EMC Acquires Rich Media Software Company; Avalon, Broadcast Industry Software Star, Helps EMC Manage Rich Media `Big Bang'

Business Wire, August 16, 2000

Business/Technology Editors

HOPKINTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 16, 2000

Advancing its place as a key enabler of the content revolution, EMC Corporation, the world leader in information storage, today announced the acquisition of Avalon Consulting Group. The premier supplier of rich media management software for the television broadcast industry, Denver, Colorado-based Avalon will operate as a unit of EMC's Media Solutions Group.

The deal brings EMC a pioneer in open systems information management solutions. Avalon's unique archive management software is used extensively by dozens of broadcast stations to retrieve archived files - or footage - instantly, supporting everything from normal operations to the time crunch of breaking news stories.

"Rich media is having a `Big Bang' effect on the amount of information that needs to be stored, managed and - most importantly - retrieved in the drop of a hat," said David A. Donatelli, EMC's Senior Vice President of New Business Development. "This acquisition gives EMC a strategic blend of software and intellectual capital that enhances our leadership in delivering complete, enterprise-level solutions for the management and delivery of rich media content. Through proven products, highly skilled management and engineering talent, and a track record of world-class customer service, Avalon meshes perfectly with both the EMC offering and the EMC culture."

"We are seeing a dramatic change in the way our customers view their media content," added Doron Kempel, Vice President and General Manager of EMC's Media Solutions Group. "Media industry executives see tremendous opportunity for new revenue streams and new lines of business, but only if they can effectively manage their media assets across the enterprise. Avalon's leadership products enable customers to bring order to the complexity. This is a showcase of how the right technology can literally alter the game for an entire industry."

"Having the privilege of working with EMC for several years, we're more than invigorated by this opportunity," said Carole Hogan, former Avalon President and EMC's new Director of Archive Solutions. "This acquisition injects our successful customer-driven business model and tailored products into the worldwide EMC offering. Our customers will be the ultimate beneficiaries of synergistic products that combine Avalon's rich media information management technology and EMC's expertise in content storage, distribution and media asset management."

Established in 1992, Avalon focuses on archive management software for the movement and management of rich media information between on-line disk storage and near-line archive systems. Avalon software optimizes storage in any rich media environment and provides essential integration with all leading media servers, automation systems, asset managers and data tape libraries.

Archive management software is an essential element of EMC's family of rich media solutions. Building on EMC's world-class products and services, the EMC Media Solutions Group delivers a family of end-to-end content management, delivery and archive offerings. EMC rich media solutions are in use by broadcasters, dot.coms, internet service providers, government agencies, healthcare providers, and Fortune 1000 corporations.

EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) is the world leader in information storage systems, software, networks and services, providing the information infrastructure for a connected world. For additional information, please visit the EMC web site, www.EMC.com, under Products and Services, click on Rich Media Solutions. Avalon product information can be found at www.ava.com.

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