Plasmon Announces Two New AIT Tape Autoloaders

Provides Users an Ideal Entry into Automated Data Storage

Denver, CO, July 26, 2002 - Plasmon, a leading manufacturer of automated data storage libraries, today announced the introduction of two new tape autoloaders integrating Sony Advanced Intelligent TapeÔ (AIT) technology. Tape autoloaders are compact and affordable, and present an ideal first step into automated data storage applications including unattended network backup, remote storage, automated archiving, imaging and hierarchical storage management.

Plasmon V-Series AIT Autoloaders are powerful tape automation solutions, combining robust architecture with the inherent advantages of AIT tape technology. A small footprint with high storage density, and rapid time-to-data, autoloaders meet the requirements of critical data storage applications. The V15 supports 15 cartridges, one or two drives, and offers 750GB native capacity at 43GB/hour throughput. The V30 supports 30 cartridges, one, two or four drives, and offers 1.5TB native capacity at 86GB/hour throughput. Both support an optional bar code reader, Ethernet connection for remote management, standalone or rack mount installation, and come with a 3-year advance exchange warranty. Initial shipments of the V Series Autoloaders will come with the Sony AIT-2 tape drive. Sony AIT-3 based autoloaders are expected this fall.

AIT tape technology ensures the utmost in reliability to meet the need for increased backup capacity. In addition to conventional unattended backup, AIT is suited to a wide range of applications such as image/multimedia storage and retrieval, real-time data acquisition, transportable storage, and storage management applications.

Sony AIT-2 drives provide a throughput of 6 MB/sec (15 MB/sec with 2.6:1 compression) and high capacity per cartridge at 50 GB (130GB with 2.6:1 compression) in a very compact form factor. High data search rates are achieved through the assistance of MIC technology -- the MIC chip contains key parameters such as a tape log, search map, and application information that allow flexible management of the media and its contents.

"We are pleased that Plasmon is integrating AIT drives in its new autoloaders to meet its customers' demands," said John Woelbern, director of marketing for the tape storage solutions division of Sony Electronics' Business Solutions & Systems Company. "AIT technology is ideally suited to meet a wide range of customer requirements for high capacity, high performance, affordable, reliable and scalable data storage."

The new Plasmon AIT tape autoloaders are certified by all the major backup software developers. Available for immediate delivery, list prices start at $8000.

Plasmon also designs and manufactures tape libraries for LTO technology with native storage capacities up to 10.2TB. "The new AIT autoloaders are important additions to our business. Plasmon customers now have more choices to match their application and budget requirements," said Robert Clark, Plasmon's executive vice president of sales and marketing U.S.

About Plasmon

Founded in 1987, Plasmon is an international business specializing in the design and manufacture of high-end removable data storage solutions and has been listed on the London Stock Exchange since 1996 (LSE: PLM). Worldwide, Plasmon has over 500 employees and annual sales revenues in excess of $100m.

Plasmon's world-wide headquarters are in Cambridge in the UK where the company develops and manufactures 12-inch optical disk products at its ISO-9001 certified facility and provides specialist technology consulting to the CD-R and DVD rewritable manufacturing industry. Storage management software and network attached storage products are also developed in the UK. European regional sales offices are located in Munich, Paris, Milan and Antwerp. Plasmon also manufactures optical disc masters in Caen in northern France. In Europe, contact Plasmon at: Whiting Way, Melbourn, Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 6EN; tel: +44 (0)1763 262963 fax: +44 (0)1763 264444

Internet: http://www.plasmon.co.uk. e-mail: sales@plasmon.co.uk.

In the USA, Plasmon develops and manufactures magneto optical, CD/DVD and tape libraries and optical disk drives at its ISO-9001 certified facilities in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Plasmon is the leading manufacturer of 12-inch optical disk drives and media and also supplies a wide range of storage solutions based on 5.25 inch MO, CD/DVD and LTO/AIT tape storage technologies. Typical end-users of Plasmon products include banks, hospitals, insurance companies and government departments where the secure archival of large amounts of data are primary requirements. In North America, contact Plasmon at: 400 Inverness Drive So, Englewood, Colorado; tel: 800.451.6845 or 303.925.1855.

Internet: http://www.plasmon.com e-mail: sales@plasmon.com.