Ci2i Allies With Global Storage Leader EMC; Advertising ASP Selects EMC for Major New Workflow System and Marketing Partnership

Business Wire, Feb 1, 2001

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 1, 2001

Ci2i(TM), a provider of creative business management and production services for advertising, is pleased to announce that following an extensive review process it has selected EMC for its rich media storage systems. Ci2i is building a disaster proof, global online storage network that will exceed 100 terabytes to support its integrated workflow, collaboration and asset management systems. In addition, Ci2i and EMC announced an agreement to jointly identify, develop and market innovative new rich media solutions specifically for the advertising industry.

In the first phase of its system launch, Ci2i will build a mirrored storage network in both Texas and California using EMC Symmetrix Enterprise Storage systems, EMC Celerra network-attached file servers and a full complement of related EMC software. EMC will also provide on-site installation and technical support throughout the rollout.

"Storage is a critical component of our services, but it goes beyond mere disc space," explains Quincy Yu, president and CEO of Ci2i. "Our new Streamline system supports the production of TV, radio, print and Web/interactive advertising, so we need a storage supplier with a commitment to and a deep understanding of rich media. We're not handling simple data; these are very large and very valuable assets in their own right. And our customers have very high requirements in terms of storage reliability."

"Our relationship with Ci2i builds on EMC's strong presence in the broadcast arena," says Doron Kempel, EMC's vice president and general manager, Media Solutions Group. "This relationship has long-term potential for new levels of value for our mutual customers."

Ci2i's Streamline system provides a set of integrated tools that mirror and support advertising production processes, from spec development through to traffic and archival storage. The tools are also customized to support the client, agency and production communities independently throughout the process.

About Ci2i

Ci2i delivers a range of creative business management and production services for the advertising industry. Developed by a management team with deep industry expertise, the company's core product, Streamline, is the first online, integrated television production workflow and collaboration system.

Ci2i, formerly known as US Creative Inc., was founded in 1996 as an online creative services directory and career resource. The company currently has offices in San Francisco, Austin, Atlanta and New York with plans to open in Los Angles and Chicago in 2001. Ci2i has received funding from Convergence Partners and Sanchez Capital Partners.

About EMC

EMC Corporation (NYSE:EMC) is the world leader in information storage systems, software, networks and services, providing the information infrastructure for a connected world. Information about EMC's products and services can be found at www.EMC.com.

EMC and Symmetrix are registered trademarks, and Celerra is a trademark of EMC Corporation. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined under the Federal Securities Laws. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain risk factors, including but not limited to: (i) component quality and availability; (ii) delays in the development of new technology and the transition to new products; (iii) competitive factors, including but not limited to pricing pressures, in the computer storage and server markets; (iv) the relative and varying rates of product price and component cost declines; (v) economic trends in various geographic markets and fluctuating currency exchange rates; (vi) the ability to attract and retain highly qualified employees; (vii) deterioration or termination of the agreements with certain of the Company's indirect channels; (viii) the uneven pattern of quarterly sales; (ix) risks associated with strategic investments and acquisitions; and (x) other one-time events and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in EMC's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.