Game Link Implements Storage System to Manage Over Two Terabytes of Content; Dell Computer Delivers Optimal Solution

Business Wire, Feb 22, 2002

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 22, 2002

In today's Internet world it's not just the big companies who have big storage needs. For small enterprises that depend on content-intensive web sites to conduct business, the need for adequate and cost-effective storage systems is a rapidly growing concern. With over two terabytes (TB) of graphic content to manage, Game Link(TM), the Internet's leading adult-entertainment mega-mall, looked long and hard to find a storage system that would meet its requirements for an upgradable, easy to implement, and reliable solution. Although the storage options were many, most are built for large enterprises with big storage budgets. The company found that there are few systems designed for the small enterprise. But with persistence and careful research, Game Link located what they needed at Dell Computer.

As a small business in a very competitive market, Game Link realized that the storage decision it made today would have a significant effect on its future business growth. Therefore, scalability, in addition to cost and ease of management, was a big issue. Since all of Game Link's business is conducted on line, it was also important to install a system that could promise uninterrupted service to its customers. "Great products and services as well as a superior online experience is what distinguishes Game Link in our industry. Therefore, we are constantly expanding our content offerings especially in our Video on Demand (VoD) services," says Ilan Buni, president and CEO of Game Link. "Our extensive offering of VoD requires a lot of storage and we needed a system that will allow us to augment our services quickly and easily without a big cost outlay or downtime for implementation."

The company narrowed the field down to three storage system options and after an extensive cost/benefit analysis found that Dell Computer offered a solution that was a good fit. "We plan to add a TB of new content each quarter." explains Ilan. "At about $17,000 a TB, the Dell system will allow us to do that at a reasonable cost that won't necessitate our raising prices to our customers or interrupting availability of services. The other systems cost 200-to-300 percent more. It was an easy decision."

Game Link plans this year to enhance the viewing experience of its VoD services with DVD-like quality movies. Currently, a single digitized movie for VoD requires about 400 MB of storage. Due to the additional frames per second necessary to deliver enhanced quality, these movies will require up to 600 MB in storage. "I wanted us to have everything we needed in place before we made this important business move," says Ilan. "And I think now we do."

Game Link is the original e-commerce adult-entertainment enterprise. Begun in 1992 by selling games over the Internet, Game Link switched to more profitable adult material in 1993. As an Internet destination content aggregator, the company markets products from a variety of industry-leading vendors. It has grown to become the industry's largest and most technically advanced adult-content shopping and broadcast entertainment site, offering over 50,000 videos and DVDs, more than 3,000 VoD titles, and over 2,000 adult products such as toys, lingerie, and performance aids. While many e-commerce companies and applications are failing to produce profits, nine years of innovative Internet R&D coupled with uninterrupted revenue growth and profitability have positioned Game Link as the world's most successful adult entertainment purveyor.