STORAGE

Companies Join Forces on Current and Future Tape Cartridges and Investigation of New Technologies for Sun StorageTek Tape Libraries -- Sun Microsystems and Imation Corp today announced a Strategic Agreement related to current and future storage products. Highlights of the agreement include the following: * Sun and Imation will work toward the development and launch of an extension to the existing Sun StorageTek T9840 drive platform. * Imation becomes an approved supplier to Sun StorageTek for branded LTO-2 and LTO-3 tape cartridges. * Sun and Imation will investigate alternative recording media technologies, including Imation's Ulysses technology, for potential future integration into Sun's automated tape library product line. "Sun is pleased to work with Imation which has a long history of technology development and innovation in removable storage media and is a recognized industry leader," said Nigel Dessau, VP/GM Tape Business Unit -- Data Management Group, Sun Microsystems. "Together, we are committed to delivering storage products that meet the evolving needs of our customers." "Imation is very pleased to announce this collaboration with Sun Microsystems as an important step in our evolving relationship. We have a long history of working with StorageTek, now a subsidiary of Sun, in the development of advanced tape cartridges and we are committed to continue that history of cooperation for the benefit of both companies and our mutual customers," said Frank Russomanno, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Imation. Additional information about product development and launch will be released when specific products are announced.