pleased to be a long-time supporter of THIC and has gained many benefits by being an integral part of this organization," explained Dr. Stephen Baker, vice president of storage solutions for Sony Electronics' Business Solutions Division. "Sony is a leader in high-performance tape recording technology for both drives and media and has found the opportunity to interact with the industry through THIC invaluable."

"THIC is an important forum for all members to discuss and develop key advances in coating and media innovation, recording products and storage categories," notes Jim Hegadorn, Director of Technical & Media Services, Recording Media Division, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. "After 70 years in the imaging and information business, Fujifilm is very happy to share this anniversary with THIC."

"As an associate sponsor, StorageTek(R) has also been closely involved in THIC and we value the contribution that our association with THIC has meant to StorageTek," said Robert Raymond, PhD, manager and Engineering consultant. "We have hosted THIC meetings in the past and used the opportunity afforded by the THIC forum to share our thoughts on the future directions for advanced tape recording systems technology with key users."

"Imation is a worldwide leader in removable magnetic storage media and strongly supports key organizations like THIC that are committed to the research and development of advanced magnetic recording technologies," said Ron Zinke, vice president, Imation's Data Storage Media business. "For more than 20 years, Imation has been a proud sponsor of THIC and has demonstrated its commitment and support to THIC through technology presentations and forum discussions, as well as membership on the Board of Directors."

THIC is looking forward to continuing the tradition of excellence achieved over the past 30 years and will hold its next symposium, focused on multiple storage technologies, in San Jose, Calif., March 9 and 10 at the Sony Electronics Inc. auditorium, 3300 Zanker Road. For more information about this meeting visit the THIC website meeting announcement at: http://www.thic.org/Announcement_0403.html or contact John Woelbern, Session Chairman, at [phone] ([e-mail]). A special recognition of THIC's 30th anniversary will be observed at the meeting.

Based in Greenbelt MD., THIC is a non-profit coporation dedicated to the open discussion of research, development and applications of advanced magnetic recording technology. For additional information about THIC, visit the THIC Web site at http://www.thic.org. Information regarding past and future meetings is available on this site.