Iomega Announces FireWire Initiative; Benefits of FireWire-Enabled Accessories will Include Faster Transfer Rates, Ease-of-Attachment and Hot Plug-and-Play - a FireWire version of Iomega's Zip 250MB USB removable disk drive - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Nov 22, 1999

Iomega Corporation Tuesday announced that it is demonstrating its first solution for FireWire (IEEE 1394) - an accessory for its popular Zip 250MB USB drive at COMDEX/Fall `99.

The accessory will offer many benefits to users including faster data transfer rates and the simplicity of hot plug-and-play connectivity. The accessory will also provide host power, allowing customers to use their Zip 250MB USB drive without attaching an external power supply.

The FireWire-enabled accessory for Iomega's new ultra-thin Zip 250MB USB drive is expected to be available by mid-year 2000 and will be compatible with FireWire-enabled PCs or Macintosh computers running Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000 or MacOS 8.5.1 and higher. In addition to the accessory for the Zip 250MB USB drive, Iomega is investigating FireWire-enabled accessories for its other platforms for implementation during 2000.

"Dialogue between Iomega and current and potential customers indicated a clear and growing need for FireWire connectivity," said David Henry, vice president and general manager, magnetic products, Iomega Corporation. "As a company, we strive to continually provide effective and innovative solutions for our customers; and we feel the FireWire accessories demonstrate our continued commitment to our customers."

The FireWire (IEEE 1394) interface was conceived by Apple Computer, Inc. and developed within the IEEE 1394 Working Group. Because of the growing popularity of this interface, Iomega decided to develop FireWire solutions for its customers.

The FireWire interface is now standard on the Power Mac G4 and iMac DV and is an available option on the PowerBook G3 and from most PC manufacturers. The FireWire interface will give the Zip 250MB USB drive added functionality with three possible interfaces: USB, PCMCIA (accessory now shipping) and FireWire.

"Apple is leading the personal computer industry in adopting and implementing next-generation standards, such as FireWire, designed by Apple as an alternative to the slow, antiquated connection standards found in most competing desktops today," said Clent Richards, vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations at Apple. "Iomega's Zip drives have already received great reviews from Macintosh customers; adding FireWire will give these popular drives the additional benefits of greater speed and enhanced connectivity flexibility."

The Zip 250MB USB drive, coupled with the FireWire accessory, will remain compatible with both 100MB Zip disks and 250MB Zip disks. With more than 30 million Zip drives and more than 180 million Zip disks shipped, Iomega believes it is extremely important that its customers continue to have access to their valuable information on future drives.

Iomega Corporation (NYSE:IOM) manufactures and markets the award-winning Zip, Jaz and Clik! drives and disks and markets ZipCD CD-RW drives and discs that help people to organize, manage, create, exchange and share their important information. Used in homes, businesses, government, education and by creative professionals everywhere, Iomega storage solutions are the enabling technologies preferred by millions. The Company can be reached at 1-800-MY-STUFF (800-697-8833), or on the Web at http://www.iomega.com.