SONY ENHANCES AIT-1 AND AIT-2 TAPE DRIVES
SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 17, 2003 - Sony Electronics' first and second-generation Advanced Intelligent Tape ™ (AIT-1 and AIT-2) drives have a new look. Beginning this month, AIT-1 and AIT-2 drives are shipping with a new design and some updated components, intended to boost their performance and reduce power consumption.
While the AIT-1 and AIT-2 drives have a slightly different appearance, nothing has changed from a "form, fit and function" perspective. Among the new drive enhancements are a powerful built-in CPU, a new chip to improve error correction and a dust-resistant structure. In addition, by reducing power consumption from 12Watts to 10Watts, the new mechanism design eliminates the cooling fan and replaces it with a passive heat sink assembly.
"Customers rely on Sony to continually upgrade, support and remain committed to its storage technologies," said John Woelbern, director of OEM tape storage solutions marketing for Sony Electronics' Component Solutions Business Division. "Our AIT-1 and AIT-2 drives are powerful and reliable storage solutions that will continue to satisfy the backup needs of our customers - just with a new look."
Key AIT-1 and AIT-2 drive enhancements include:
A powerful built-in CPU that includes high-speed SRAM for expanded internal drive performance;
A new IC chip that enhances error correction for buffer memory (1bit error/8bit correctible and 2bit error/8bit detectable);
A high-performance digital PLL that improves signal detection and data integrity;
A dust-resistant structure, complete with a dust cover and dust-resistant bezel to minimize contamination;
Lower wattage, no halogen and lead-free components and processes to conserve energy and reduce impact on the environment; and
An updated LED display that reports the tape direction and indicates if it needs to be cleaned or replaced.
Both AIT-1 and AIT-2 tape storage formats are targeted to small and midrange businesses, with native storage capacities of up to 35 GB and 50 GB, respectively (91 GB and 130 GB with 2.6:1 compression). With the new component and design updates, AIT-1 and AIT-2 drives now closely conform to the appearance of AIT-3 drives.
The enhanced AIT-1 and AIT-2 drives in a SCSI configuration are currently available for both OEM and Sony-branded applications. Enhanced versions of the AIT-3, ATAPI, Hi-Speed USB and i.LINK ®/FireWire ® (IEEE 1394) models will be introduced early next year.
Sony AIT drives are available through commercial and industrial distributors, value-added resellers (VARs) and systems integrators. Sony currently offers a three-year limited warranty with its storage solutions.
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Editors Note: A complete list of Sony approved distributors and resellers can be found at www.storagebysony.com. Additional press information and digital images are available on the Sony Electronics News and Information web site at www.sony.com/news.
