SANTA ANA, Calif., Nov. 15, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- SimpleTech, Inc. (Nasdaq:STEC), a designer, manufacturer and marketer of custom and open-standard memory and storage solutions, today announced an extension to its SimpleDrive storage product line with the introduction of SimpleShare, a product designed to meet the evolving demands of customers who need enhanced storage capabilities. SimpleShare is designed to provide robust storage capabilities for the increasing amounts of precious data that consumers use. SimpleShare is an easy-to-use, affordable network attached storage (NAS) device which provides central storage and network file sharing over a local area network (LAN) for small office/home office (SOHO) users for less than $500.
Ideal for small offices and home offices, SimpleShare allows multiple users to instantly store and access large amounts of data, such as business documents, digital photos, video and MP3 collections from any system on the local network. According to research firm IDC, the SOHO storage market is expected to increase from approximately $800 million in 2005 to $7 billion by 2008.
"Home users and small businesses demand a high capacity storage solution that is reliable, easy-to-use and sharable across all platforms. SimpleShare is designed to meet their storage needs, as well as budget requirements," said Vahid Ordoubadian, general manager of mass storage products at SimpleTech. "SimpleShare allows users to quickly and easily share and access up to 250GB of data with co-workers or family members through any PC or Mac computer on a local network."
Features
SimpleTech created this easy-to-use, feature-rich product through the combination of world-class components. SimpleShare is the first product based on the Broadcom BCM4780 NAS On-a-Chip (NASoC) solution.
SimpleShare's innovative auto-discovery feature provides quick, plug-and-play installation. SimpleShare is easy to set up and requires no device drivers or network experience to install or use. Users can utilize any web browser to access files and folders.
SimpleShare includes two USB 2.0 ports, providing the option for further storage expansion and back-up by allowing additional external hard drives to be added. This feature provides users the ability to scale to capacities greater than one terabyte.
SimpleShare provides advanced printer sharing functionality with its built-in print server, offering the performance of an expensive file and print server at a fraction of the cost.
SimpleTech's NASFinder software provides advanced functionality with automatic drive mapping and configuration for the easiest possible setup and configuration on Windows(tm) platforms.
"Traditional networked storage solutions have been complex and expensive, and we designed the highly integrated BCM4780 NASoC solution to break down both of those barriers," said David Murray, director of business development for Broadcom's NASoC Line of Business. "SimpleTech has built on our solution to create a product that is a delight to install and use."
Pricing and Availability
Scheduled to ship in January 2005, SimpleShare is available in capacities of 160GB and 250GB with a manufacturers suggested price of $399 and $499, respectively. SimpleTech's distribution partners include D & H, Ingram Micro and Tech Data.
About SimpleTech
SimpleTech, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets custom and open-standard memory and storage solutions.
With headquarters in Santa Ana, California, the company offers a comprehensive line of more than 2,500 products and specializes in developing high performance and high-density memory modules, memory cards and storage products. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.simpletech.com.
Safe Harbor
This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, statements concerning the performance of SimpleTech's SimpleShare product and NASFinder software. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted. Important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements are detailed under "Risk Factors" in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission made from time to time by SimpleTech, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and its current reports on Form 8-K. Other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include the following risks: SimpleShare and or NASFinder software may not perform in the manner anticipated, customer demand for such products may not grow as projected and new technological advancements in the field might produce more competitive products. Also the price range and availability dates stated herein might change due to supply and demand or other unforeseen events. Finally, the research conducted by IDC and the growth expected might not materialize in the market. SimpleTech undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
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