For immediate release

Boulder, CO, - November 9, 2004 - Percept Technology Labs, an established, independent test lab specializing in technology testing, and Denver-based Evaluator Group, an internationally recognized computer industry analysis organization focused on storage systems, today announced an alliance to deliver in-depth technical and market evaluations for storage products.

Working together, Percept and Evaluator Group are able to deliver an unparalleled combination of quantifiable performance and functionality data -- resulting from Percept's in-depth technical testing and reporting -- and a comprehensive and objective analysis in the context of the specific market and technology niche, as provided by Evaluator Group's extensive competitive information and analysis of the storage space. Percept does the hands-on testing and quantifies the results, and Evaluator Group provides the "big picture" scenario of how the findings fit into the overall storage marketplace.

Customized to meet the specific needs of each client, the testing performed in Percept's labs can include a full range of test scenarios, ranging from single product performance verification through full-scale competitive evaluation of multiple products.

According to Brian Cleveland, founder and president of Percept, "We are pleased to partner with Evaluator Group to offer a comprehensive package of in-depth testing and analysis of storage products. Independent validation in Percept's test labs provides accurate and unbiased data to storage vendors, enabling them to differentiate their products and prove their market strengths, giving them an edge in the highly competitive storage marketplace. For clients who want further insights into the storage industry and how their product fits in, more in-depth analysis is available. Together with Evaluator Group, we offer a complete picture of storage product performance, functionality and fit within the market."

Randy Kerns, senior partner specializing in networking and connectivity technologies at Evaluator Group adds, "Evaluator Group is committed to providing comprehensive and objective analysis of storage systems and storage-related issues to vendors and users. However, since we are not a technical test lab, when some of our clients asked if we offered hands-on testing capabilities, we turned to a trusted resource -- Percept Technology Labs - to provide the testing they need. It's a good fit - Percept does the real world testing and we provide the detailed product and market analysis. Our clients get a complete and comprehensive evaluation and analysis that helps them meet their engineering and marketing objectives."

About Evaluator Group

As a leading independent analyst organization, Evaluator Group, Inc. focuses exclusively on the storage industry - both hardware and software. Pulling from an average of 30 years experience in the storage industry each, Evaluator's principles offer a depth and breath of knowledge and expertise by providing services ranging from detailed comparative product analyses to the latest on overall industry trends and directions. An international client base consists of vendors, integrators, other analyst firms, end-users and other information technology storage specialists.

Evaluator offerings include Advanced Education for Storage Professionals classes; a monthly newsletter addressing the very latest developments in the storage industry; customized consulting services; speaking engagements at prominent industry trade shows and events; and The Evaluator Series/On Line (ES/OL) Knowledgebase - the premiere tool for researching storage products and companies.

For more information about Evaluator Group, please visit www.evaluatorgroup.com.

About Percept Technology Labs

Percept Technology Labs is an established, independent product test and certification services company, with a proven track record of helping customers test and improve products since 1996. Percept specializes in technology products - providing complete test services and expertise for today's complex offerings.

Percept's experts customize a test plan for each client's specific needs; fully testing and proving product capabilities and performance in an independent, state-of-the-art lab located in Boulder, Colorado. As an alternative to in-house testing, Percept's specialized technology testing expertise, in-depth experience and absolute commitment to customer care empower the Percept team to deliver proven, objective results that enable clients to launch products with confidence. To learn more about Percept's full line of Product Testing, Competitive Analysis, Compliance Certification and Reliability Services, visit www.percept.com or call (303) 444-7480.

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