Plasmon's New C-Series of CD-ROM, CD-R and PD/CD Libraries; Nine new CD format libraries with capacities of 120, 240 and 480 disks and price points starting at $9995

Business Wire, Nov 18, 1996

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 18, 1996--Plasmon Data Inc., manufacturer of a wide range of optical storage solutions and one of the two leading suppliers of MO jukeboxes worldwide, today debuted nine products in the all-new C-Series of CD-ROM, CD-Recordable and PD/CD Libraries.

Designed and built by Plasmon in the USA, the C-Series offers the broadest range of CD libraries in the market for sharing CD-ROM and PD-based data among multiple users on a network. These new libraries are being shown for the first time in the Plasmon Booth at Comdex Fall '96.

Broad Range

The C-Series libraries are available in three sizes, having capacities of 120, 240 and 480 disks. Each size of library is available in three different product configurations, with drive combinations optimized for different applications. C-Series libraries incorporating 8X CD-ROM drives are ideal for users requiring an on-line CD-ROM library; a combination of both CD-R and CD-ROM drives addresses the need for on-line data archiving; and C-Series libraries having rewritable PD/CD drives are suited to HSM and temporary network storage applications.

Fast and Built to Last

Fast access to data is a primary concern in networked environments. The C-Series boasts a fast 3 second disk exchange, achieved using a tray transport and a double picker mechanism for fast data delivery. Incorporating many of the robust features that typify Plasmon's highly-regarded M-Series of MO jukeboxes, the C-Series offers high reliability and increased data integrity. With a MSBF of better than one million swaps and the ability to replace drives while a library remains on-line, the C-Series guarantees high availability of data. With few moving parts beyond the rugged robotics, the C-Series libraries are maintenance-free.

Built for Ease of Use

C-Series libraries use disk packs containing ten CDs and this means that off-line disk exporting and importing is a fast and easy operation. Disks can also be conveniently added and removed individually when the library is on-line by using the single disk import/export slot which is built into the front of the unit.

CD-ROM Libraries

Plasmon's C-Series CD-ROM libraries are available in 120, 240, and 480 slot configurations. Four or six 8X CD-ROM drives are incorporated, with prices as follows:

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PART NO.:       C120-40           C240-60           C480-60
---------       -------           -------           -------
SLOTS:          120-Slot          240-Slot          480-Slot
DRIVES:         4 CD-ROM drives   6 CD-ROM drives   6 CD-ROM drives
PRICE:          $9995             $14,995           TBA

CD-Recordable Libraries

Plasmon's C-Series CD-R Libraries add CD writing capabilities, making these units ideal for on-line backup and archiving of data. CD-R Libraries are available in 120, 240 and 480 slot configurations. The libraries employ two 2X/4X CD-Recorders, combined with two or four 8X CD-ROM drives. Prices are as follows:

PART NO.:          C120-22           C240-42          C480-42
---------          -------           -------          -------
SLOTS:             120-Slot          240-Slot         480-Slot
DRIVES:            2 CD-ROM drives   4 CD-ROM drives  4 CD-ROM drives
CD-Rs:             2 CD-R drives     2 CD-R drives    2 CD-R drives
PRICE:             $11,600           $16,600          TBA

PD/CD Libraries

Plasmon's C-Series PD Libraries are designed for environments needing rewritable storage that is easier to access than tape or magnetic cartridge. Since the PD/CD drives function as 6X CD-ROM drives as well as rewritable storage devices, the C-Series PD Libraries are ideal for accessing CDs and for performing incremental data backups on-line. The PD/CD Libraries are available in 120, 240, and 480 slot configurations. Drive options include four or six dual function 6X PD/CD drives. Prices are as follows:

PART NO.           C120-P4           C240-P6          C480-P6
--------           -------           -------          -------
SLOTS:             120-Slot          240-Slot         480-Slot
DRIVES:            4 PD/CD drives    6 PD/CD drives   6 PD/CD drives
PRICE:             $11,995           $17,950          TBA

Right Product at Right Time

"This new range of libraries has been designed by the same team which developed Plasmon's very successful M-Series of 5.25 inch jukeboxes. The C-Series uses proven design approaches, plus some new patented features to combine high reliability, high performance and cost competitiveness," said Phil Storey, President of Plasmon Data Inc. "We believe that we have our timing right, as the market for networkable CD-ROM/CD-R Libraries is poised for tremendous growth in the coming year, and Plasmon is well positioned to be a key player."

The C-Series starts shipping in February 1997.

About PLASMON

Plasmon Data Inc., is a 100% owned subsidiary of Plasmon Plc., worldwide manufacturer of optical jukeboxes, optical drives and disks. Founded in 1982, Plasmon offers a wide range of optical storage solutions, ranging from affordable CD-Recorders to 670GB 5.25" optical disk jukeboxes. Plasmon Data Inc. serves North America, South and Central America, and Asia/Pacific from offices located in Minneapolis, MN and Rockville, MD. The company is headquartered at 9625 West 76th Street, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, and can be reached by phone at 800/451-6845 or 612/946-4100, and by fax at 612/946-4141. The Company's Web site address is: http://www.plasmon.com