Note: This letter was sent out to registered StorageExpress™ system customers December 1996. This document is provided for historical reference purposes only.

Dear StorageExpress System Customer:

We are writing to inform you of three developments for the StorageExpress™ system product line. First, Intel is introducing a new version of the StorageExpress software. Second, with this upgrade transition complete, Intel will no longer be offering StorageExpress systems for sale after March 21, 1997. Finally, we will protect your StorageExpress II system hardware investment by extending customer support and repair service capabilities until December 31, 1999.

Intel is committed to protecting your investment in your StorageExpress server products. Providing for continued success in your data protection strategy is our primary goal. We will do this by transitioning you from the current version 1.60 StorageExpress software solution to the StorageExpress system v2.0 which is based on Cheyenne's ARCServe* 6 software (for NetWare* LANs), the leading data protection software. Server attached backup solutions based on Cheyenne's ARCserve 6 software have emerged as the preferred choice in data protection solutions. This strategy will allow you to continue to grow your data protection solutions with Cheyenne.

SPECIAL PRICING

• As a registered user of StorageExpress II system products, we are sure that you will want to take advantage of this upgrade opportunity. The new version 2.0 StorageExpress software upgrades will be available starting December 16 and can be purchased as order code SMSARCSUPK for $750 each direct from Intel. This version 2.0 software upgrade kit will need to be ordered for each StorageExpress II system to be upgraded. Enclosed is an order form with instructions to purchase the new version 2.0 software upgrade.

• StorageExpress™ system owners who purchased a new StorageExpress II XLD, XLE systems, or who upgraded from a StorageExpress I to a StorageExpress II system between 1/6/96 and 12/31/96, are eligible to receive a free version 2.0 software upgrade by submitting a photocopy of proof of purchase along with the completed free upgrade form.

• Registered users of Storage Express I can upgrade to the new version 2.0 StorageExpress II systems which will also be available starting December 16 and can be purchased through your local reseller at our continued low sale prices.

NEW FEATURES IN V2.0

• Version 2.0 release includes Cheyenne's award winning ARCserve 6 software for NetWare.

• The industry-leading backup application software with proven Intel hardware and support.

• A single management console for heterogeneous environments with both wire-based StorageExpress™ 2.0 systems and server-based ARCserve 6 software backup systems.

• A fully integrated and dedicated backup solution with a single point of contact for hardware and software support issues.

• Reliable and easy to use ARCserve 6 software including enhanced management, maintenance, and support features such as:
  • Enhanced job scheduling with calendar view - this function lets you view an online calendar when scheduling backup jobs.
  • SNMP messaging and alerts - administrators can set Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) parameters that send transaction error messages to network management programs outside the StorageExpress system environment.
  • Pre-flight check before starting a backup - this ARCserve 6 software module checks for required NetWare Loadable Modules (NLM), versions, memory requirements, and other configuration parameters before starting a backup.
  • System Independent Data Format (SIDF) tape support - administrators can restore files from SIDF tapes created on different backup systems.
  • User initiated backup and restore - this function lets administrators create user profiles that allow users to view backup sources, use backup options, and perform certain types of device management.
  • Scheduled tape cleaning - allows for preset intervals for cleaning cycles.
  • Server prioritization - allows for defining priority order when backing up multiple servers in a single job.
  • Error Wizard - double clicking on messages displays detailed descriptions of errors and warnings.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

StorageExpress™ Version 2.0 Hardware Requirements
The new version 2.0 StorageExpress software release will require 32 Mbytes of memory in the StorageExpress II systems to run properly. Existing StorageExpress II systems customers wanting to run version 2.0 software may need to install additional memory. Information about installing the correct memory is specified in the document, Compatible SIMMs & Install for Memory Upgrade, which can be obtained from Intel's automated support service (+44 (0) 1793 432 509).

Existing customers using StorageExpress I systems will need to upgrade to StorageExpress II systems in order to run the new version 2.0 software. Please refer to Intel product code LDS2400 (which is available through your StorageExpress reseller) for a great StorageExpress I system to StorageExpress II system (drive-less) upgrade for an aggressive price, with version 2.0 included! Offer good while supplies last, so act soon.

Key Events and Dates

12/16/96	-	StorageExpress version 2.0 software upgrades and systems available.
3/21/97	-	last day to place an order for StorageExpress system products.
6/21/97	-	last day of shipment for all StorageExpress system products.
6/21/97	-	last day of support for v1.53B.E. Software
5/31/98	-	last day of service and support for StorageExpress I system products.
5/31/98	-	last day of support for v1.6 A.E. software
12/31/99	-	last day of service and support for all StorageExpress system products.

Intel is committed to protecting your investment in StorageExpress products. We thank you for your patronage and patience during this transition period.

Sincerely,

The StorageExpress System Team

This applies to:

StorageExpress™ Systems