OSTA GROWTH FURTHER UNIFIES OPTICAL STORAGE INDUSTRY

Membership of Optical Storage Technology Association Surges, Representing Over 80% of Worldwide Optical Storage Product Shipments

Santa Barbara, Calif., June 9, 1997 - The Optical Storage Technology Association (OSTA) today announced its membership has exceeded 60 companies with the recent addition of Microsoft. The organization now comprises 15 full members and 46 associate members, representing over 80 percent of worldwide writable optical storage product shipments. Since its inception in 1992, OSTA has brought together manufacturers of optical storage devices, media and software for the purpose of identifying and resolving technical issues, clarifying standards, assuring compatibility of products, and promoting the use of optical storage technology. The organization's ultimate goal is to assure long-term viability of optical storage solutions.

"Our membership growth continues because OSTA's value is clear," said Ray Freeman, Facilitator of OSTA. "OSTA's collaborative forum gives every member and associate input into the future of optical storage. Standards agreed to within OSTA later translate directly into end-user benefits, helping retain critical data and significant investments in equipment. Providing that kind of security for their customers greatly benefits OSTA members in the long term."

Full members of OSTA serve on the organization's board of directors and receive voting privileges on all optical standards documents developed by OSTA. Full members also influence strategy and policy for the industry, define the platform for industry growth and approve migration paths, among many other benefits and duties. Associates participate as members of most OSTA committees and benefit from the information exchange with other OSTA members and Associates. Associate members also gain critical insight into the direction of the writable optical storage industry.

Among OSTA's most recent accomplishments is the consolidation of the CD-UDF (Compact Disc-Universal Disk Format) specifications into OSTA's Universal Disk Format (UDF). The UDF specification defines the standard file system for DVD, providing playback compatibility between DVD players and computer-based DVD devices. Additionally, OSTA publishes migration paths that plot expected future developments for CD, DVD, magneto-optical, and phase change product classes.

OSTA has also recently revised its Universal Disk Format with expanded functionality for WindowsO 95 and Windows NTr. Details on the latest revision, UDF 1.5, can be found on the OSTA Web site. OSTA is currently working to finalize the MultiRead specification, which will lead to widespread read compatibility of CD technology discs on CD and DVD class drives. A listing of OSTA members and associates follows this document and is also available on the OSTA World Wide Web site. Links to most OSTA member and associate companies are also located on the OSTA Web site.

OSTA Background

The Optical Storage Technology Association (OSTA) was incorporated as an international trade association in 1992 to promote the use of writable optical technologies and products for storage of computer data. The organization's membership includes optical product manufacturers and resellers from three continents, representing more than 80 percent of worldwide writable optical product shipments. OSTA works to shape the future of the industry through regular meetings of CD-writable, file interchange, magneto-optical, market development, and planning committees. Interested companies worldwide are invited to join the organization and participate in its programs by contacting an OSTA representative at 805/963-3853 or by addressing its Web site at http://www.osta.org.

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