Percept Technology Labs Introduces ISV and Interoperability Services

For immediate release

Percept Technology Labs Introduces ISV Testing and Verification Services

Data Storage Companies Can Streamline ISV Certification Process For New Storage Device Introductions

StorageWorld Conference 2002, San Jose, CA, — August 20, 2002 - Addressing the complex testing and compliance certification requirements for data storage devices, Percept Technology Labs (Boulder, CO) today introduced its newest offering - ISV Certification. As data storage firms introduce new or enhanced storage devices, their customers demand that these products are compatible with leading Independent Software Vendor (ISV) backup packages. However, testing, verifying, documenting and obtaining ISV certification is a cumbersome process, which can potentially delay a product introduction or delivery to an OEM partner. Percept offers a streamlined, cost-effective approach to fully test, verify, optimize, document and obtain final certification of data storage devices for use with major ISV packages and Operating Systems.

Founded in 1996, Percept Technology Labs offers complete product testing services for data storage firms introducing new or improved products into the marketplace. Percept's full spectrum of offerings includes Compliance Certification, Design Verification, Competitive Analysis, Reliability Testing, and now, ISV Certification to fully test and prove product capabilities and performance in an independent, state-of-the-art lab testing facility.

In-depth knowledge and extensive experience with all types of data storage devices enables Percept's testing experts to identify and solve critical problems early in the development process. This saves companies time, money and crucial engineering resources, which keeps product introductions on time and within budget. Percept's Compliance and Certification expertise takes the headaches out of securing Regulatory and ISV Certifications for data storage products. According to Brian Cleveland, Percept Founder and CEO, "Over the years we have developed an effective testing methodology for data storage devices. We are able to run these devices through the full range of testing needed - from initial engineering concept through final certifications - quickly and objectively. As Independent Software Vendor backup packages become more widely used, data storage firms are finding it essential to test and certify their products for use with these software packages. Not only does Percept streamline the process of obtaining certifications, we also optimize data storage device performance for use with the most popular ISV packages and Operating Systems. This enables companies to bring their products to market quickly and confidently, knowing they will perform for their customers as expected."

Benchmark Storage Innovations, Inc., the source for unique storage innovations that manage and protect customer data, has used the full spectrum of Percept testing services, including ISV Certification. According to John Herron, Benchmark's executive vice president of engineering, "We've teamed with Percept over the years on many product testing projects. Most recently, we've worked with Percept to certify ValuSmart 640 Blade on Legato NetWorker 6.2 for both Windows and Linux platforms. Leveraging Percept's testing expertise has freed us to focus our resources on our core competencies - engineering, marketing, and operations - to bring innovative tape storage solutions to market."

The following major ISV Certifications are provided by Percept. For information on these or others available, contact Percept at 303-444-7480 or www.percept.com.

Major ISV Certifications (others available as well)

ISV Application Windows** Linux Solaris NetWare
CA BrightStor ARCserve Yes Yes N/A Yes
CA BrightStor Enterprise Backup Yes N/A Yes N/A
Legato NetWorker Yes Yes Yes N/A
HP Omniback II Yes Yes Yes Yes
Veritas Backup Exec & NetBackup * * * *
*ISV pre-certification available
**WHQL pre-certification available

About Percept Technology Labs

A premiere provider of product testing and project management services since 1996, Percept Technology Labs offers complete product testing services for technology firms introducing products into the marketplace. The full spectrum of offerings includes Compliance Certification, Design Verification Testing, Competitive Analysis, Reliability Testing, and ISV Certification. Percept's experts fully test and prove product capabilities and performance in an independent, state-of-the-art lab located in Boulder, Colorado. As an alternative to in-house testing processes, Percept's technical expertise, comprehensive offerings and skillful project management deliver proven, objective results that enable clients to launch products with confidence. To discover more about Percept's ISV Certification and our other product test and compliance expertise, call (303) 444-7480 or visit our Web site at www.percept.com.

About Benchmark

Founded in May 1998, Benchmark Storage Innovations, Inc. is dedicated to developing storage solutions that feature new levels of scalability in industry-standard DLT technology. Enhancing a proven design, Benchmark's products deliver exceptional reliability and winning price/performance. Benchmark offers innovative products and services by delivering proven storage management solutions in the e-business marketplace. For more information, contact the company at (720) 406-5111 or access Benchmark's web site at www.4Benchmark.com.

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