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Maxtor and Microsoft sign deal to feature Microsoft software on new Maxtor NAS file servers

Announcement posted by Maxtor 11 Apr 2001

Maxtor Corporation and Microsoft Corporation have announced a new class of network attached storage (NAS) file server products based on Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system technologies.

By combining Maxtor's enterprise ATA hard drives and NAS technology with Microsoft Windows-powered software, the new class of NAS file servers products create broadly interoperable file serving, seamless integration and high manageability at an acquisition cost as low as two cents per megabyte.

"Strategically, Maxtor now has a strong NAS operating system, total control over hardware including our own hard disk technology, and our own software and hard-drive firmware," said Craig Davis, National Sales Manager, Maxtor Australia.

"Microsoft is excited that Maxtor has chosen to base its new file server architecture on Windows 2000," said Bill Veghte, vice president of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft. "By utilising Windows 2000, Maxtor is able to provide its customers with a NAS solution that offers superior performance, scalability and manageability at a very attractive price point."
"Our new NAS platform delivers more value than other architectures based on alternative operating systems, including Linux. By using the Windows 2000 technologies, we can deliver the interoperability, manageability and ease of integration features that our customers value most," said Craig Davis.

Maxtors first Windows-powered NAS file server was also announced today and is being shipped immediately. The MaxAttach NAS 4100 file server is compatible with industry-leading storage-management and data-backup tools from vendors such as VERITAS Software, Legato Systems and Computer Associates, and enables centralised management through device-management tools such as HP Open View.

The NAS file server also integrates with directory services, including Microsoft Active Directory Service.

Unique Maxtor technology elements include system enhancements that double the performance of previous-generation MaxAttach file servers. Maxtor has introduced high-performance Gigabit Ethernet that is up to 100 times faster than traditional Ethernets. A SCSI port enables local backup to tape drives and libraries.
Dual 10/100 Ethernet ports add robustness and fault tolerance.


Pricing and availability
The recommenced retail prices for the Maxtor MaxAttach NAS 4100 range are:
$6,995 for the 160GB Maxtor MaxAttach NAS 4100 configuration
$9,995 for the 320GB Maxtor MaxAttach NAS 4100 configuration.

Maxtor MaxAttach NAS 4100 is currently available from leading distributors such as Optistor Australia and Digital Tape Solutions. All MaxAttach NAS file servers include a three-year hardware warranty.

ENDS


BACKGROUND
Maxtor Corporation [NASDAQ: MXTR] is a leading supplier of information storage solutions. Its current hard disk drive products include award-winning DiamondMax and DiamondMax Plus line of products for mainstream and high-performance PC systems and consumer electronics applications and DiamondMax VL line for entry-level PCs. Maxtor also offers the new 1394 External Storage solution and the MaxAttach family of network-attached storage servers. Maxtor has built its leadership position by consistently leading the industry in bringing new products to market, while delivering the highest levels of quality and customer support. More information about Maxtor and Maxtor products can be found at http://www.maxtor.com.


ABOUT MICROSOFT
Founded in 1975, Microsoft [NASDAQ: MSFT] is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software any time, any place and on any device.