SONY TURBOCHARGES AIT WITH NEW LOW-COST LINE
AIT Turbo Extends Industry's Most Comprehensive Tape Format
SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 9, 2004 - Sony Electronics has extended the versatility of its wide-ranging Advanced Intelligent Tape ™ (AIT) format with a new line of enhanced "Turbo" drives and data media, which offer new performance and capacity options.
Dubbed AIT-E Turbo and AIT-1 Turbo, the new drives feature enhanced capacity and performance at a cost-per-gigabyte (GB) that favorably compares to DDS products. AIT-E Turbo has an entry-level 20GB native storage capacity (52GB with 2.6:1 compression) and a 6MB/second sustained native transfer rate. AIT-1 Turbo features a 40GB native storage capacity (104GB compressed) with the same 6MB/second transfer rate.
"The introduction of AIT-E Turbo and AIT-1 Turbo demonstrates our steadfast dedication to earlier AIT generations, while opening new doors into the AIT family," said Alan Sund, marketing director for tape storage solutions in Sony Electronics' Component and Business Solutions Division. "Our new Turbo drives will be a perfect fit for cost-conscious users looking to migrate to a robust technology that can grow with their future storage needs."
With more than 10 million drives installed worldwide, DDS technology has experienced tremendous success. However, Sund pointed out that the format is reaching its viable performance limits. Sony's new AIT Turbo line is a "compelling option" in Sund's words for DDS users looking to migrate to a newer platform, since it delivers nearly double the capacity and performance of DDS technology.
Sony AIT Turbo drives use the same compact 3.5-inch drive mechanism and dust-resistant design as standard AIT drives. The dimensions and mounting procedures, as well as connection positioning, have not changed. AIT Turbo media also uses the same Advanced Metal Evaporated (AME) formulation and 8mm form-factor as standard AIT media.
"AIT-4 is driving the Sony format forward, yet we also want to provide for the large number of users with needs on the lower end of the spectrum," Sund added. "And because it's AIT, users can rest assured that their investments will be protected through Sony's ongoing technology roadmap."
To reduce ongoing end-user storage costs, AIT-E Turbo and AIT-1 Turbo data cartridges are not equipped standard with Sony's Memory-In-Cassette (MIC) chip. However, Sony is offering specially marked cartridges that do include MIC chips for performance-sensitive customers as an option for AIT-1 Turbo drive users. AIT-1 Turbo drives are also compatible with standard AIT-1 media.
Sony AIT-E and AIT-1 Turbo drives and data media are currently available through Sony's extensive channel of commercial distributors, value-added resellers (VARs) and systems integrators. Current estimated pricing is as follows:
AIT-E Turbo internal 3.5-inch SCSI (model AITi50/S) - $595
AIT-E Turbo internal ATAPI (model AITi50-A/S) - $565
AIT-E Turbo external SCSI (model AITe50/S ) - $795
AIT-E Turbo 20GB non-MIC media (model TAITE-20N) - $20
AIT-1 Turbo internal SCSI (model AITi100/S) - $695
AIT-1 Turbo internal ATAPI (model AITi100-A/S) - $665
AIT-1 Turbo external SCSI (model AITe100/S) -$895
AIT-1Turbo 40GB non-MIC media (model TAIT1-40N) - $45
AIT-1Turbo 40GB MIC media (model TAIT1-40C) - $55
Sony currently offers a three-year limited warranty and optional onsite service support and enhancement programs with its branded AIT tape storage offerings.
Editor's Note: For more detailed product information, readers can visit www.storagebysony.com or www.mediabysony.com. For additional press information and digital images, please visit Sony Electronics' news and information web site at www.sony.com/news. For more information regarding the nearest Sony authorized dealer or service location, call 1-800-686-SONY.
Sony Introduces AIT-4 Format Page 3
