Initio will demonstrate the iConn adapter for the first time at the Macworld Conference and Expo, booth #3253, Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco, January 9-12.

An IEEE 1394.a-compliant external device measuring just 2.5"(W)x2.75"(L)x.75"(H), the iConn adapter features one 50-pin UltraSCSI connector and two FireWire ports, allowing IT professionals to mix and match SCSI and FireWire peripherals. The iConn adapter, therefore, extends the capabilities of readily available and widely deployed SCSI storage devices: disk, removable media optical, CD-ROM and CD-RW drives -- all without the need for cumbersome, distance-limited SCSI cables. These peripherals can be "daisy-chained" just as they are when connected to a computer's SCSI port; FireWire peripherals can be daisy-chained, as well. Using the 6-pin FireWire ports on Windows and Macintosh PowerBook® 2000, PowerMac® G3/G4, PowerMac Cube, iMac® DV and iBook® DV for these drives, the computers' overall performance improves, allowing the SCSI peripherals to realize more of their rated 20MB/sec speeds.

Commitment to FireWire Movement

The Initio iConn adapter is the second advanced FireWire solution Initio has introduced recently. The company in December debuted the INIC-1420, Initio's first fully functional link controller to provide the FireWire interface to UDMA 66 and ATAPI peripheral designs.

"There are literally tens of millions of SCSI drives in use today, with some of the most advanced features in storage technology -- all of whose performance and connectivity can be enhanced through the FireWire interface," said Eric Wilson, director of business development at Initio Corp. "With the iConn adapter, Initio is demonstrating its commitment to the FireWire movement and to providing a practical way for IT professionals to maximize their investments in peripherals and their FireWire-equipped computer systems."

Features, Connectivity Options

The Initio iConn adapter includes an array of features and connectivity options:

• Plugs into high-density 50-pin SCSI connector – no SCSI cable required
• Plug-and-play play -- required drivers already pre-installed in the Windows (95, 98, 2000) and Macintosh (MacOS 9.0.4 or later) operating systems
• IEEE 1394.a compliant
• Works as a FireWire repeater alone (requires AC power adapter)
• Supports high-speed, high-performance UltraSCSI, with up to 20 MB/sec data transfer
• Supports synchronized transfer, disconnection/reconnection
• Includes active UltraSCSI terminator
• Supports SBP2 ORB/CDB command set
• Full compatibility with Windows 98SE, 2000 and IEEE1394 SBP2 drivers
• compatible with Adaptec® Toast Deluxe 4.1.1 or later

Availability and Pricing

The Initio iConn FireWire-to-SCSI adapter will be available at a suggested retail price of $99.99 through leading U.S. distributors and directly from Initio Corp. in Q1'01. Contact Initio Corp. at 408.577.1919 or 800.99INITIO (800.994-6486).

Initio Corp. (www.initio.com) is a privately held maker of input/output solutions for the information-technology industry. Founded in 1994, Initio is based in San Jose, Calif.

Initio and iConn are trademarks of Initio Corporation, which may be registered in some jurisdictions. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

Editorial contact:
Jerry Steach
CommonGround Communications (for Initio Corp.)
650.967.3071
jsteach@pacbell.net