EMC Launches Symmetrix z8000 Series Systems Optimized for Mainframe Environments

Business Wire, Feb 28, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

HOPKINTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 28, 2003

Pre-packaged, High-Performance Symmetrix z8000 Storage Solutions

Address Critical Mainframe Requirements

Building on its role as a mainframe storage pioneer and furthering its ongoing commitment to mainframe storage customers, EMC Corporation today introduced the Symmetrix(R) z8000 series of networked information storage systems. Symmetrix z8000 is a pre-packaged, high-end networked storage solution optimized for FICON and ESCON connectivity in mainframe environments.

The Symmetrix z8000 series delivers superior price/performance levels for mainframe storage applications in FICON and ESCON environments. When combined with EMC's SRDF and TimeFinder business continuity software, the Symmetrix z8000 provides customers with a feature-rich, high-end mainframe storage solution at highly attractive price points.

David Donatelli, EMC's Executive Vice President of Storage Platforms Operations, said, "The mainframe remains the foundation for many of the most-critical applications. Mainframe customers demand excellent price/performance, full zOS compatibility and proven business continuity capabilities. Today's announcement underscores EMC's commitment to the mainframe market by offering the broadest range of solutions - from the Symmetrix z8000 series to the highest-end Symmetrix DMX systems."

The Symmetrix z8000 systems come packaged with pre-configured amounts of fully protected storage, host connectivity and global cache, as well as EMC's Enginuity(TM) storage operating environment with mainframe enhancements. The Symmetrix z8000 systems can also be upgraded for simultaneous open systems support.

The new systems include:

-- Choice of pre-configured hardware models, base-level capacities, global cache, and full support for IBM's one-gigabit FICON channel connectivity option as well as legacy ESCON connections.

-- Attractive pricing at pre-packaged capacity points. The Symmetrix z8000 series comprises two models: the Symmetrix z8530, which is available in 2.0 and 3.5 usable-terabyte configurations and the Symmetrix z8830, which is available in 5 and 10 usable-terabyte configurations. A Symmetrix z8830 system is capable of scaling to over 27.2 terabytes of fully protected storage capacity, up to 16 FICON or 32 ESCON connectivity ports, and up to 64 gigabytes of cache.

-- Full compatibility with the zOS feature set, including Static and Dynamic Parallel Access Volume with Multiple Allegiance support, 3390-27 emulation and RAID 10 protection.

As an integral component of EMC's Automated Networked Storage offering, the Symmetrix z8000 series helps customers significantly lower mainframe storage costs, increase productivity, and speed overall responsiveness.

The Symmetrix z8000 series delivers customers 100% software compatibility with the entire new Symmetrix DMX series of information storage systems, offering customers the dual benefits of hardware innovation and complete software consistency with existing Symmetrix systems. This achievement enables customers to integrate smoothly and efficiently the most advanced storage technologies into their infrastructure without requiring additional and costly training or changes in operational procedures.

Pricing and Availability

All Symmetrix z8000 systems are available immediately. List prices begin at $258,000 and vary based on configuration.

About EMC

EMC Corporation is the world leader in information storage systems, software, networks and services, providing automated networked storage solutions for organizations across the globe. Information about EMC's products and services can be found at www.EMC.com.

EMC and Symmetrix are registered trademarks and EMC Automated Networked Storage, Symmetrix DMX, Enginuity, TimeFinder and SRDF are trademarks of EMC Corporation. All 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) adverse changes in general economic or market conditions; (ii) delays or reductions in information technology spending; (iii) the transition to new products, the uncertainty of customer acceptance of new product offerings, and rapid technological and market change; (iv) insufficient, excess or obsolete inventory; (v) competitive factors, including but not limited to pricing pressures; (vi) component quality and availability; (vii) the relative and varying rates of product price and component cost declines; (viii) the ability to attract and retain highly qualified employees; (ix) fluctuating currency exchange rates; (x) risks associated with strategic investments and acquisitions; and (xi) other one-time events and other important factors disclosed previously.