Seagate and Windows Rally Page: 1

Seagate prototype featured in Microsoft demo of Windows Rally

Note - For the purpose of this Press Release: * Windows Rally technologies are a set of networking technologies designed to make the configuration of wireless networks secure and effortless for consumers. * Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates demonstrated that by incorporating the core Windows Rally technologies into a prototype Maxtor Shared Storage II, Seagate will make the everyday configuration, diagnosis, and backup interaction of network devices for consumers easier than ever.

Further demonstrating its leadership in the development and implementation of new storage management technologies, Seagate Technology (NYSE:STX) teamed up with Microsoft today at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) in showcasing Windows Rally technologies by setting up six network devices in six minutes. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates demonstrated that by incorporating the core Windows Rally technologies into a prototype Maxtor Shared Storage II, Seagate will make the everyday configuration, diagnosis, and backup interaction of network devices for consumers easier than ever.

The prototype 1TB Maxtor Shared Storage II utilizes the core Link Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD) and PnP-X technologies of Windows Rally and other features such as appearing in the Windows Vista Network Map. This tool provides users with great diagnostic information about the connectivity of the device and where it fits in the home network. Additionally, the prototype solution uses Plug and Play Extensions (PnP-X) to allow for an effortless setup experience because the prototype Maxtor Shared Storage II is discovered for the user as an installable device. The familiar plug and play experience immediately creates a mounted folder for users to access without ever having to know device IP configuration or opening a web browser.

The Maxtor Shared Storage II network solution also uses Web Services to provide device status information to a Windows Vista Sidebar Gadget so consumers can quickly see how much of the drive is still available and the status of backups performed. Seagate will be able to simplify setting up network attached storage in the home or work by enabling effortless setup, secure and reliable connectivity between consumers' digital media devices and PCs, and a rich end-user experience.

"Combining our Maxtor Shared Storage II with Windows Rally technologies illustrates Seagate's commitment to developing leading edge storage management solutions," said Jim Druckrey, senior vice president and general manager, Seagate Branded Solutions. "Whether consumers are looking for an easy-to-use network storage solution or a simple and reliable direct-attached backup solution, they are benefiting from years of engineering innovation and market-leading features to help manage the increasing consumption and creation of user-generated digital content."

Windows Rally technologies are a set of networking technologies designed to make the configuration of wireless networks secure and effortless for consumers. Additionally, Windows Rally technologies enable link-layer topology discovery to automatically detect devices on the network, determine how devices are interconnected, provide quality of service for in-home audio/video streaming, and represent the network in graphic form. The ability to visualize home networks is designed to help users identify connectivity issues that need corrective action.

"Utilising Microsoft technology, Seagate is providing consumers solutions that make the setup and configuration of complicated digital media devices as simple and hassle-free as turning on your TV," said Jim Barber, senior program manager of the Windows Rally division at Microsoft Corp. "Seagate's implementation of the Windows Rally technologies helps ensure consumers have the best possible user experience with Windows Vista."

WinHEC is the only Microsoft conference that focuses on designing PCs, servers, and devices that run and interface with Microsoft Windows. Now in its 16th year, this event brings industry professionals together each year to collaborate with Microsoft in driving future engineering and business directions for PC and device hardware.

Discuss in our forum