Xyratex Announces Next-Generation High-Speed Media Test Automation Solution at Diskcon USA 2006.

SAN JOSE, Calif. & HAVANT, England -- Xyratex Ltd (Nasdaq:XRTX), a leading provider of enterprise class data storage subsystems and storage process technology, today announced the release of its X700 high-speed media test automation solution at Diskcon USA 2006. The company's presence at this event will be focused on the launch of the X700 next generation workcell and the demonstration of several other products within the Xyratex suite of solutions.

The new X700 system, based on many of Xyratex's proven test automation elements, offers substrate and media manufacturers the benefits of ultra-small footprint and 700 disks per hour output, in a fully self-contained, third-party certified class 10 enclosure.

In traditional approaches, clean room space is consumed with floor mounted robotic systems that load and unload disks onto spindles for the test process. The X700 saves expensive clean room space while maintaining disk output. By utilizing class 1 rated, six-axis robotic systems mounted from the tip of the environmental enclosure, Xyratex lowers costs without compromising industry cleanliness requirements.

The compact workcell accommodates multiple configurations of commercially available optical, burnish/glide and magnetic certifiers, with up to six spindles. The high-speed disk handling system supports 16 cassette nest locations in four independent racks, and uses windows-based cell software, which controls automation, testers, grading and product tracking, and is fully integrated with customers' factory information systems.

"Xyratex's new high-speed automated media test solution provides customers with significant improvements, not only in the compactness and output of the test process by using the unique robotic mounting, but also in the fast disk transfer rates," explained Graham Salisbury, senior vice president of media technology at Xyratex. "The newly designed high density test solution can also process 36 percent more disks in the same space compared to previous automated test solutions. This allows manufacturers to compete even more effectively in this important segment of the substrate and media market."

Through the introduction of its new high-density test architecture, Xyratex now offers the substrate and media manufacturing industry a fully automated and highly optimized platform for the cost-effective volume testing of disks, in any form factor.

Exhibiting at Diskcon USA 2006

At Diskcon USA 2006, Xyratex will showcase the X700 together with its wide range of disk drive and media production process equipment. Xyratex will be located at booth #321 at the Santa Clara Convention Center, September 13-14.

In addition to exhibiting at the show, Xyratex will participate in two conference sessions in association with other industry leaders. Adam Wray, executive vice president of Xyratex Storage Infrastructure will participate in an executive presentation: "Company Views of Our Early Years and Strategic Directions for the Future." Bryan Clark, senior director, Optical Products Group, will present in the session on HDD Technology and its Future: "A Novel Test Approach to Meet High-Volume Testing Requirements for Today and Tomorrow's Media."

Come and join us at Diskcon 2006 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Hard Disk Drive (HDD). For more information about Diskcon USA and to register visit www.idema.org.

Wednesday, September 13

10:30 am: Session 1: Executive Presentations: "Company Views of Our Early Years and Strategic Directions for the Future." Adam Wray, executive vice president, Xyratex

2:00 pm: Session 2: HDD Technology and Its Future: "A Novel Test Approach to Meet High-Volume Testing Requirements for Today and Tomorrow's Media." Bryan Clark, senior director, Optical Products Group, Xyratex

For more information about Xyratex please visit our website at www.xyratex.com or stop by Booth #321.

About Xyratex

Xyratex is a leading provider of enterprise data storage subsystems and storage process technology. The company designs and manufactures enabling technology that provides OEM and disk drive manufacturer customers with data storage products to support high-performance storage and data communication networks. Xyratex has over 20 years of experience in research and development relating to disk drives, storage systems and high-speed communication protocols.

Founded in 1994 in an MBO from IBM, and with headquarters in the UK, Xyratex has an established global base with R&D and operational facilities in Europe, the United States and South East Asia.