HP and EST Announce Certified Linux Compatibility for HP SureStore DDS and DLT Tape Backup Systems

HP DAT Drives are First DDS Systems Certified as Linux Compliant; HP Broadens Operating System Support for Entry-level and Midrange Tape Backup Solutions

Palo Alto, Calif., and Phoenix, Feb. 2, 2000

Hewlett-Packard Company and Enhanced Software Technologies, Inc. (EST) today announced that HP's SureStore DAT/DDS and DLT tape drives are now certified to run under the Linux operating system. As a result, IT professionals can deploy HP SureStore tape backup solutions with confidence of full Linux compatibility.

EST is the sponsor and administrator of the Linux Tape Device Certification Program. HP's SureStore DAT drives are the first DDS systems certified by EST to run under Linux.

"Validation of compatibility with the Linux operating system by EST, a recognized leader in the Linux community, is further evidence of the broad operating system and ISV support provided by the SureStore DAT and DLT product ranges," said Jack Trautman, general manager of HP Computer Peripherals Bristol.

Key HP SureStore Differentiators

• One-Button Disaster Recovery (OBDR) -- A single button on the tape housing activates software that automatically restores the operating system, configurations, applications, drivers and data files -- significantly reducing the time and difficulty required to restore a server or desktop system after a data-destroying disaster. OBDR is a standard across all HP DAT products and is supported by EST's Crash Recovery Utility (CRU) software, which is bundled free with the shipping version of EST's Backup and Recovery Utility (BRU).

• Complete "in-the-box" solution -- HP provides all necessary tape backup components required to successfully configure, operate and support a tape drive. Everything required to get started is in the product box, including a drive, media, cabling, configuration and diagnostic utilities, backup and recovery software, and user documentation.

About the Linux Tape Device Certification Program

Tape drive certification through the program entails the use of a static, open set of test procedures that are Linux distribution and application independent. This process ensures that the testing is not biased and that all devices are appraised on a level playing field.

"EST is providing a valuable service to the Linux community by creating the tape certification program," said Jon Hall, executive director of Linux International. "Their position as Linux backup expert gives them great insight in answering the question: What tape drives work with Linux? This is the program's benefit to Linux users."

Tape drive manufacturers are awarded the use of the Linux Compatible logo for each tape drive that is certified. The logo can be used on manufacturer's marketing materials and serves as a testament to their support of Linux.

"The acceptance of Linux is fostering a growing number of tape drive options to choose from," said Ted Cook, president and chief executive officer of EST. "The certification program is designed to provide information to support tape drive purchase decisions and highlight those drive manufacturers committed to the Linux movement."

As part of the certification program, EST maintains a site at http://www.linuxtapecert.org where the test results of the HP drives are posted. The test scripts are also available for download by end users to allow testing of their existing tape drives for Linux compatibility.

About Enhanced Software Technologies, Inc.

Enhanced Software Technologies, Inc., a privately held corporation based in Phoenix, Arizona, is known for both product excellence and outstanding customer support. EST is the developer of BRU[TM] Backup & Restore Utility, the #1 award winning backup solution for Linux systems. EST has been continuously developing BRU for the Unix market since 1985 and for Linux systems since 1994. EST is a corporate sponsor of Linux International, the Linux Professional Institute (LPI), and is the sponsor of the Linux Tape Drive Certification Program (www.linuxtapecert.org). EST also produces QuickStart Data Rescue[tm], the PC crash recovery utility that supports most x86 PC operating systems. Contact EST at PH: (800) 998.8649 or (602) 470.1115, FAX: (602) 470.1116, E-mail: info@estinc.com, or on the Web at: http://www.estinc.com.

About HP

Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services for business and home -- is focused on capitalizing on the opportunities of the Internet and the proliferation of electronic services.

HP plans to launch Agilent Technologies as an independent company by mid-calendar 2000. Agilent consists of HP's test and measurement, semiconductor products, chemical analysis and healthcare solutions businesses, and has leading positions in multiple market segments.

HP has 83,200 employees worldwide and had total revenue from continuing operations of $42.4 billion in its 1999 fiscal year. Information about HP, its products and the company's Year 2000 program can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.

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