9/05/95 Press ReleaseAdaptec's Industry Leading AHA(r)-2940 Ultra Wide Host Adapter Doubles I/OData Transfer Rates of High-performance Servers and Desktop PCsPCI Ultra Wide SCSI Master(tm) is the low cost solution for connecting SCSIand UltraSCSI peripheralsMilpitas, Calif., - September 5, 1995 - Adaptec (NASDAQ:ADPT), an industryleader in input and output (I/O) technology, today announced theavailability of its first UltraSCSI (also known as Fast 20) host adapter,the AHA-2940 Ultra Wide. The AHA-2940 Ultra Wide extends the company'sSmall Computer Systems Interconnect (SCSI) market leadership position andprovides a new high-performance I/O connectivity solution for the PCImarket."The strength of SCSI continues to evolve and grow; we are seeing higherusage rates across the desktop and server level," said John Hamm, vicepresident and general manager of Adaptec's Enterprise Computing businessunit. "Faster disk drives, the popularity of PCI systems and multitaskingoperating systems are driving the need for Adaptec to deliver faster I/Othroughout the enterprise."I/O subsystems need to access and transfer larger data files almostinstantaneously. Adaptec's AHA-2940 Ultra Wide single channel PCI-to-SCSIhost adapter offers faster I/O throughput and improved efficiency forPCI-based systems by speeding data exchange between SCSI peripherals andthe PCI system at speeds of up to 40 MB/second, twice the speed of currentSCSI systems.In addition to increased speed, the adapter's flexible design allowscustomers to utilize existing SCSI peripherals, connections and cabling,protecting their existing investment. Adaptec's AHA-2940 Ultra Wide alsocan support the mixing of eight and 16 bit devices (Narrow and Wide,respectively) on the same SCSI cable without affecting reliable operationof the system.New features and complete backward compatibilityNew features include faster transfer rates of up to 40 MB/second, Plug andPlay compliance with Windows(tm) 95 and connectivity for up to 15 SCSIdevices. The Adaptec AHA-2940 Ultra Wide adapter also offers compatibilitywith all existing SCSI-1, SCSI-2, SCSI-3 and UltraSCSI peripherals, toallow mixing and matching of various peripheral devices. Automatictermination and SCSI Configuration Auto Magically (SCAM 1) make theaddition and identification of existing SCSI IDs and configuration ofperipherals simple. Adaptec EZ-SCSI(tm) software is included for simpleinstallation and SCSISelect configuration software for customizing systems.Adaptec has added a flash BIOS capability that allows new BIOS and softwareupgrades to be directly "flashed" onto the board through the network,without having to remove the adapter from the system. For RAID and othermultiple drive operations, the adapter also offers multi-initiator support,which enables two host adapters located in separate host systems to accessthe same SCSI storage device and share data almost simultaneously.Market trends drive the need for faster I/O performanceThe Adaptec AHA-2940 Ultra Wide adapter improves overall I/O performance byworking seamlessly with today's software operating systems and applicationsthat require faster I/O speeds and real-time access to data storage andperipheral devices. Current graphics and multimedia applications such asvideo capture and editing, animation, scientific modeling and desktoppublishing, have increased data I/O requirements for normal operation, dueto the functionality of today's new operating systems and high-endPCI-based systems.The AHA-2940 Ultra Wide adapter is designed for original equipmentmanufacturers (OEMs) and resellers seeking to improve I/O throughput intoday's personal computers, workstations and servers."UltraSCSI technology from Adaptec allows PC and server OEMs, resellers andintegrators to double the I/O bandwidth of their systems," said RajeshVashist, product marketing manager of Advanced I/O products for Adaptec'sEnterprise Computing business unit. "We are making UltraSCSI technologyavailable at the same price point as our standard AHA-2940 PCI-to-SCSI hostadapter, so in effect, customers can double I/O performance on theirexisting systems at no additional cost to the end user."The evolution of I/O interfacesWhile serial interface technology developments continue and certainproducts become widely available, Adaptec believes UltraSCSI offers thebest migration path for improving today's server and desktop I/Operformance."The development of tomorrow's serial interface technology is underway atAdaptec," said Hamm. "We see UltraSCSI as a way to improve the value,performance and compatibility of our products today, especially asPCI-based systems are now establishing wide business and consumeracceptance. Customers require I/O subsystems based on UltraSCSI technologyto exploit the 133 MB/second speed of the PCI bus."At the desktop level, UltraSCSI subsystems using the AHA-2940 Ultra Wideadapter will benefit from faster access to files and improved performancein multitasking operating systems. For servers, the AHA-2940 Ultra Wideextends SCSI's near 100% penetration and is an incremental, low-costfeature for new systems and an ideal upgrade option for existing systems.Adaptec's proven performance, leadership and industry acceptanceLike all Adaptec SCSI host adapters, the AHA-2940 Ultra Wide is tested forcompatibility with today's major PC operating systems, third-partyapplication software and major hardware platforms and peripherals.Adaptec's AHA-2940 Ultra Wide host adapter uses the AIC-7880 "engine," thethird generation of Adaptec's SCSI RISC processor technology. Softwareoperating environments supported by the AHA-2940 Ultra Wide adapter includeWindows(tm) 3.1, Windows 95, Windows NT(tm), OS/2(tm), NetWare(tm), SCO UNIX andUnixWare.Several drive manufacturers, including Quantum, Seagate, ConnerPeripherals, Hewlett-Packard and IBM have recently announced support forUltraSCSI and committed to implementing it on their systems. Quantum isalready shipping its Quantum Grand Prix(tm) UltraSCSI drive which features aburst transfer rate (drive to the host) of up to 20 MB/second. Today'sannouncement allows Adaptec and its UltraSCSI technology partners to buildmarket momentum for this enhanced technology.AHA-2940 Ultra Wide kits, availability and pricingAdaptec is offering the AHA-2940 Ultra Wide family to OEMs, and through thedistribution channel in a complete kit, the PCI Ultra Wide SCSI Master(tm). Akit includes:   *  The AHA-2940 Ultra Wide PCI host adapter   *  Adaptec EZ-SCSI 3.11 for DOS, Windows, Windows 95, Windows NT and      Windows for Workgroups installation   *  Adaptec 7800 Manager Set, a series of software drivers for Windows      NT, Windows 95, OS/2 2.X and 3.X, NetWare 3.X and 4.X SCO UNIX 3.2X      and UnixWare 1.X and 2.X   *  SCSI application utilities: SCSI Tape Backup(tm), QuickScan, CD Player,      Photo CD Viewer, Advanced Power Management, SCSI Interrogator, SCSI      Disk Partitioner, SCSITutor(tm) and SCSI Bench   *  Two SCSI cables and user documentationThe PCI Ultra Wide SCSI Master kit is available immediately and has asuggested retail price of $375. OEMs and large systems integrator discountsfor the AHA-2940 Ultra Wide are available.



Adaptec, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADPT) designs, manufactures and markets IOware(r)solutions to eliminate performance bottlenecks between microcomputers,networks, and peripherals. Solutions range from simple connectivityproducts for single-user and small-office desktops, to intelligentsubsystem, high-performance SCSI, RAID and ATM products for enterprise-widecomputing and networked environments. Adaptec I/O solutions areincorporated into the products of virtually all the major computer andperipheral manufacturers around the world.Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Milpitas, Calif., Adaptec is arecognized market leader in high-performance I/O technology. Adapteccurrently employs approximately 1,800 people, and with its globaldistribution network, serves customers worldwide. Adaptec's World Wide Webhome page address is http://www.adaptec.com.Adaptec, IOware, AHA, SCSI Master(tm), EZ-SCSI(tm), SCSI Tape Backup(tm), SCSITutor(tm)and SCSISelect are trademarks of Adaptec, Inc., which may be registered insome jurisdictions. All other trademarks used are owned by their respectiveowners.



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