Storage: HP Strengthens Network-Attached-Storage Market Offerings With New Line Of HP SureStore CD-/DVD-ROM Servers - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, May 10, 1999

Hewlett-Packard Company Monday introduced a new line of NAS servers, strengthening the company's presence in the rapidly growing network-attached-storage (NAS) market. The three new HP SureStore CD- and DVD-ROM servers are based on "thin-server" technology and offer reliable, one-step setup and installation; seamless integration; and simplified remote-management capabilities.

HP's SureStore network CD-ROM NAS products are designed for workgroups and departments that need fast, reliable access to shared information. These include digitized law libraries; training tools; medical libraries; and technical documentation, such as Microsoft TechNet.

"Information storage is undergoing a fundamental architectural shift that is moving data from the periphery and placing it where it belongs -- at the center of the computing environment," said Farid Neema, president of Peripheral Concepts. "With its new generation of CD-ROM servers, HP is taking a leadership position in defining the NAS market and offering exceptional value for firms that want to streamline their information access and delivery systems."

Products:

* HP SureStore CD-ROM Server -- This entry-level product allows users to share between one and seven CD-ROMs, with room for expansion.

* HP SureStore CD-ROM Server Plus -- This cost-effective alternative includes six CD drives and one 18GB-capacity hard drive. Using HP's multidisc cache technology, the server automatically loads data from at least 28 full CD-ROMs onto a large-capacity hard disk, providing accelerated simultaneous access to data.

* HP SureStore CD-/DVD-ROM Server -- Each of the seven drives can read CD-ROM and DVD-ROM formats, offering users a built-in "future-proof" migration path from CD to DVD technology.

* HP SureStore CD Expansion Tower -- A seven-drive CD expansion tower -- available for all three models -- allows users to expand the capacity of the HP CD-/DVD-ROM Server solution.

"Our customers and channel partners appreciate the simplicity and reliability of our NAS systems, and now we're addressing their needs for scalability and their desire to be ready for DVD content," said Michelle Weiss, HP's worldwide NAS solutions marketing manager. "NAS is a natural fit for HP because of our extensive storage expertise and our leadership in thin-server technology."

Key HP SureStore CD-ROM and CD-/DVD-ROM NAS Benefits * Simple installation -- All models plug anywhere directly onto the network. No special client or server software is required. No server downtime is necessary. HP's new Quick Install Guide makes installation hassle-free.

* Seamless integration -- HP SureStore CD-/DVD-ROM servers integrate smoothly into almost any operating environment and now offer even tighter integration with major NOS security. Additionally, they fit into any standard HP 19-inch rack system.

* Excellent reliability -- For added peace of mind, HP SureStore CD-/DVD-ROM Servers are backed by HP's two-year Express Exchange limited warranty and the award-winning support of HP Customer Care.

* Easy remote management -- HP SureStore CD-/DVD-ROM servers offer user-friendly, embedded Web-based management tools. These tools allow the user to manage servers from anywhere on the network.

* Quick and easy data access -- Due to file-server independence, allowing for maximum uptime and availability, shared access to data on CD-ROM, CD-Recordable and CD-ReWritable media is available 24x7 to any network user.

U.S. Pricing and Availability HP's new line of NAS servers is expected to be available worldwide June 1 through HP authorized resellers, distributors, retailers and mail-order catalogs.

HP SureStore CD-ROM Server                  $2,750

HP SureStore CD-/DVD-ROM Server              3,495

HP SureStore CD-ROM Server Plus              4,300

HP SureStore CD Expansion Tower              2,350

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global provider of computing, Internet and intranet solutions, services, communications products and measurement solutions, all of which are recognized for excellence in quality and support.

HP has 124,600 employees and had revenue of $47.1 billion in its 1998 fiscal year.

Information about HP, its products and the company's Year 2000 program can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.