Software. - includes related article on Miles Bluenote, a small computer system interface - adapter

Emedia Professional, May, 1999

Adaptec Offers Better Toast and Take Two

In order to capitalize on the popularity of the new iMac and G3 desktops, Adaptec's Toast 3.8 now supports USB interface CD-R and CD-RW devices. Toast 3.8 allows Mac users to create their own data, audio, and video CDs with the use of a CD recorder. The product will only be available to end-users when they purchase a new CD-R drive; Adaptec Toast 3.8 is bundled with the Que! drive from QPS, Inc. and LaCie's blue CD recorders.

Adaptec has also announced Take Two, an image-based disaster recovery program for CD-R/RW drives. The software allows users to back up their hard drive to CD, no matter how big it is. Take Two works together with Adaptec DirectCD packet-writing software and supports all DirectCD 2.5-compatible CD-R/RW drives. Take Two can also backup data to hard drives, Zip, and Jaz drives.

(Adaptec, Inc., 691 South Milpitas Boulevard, Milpitas, CA 95035; 408/957-4801; Fax 408/957-4545; http://www.adaptec.com)

SmarthStorage Updates SmartCD Duplicator

SmartStorage has announced the latest version of its SmartCD Duplicator software, which turns any CD-R jukebox and/or autoloader device into a high-performance, automated standalone or network CD production system. The software automates the production procedures and manages a wide range of high-capacity and multiple-recorder devices to accommodate jobs of fewer than 50 to more than 800 CDs in a single run using one device. The software uses all available CD-R drives to record the same CD image to multiple drives or multiple unique images to different jobs simultaneously.

The upgrade introduces new features such as a label editor and an asset management feature. It also adds support for new devices from Discmatic, MediaFORM, and Nistec. SmartCD Duplicator includes the following components: Duplicator Server, which functions as a complete standalone or networked duplicator solution; SmartCD RomMaker, which provides an intuitive GUI for defining the data or audio content of a CD and premasters it into the required format; SmartCD Label Creator; and the optional Duplicator API Toolkit, for system integrators who need to embed CD duplication into their workflow or software solution. Pricing for SmartCD Duplicator is device-dependent and begins at $2,690 SRP with network capabilities. The Duplicator API Toolkit is priced separately.

(Smart Storage Inc., 100 Burtt Road, Andover, MA 01810; 978/623-3300; Fax 978/623-3310; http://www.smartstorage.com)

Mylex Announces RAID EzAssist

Mylex Corporation has announced RAID EzAssist, a new BIOS configuration utility that simplifies RAID system configuration and installation. RAID EzAssist gives users a choice of how to configure their RAID systems--automatic, assisted, or custom. Mylex designed the automatic option for users who are new to RAID; the utility will make intelligent installation decisions based on the user's system. RAID EzAssist detects the number of RAID controllers in the system, configures the system to the optimal RAID level depending on the number of drives available, and protects users from accidentally erasing existing data. RAID EzAssist will ship standard with Mylex's PCI RAID controller line.

(Mylex Corporation, 34551 Ardenwood Boulevard, Fremont, CA 94555; 800/77-MYLEX, 510/796-6100; Fax 510/745-8016; http://www.mylex.com)

RELATED ARTICLE: Initio Introduces Miles Bluenote, a Cross-Platform SCSI Solution

Initio Corporation has introduced Miles Bluenote, a cross-platform, bus mastering SCSI host adapter. Miles Bluenote delivers a high-performance (up to 20MB/per sec) SCSI to Mac G3s as well as to older Power Macs and PCs with PCI slots. While previous members of Initio's Miles family are compatible with the new G3 systems, Miles Bluenote is the first to feature "F-code," which enables Mac users to boot from peripherals connected to the SCSI host adapter. Miles Bluenote is an all-in-one kit that includes the new INI(R)-9090U-MAC SCSI-2 host adapter with both internal and external connectors (capable of attaching up to 15 SCSI and SCSI-2 peripherals) and a 50-pin-to-25-pin converter. The kit also features an array of software including: The Hard Disk ToolKit from FWB Software; MarcoPolo I/O Utility Suite; and an updated version of the SCSI Navigator, which features a floppy drive maker utility for the PC. Miles Bluenote has a suggested retail price of $119. (Initio Corporation, 2188-B Del France Street, San Jose, CA 95131;408/577-1919; Fax 408/577-0640; http://www.initio.com)