Imation and ProStor Systems Announce Licensing Agreement: Imation to manufacture and market RDX®
OAKDALE, Minn. and BOULDER, Colo. – Oct. 16, 2006 – Imation Corp (NYSE: IMN), a worldwide leader in removable data storage, and ProStor Systems, a developer of removable disk storage solutions, today announced an agreement for Imation to manufacture, market and sell Imation-branded RDX® storage systems. The RDX removable hard disk cartridge and drive are designed to meet the critical backup needs of small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that require easy-to-use, reliable, fast and portable storage.“This agreement is an important step in bringing RDX systems to market and will greatly expand the market opportunity for this technology by tapping into Imation’s broad distribution reach,” said Steve Georgis, CEO and president of ProStor Systems. “For a multitude of SMBs and home office users, the Imation brand signifies excellence in storage and backup media, and RDX is the right platform to continue to build this reputation.”
According to Dianne McAdam, director, Enterprise Information Assurance with the Clipper Group, “The licensing agreement between ProStor and Imation provides a significant step in bringing RDX technology to small- and medium-sized businesses. The RDX technology gives these businesses an easy-to-use disk cartridge that can be removed and stored in a safe location, providing protection against local disasters. With Imation’s worldwide reputation for leadership in storage innovation and the value proposition of RDX technology, end users worldwide will now have greater access to an excellent SMB backup solution.”
“The RDX system is a robust removable hard disk drive (RHDD) system that is perfectly suited for the growing storage requirements of small- and medium-sized businesses,” said James Ellis, vice president, Strategic Growth Programs, Imation. “The ease of use offered by removable hard disk combined with increasingly affordable capacities and reliability make this the right time to expand Imation’s portfolio of RHDD offerings in the entry-level storage space.”
The RDX system uses a rugged, reliable disk cartridge that backs up like a tape drive and features the performance advantages of a disk-to-disk system. The RDX cartridge will initially range from 40 GB to 160 GB uncompressed or native capacities – mapping to available single and dual-platter hard disk drives. Because the RDX cartridge uses the same 2.5-inch hard disk drives found in notebook computers, these initial capacities will increase at the same historical rate of hard disk technology; by using application-based data compression, the capacity of RDX cartridges can double.
In addition, RDX technology provides forward and backward compatibility – allowing users to upgrade to higher capacity cartridges without having to buy a new drive – resulting in a higher return on investment for SMB users. RDX drives have been certified with most popular SMB backup software and also provide traditional drag-and-drop functionality.
Imation plans to launch the RDX system in Q1 2007; more information will be available at that time.
About ProStor Systems
ProStor Systems develops and markets RDX removable disk technology. The technology brings enterprise-class reliability and data protection to servers, networks and professional workstations at an affordable price. For more information about ProStor Systems, visit http://www.prostorsystems.com or contact the company at info@prostorsystems.com or 303-565-3100.
About Imation Corp
Imation Corp is the only company in the world solely focused on the development, manufacture and supply of removable data storage products spanning the four pillars of magnetic, optical, flash and removable hard disk storage. With more than 50 years of data storage leadership beginning with the development of the world’s first computer tape, in 2006 Imation proudly marks its tenth anniversary as an independent company. In addition to the Imation brand, Imation Corp’s global brand portfolio includes the Memorex brand, one of the most widely recognized names in the consumer electronics industry, famous for the slogan, "Is it live or is it Memorex?" Additional information about Imation is available at www.imation.com or by calling 1-888-466-3456.
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Imation logo, Memorex, and ‘Is it live or is it Memorex?’ are trademarks of Imation Corp and its subsidiaries. RDX is a registered trademark of ProStor Systems. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
