MDI INTRODUCES CD-EXPRESS CONNECT ADVANCED MINI CD-ROM SERVER

WINTER PARK, FL - May 15, 1996 - Micro Design International Inc. announces
an advanced LAN attach CD-ROM server, the CD-Express Connect. This new
solution acts as a mini CD-ROM server that offers simplified network
sharing of CD-ROM data without drawing resources from existing servers.
The CD-Express Connect can be installed anywhere on an Ethernet LAN in
seconds and automatically configures itself as a NetWare or Network File
System (NFS) server, with no other dedicated servers, special drives or
administrative setup required. MDI's CD-Express Connect is available in a
seven-high CD-ROM tower or as an upgrade device for existing MDI CD-ROM
drives. This is an ideal solution for departmental use, small networks and
workgroups.

INDEPENDENT MINI CD-ROM SERVER

The CD-Express Connect acts independently from existing servers. The CDs
are read directly from the CD-Express Connect system versus routing
requests to the server and then to the drives. By having direct access,
the need for system resources is eliminated and initial access time is
faster. This independence from the server acts as a safeguard in that
should the file server go down,the user's access to the CDs is still
maintained. In addition, there is no need for additional software on the
client workstations in order to access the CDs.

USER ACCESS

MDI's CD-Express Connect is available for all Ethernet environments
employing IPX and TCP/IP protocols. Network users have transparent access
to the system through NetWare, NFS and even Web browsers. To the NetWare
user, CD-Express Connect appears as a NetWare file server. CD-ROM drives
and titles are accessed as standard NetWare volumes. NFS users see
CD-Express Connect as a remote UNIX server with its file systems exported.
Users simply attach to the root to access CD-ROM data under UNIX.

ADMINISTRATION EASE

MDI offers a truly simplified solution where installation and setup
procedures are minimized and familiar commands are used. The installation
is a two step process of simply plugging in two connections, making this a
true plug and play solution. This installation implements the automatic
configuring of the CD-Express Connect, such as automatic mount and
dismount features where CD-ROMs are automatically mounted upon insertion
and dismounted when ejected. The drives and CD titles are automatically
listed, and volumes are transparently created upon attaching the system to
the network. Since most of the setup is accomplished by simply plugging
the system in, the administration role is minimal.

The CD-Express Connect can be configured beyond its default plug-and-play
settings through familiar administrative tools. Administrators can map the
CD-ROMs as individual volumes or the entire system can be mapped as a
single volume. Administrators can create user lists, assign security,
assign a network address, facilitate license management and set unit
information all through MDI's specially designed Express Admin software
for Windows 3.1X. Parameters can also be set through a Web browser,
through a serial or telnet console shell. All security restrictions are
stored in CD-Express Connect's flash memory and are instantly retrieved
upon re-insertion of a CD-ROM.

CD EXPRESS CONFIGURATIONS

The CD-Express Connect is available as a stand-alone module to connect up
to seven MDI CD-ROMs to the network, or as a complete mini server that
houses seven CD-ROM drives. Both solutions include MDI's Express Admin
software for administering the CDs. MDI offers an optional locking
Plexiglas tower door for those requiring additional security. The
stand-alone module is housed in a half high enclosure and has a $995 list
price. The CD-Express Connect mini server, complete with a seven drive
tower, is priced at $3,895. Shipping of the CD-Express Connect products
will begin by May 31, 1996.

"MDI has been the leader in the file server based CD-ROM solutions for
several years, and the CD-Express Connect expands our offerings on a
simplified scale. This solution is ideal for departmental needs and
industries such as Graphic Design, Legal, Medical, Insurance, and Finance.
We are excited to bring our expertise into this realm of CD-ROM
technology," states MDI's President, Geoff Legat.

Micro Design International Inc. is dedicated to providing leading
technology storage solutions that overcome system and hardware
limitations, and designs products based on flexibility and simplicity for
today's rapidly changing marketplace. MDI's SCSI ExpressR storage
solutions include CD-ROM, DAT, multifunction, rewritable, WORM, and
optical jukebox. MDI's software solutions are available for NetWare,
Windows NT, OS/2, Macintosh, DOS and UNIX. Micro Design has achieved
several recent product awards in NETWORK COMPUTING, COMPUTER RESELLER NEWS
and PC LAN.
 
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