Seagate introduces new technology for data protection: new 3D Defense System includes revolutionary SeaShell feature

Unveiling a key feature of its new 3D Defense System, Seagate Technology has introduced SeaShell, a new packaging technology that can protect disc drives from over 1,000 Gs of shock, shield drives from electrostatic discharge (ESD), and reduce failure caused by handling damage by as much as 70%. SeaShell is designed to protect all personal and enterprise disc drives from the factory production line all the way through to product integration at the customer. It will decrease drive damage and returns, make drives easier to handle and transport during customers` integration processes, increase drive reliability, and result in significant cost savings to both Seagate and its customers.

Seagate`s 3D Defense System ensures customers get the high-quality, high-reliability disc drives they expect from Seagate. The system encompasses Drive defense, Data defense, and Diagnostic defense:

.         Advanced handling and ESD protection - prevents damage to sensitive electronics during installation

.         Installation aids - simplify and speed installation for end users, PC makers and system integrators

.         Shock protection - increases drive ruggedness and reliability to protect user information

.         Data integrity features - predict, identify and correct potential data errors before they occur

.         Diagnostic toolbox - helps user monitor performance and enables intelligent self diagnosis by the drive

The 3D Defense System helps make Seagate drives the toughest in the industry. The Company will continue to develop and implement new features as part of this unique data protection system - SeaShell is the latest innovation.

"The most valuable asset a company has is its information. By protecting Seagate drives during shipping and installation, we make them more reliable in the long term," says Martin Vine, senior sales manager for Seagate in South Africa. "The SeaShell is a revolutionary drive delivery system, replacing the ESD bag with a more protective, easier-to-use, 100% recyclable package. We expect that SeaShell will reduce returns due to handling damage by up to 70%. No other company in the industry is offering a solution like SeaShell, but due to the positive response our customers have provided, we expect other disc drive suppliers will adopt our solution or something similar."

Seagate`s exclusive new SeaShell limits a disc drive`s exposure to externally-applied shocks and stresses. Seagate estimates that handling damage from such shocks and stresses today accounts for nearly half of returned drives. By reducing this exposure, Seagate expects to significantly decrease the rate of returns for handling damage. Seagate is using SeaShell as an inexpensive, effective means to cut down on the number of returned drives.

SeaShell is a thermoformed, shock-ribbed, translucent package. It allows the customer to read labels, scan barcodes, load software, and move drives in warehouse or integration environments, all while leaving the drives in their protective packages and limiting exposure to damaging circumstances or ESD hazards. It has been tested and approved by leading OEMs including Acer, Compaq, and Hewlett-Packard. SeaShell has already begun protecting Seagate disc drives, providing a 10-fold reduction in the amount of shock transmitted to a drive during a 12-inch drop.

"SeaShell delivers one of the best possible ways to protect a drive during the shipping and handling process," said Homer Yu, Senior Director of Component and Reliability Engineering at Acer. "SeaShell drives handle extreme rates of shock and ESD, while demonstrating improved drive label readability and scanning through the clear casing. As an added benefit, with SeaShell, Seagate becomes the only drive supplier to use 100% recyclable packaging and shipping materials."

"No other storage company we`ve seen has a solution like SeaShell," said Theo Dirksen, Customer Assurance Manager of Hewlett-Packard`s Business Desktop Division. "By continuing to protect the drive after it is removed from the shipping box, SeaShell will help us reduce handling and potential ESD damage during the installation process. This solution should save us both time and money."

"Seagate has taken another revolutionary step to protect disc drives from damage during handling," said Tim Jeffries, vice president and general manager of the Storage and Components Division at Ingram Micro. "Resellers rely on Seagate`s continued innovations to improve disc drive reliability. Recent Seagate enhancements such as G-Force Protection, Drive Self Test, and the unique SeaShield PCB cover have become a benefit to resellers` ability to effectively serve their customers. With SeaShell, Seagate has again demonstrated its inventiveness and its commitment to providing the highest reliability."

"Seagate has received very positive customer feedback on SeaShell," said Seagate`s McLaughlin. "Completely recyclable and ergonomic, SeaShell brings a real potential for cost savings to our customers, who will experience fewer inconveniences and lower costs in drive returns. To date, none of the thousands of disc drives shipped with SeaShell have suffered any shipping damage."

Once a customer has installed the drive in a system, the empty SeaShell can be recycled, unlike an ESD bag, which must be thrown away. The introduction of SeaShell makes Seagate the first and only disc drive supplier using 100% recyclable shipping and packaging materials.

Seagate storage products with SeaStream technology are currently shipping to developers and are scheduled for widespread availability later in 1999. Seagate Technology storage products are available in South Africa from the company`s two distributors, SCSI Technology and Storgate.