ADAPTEC LICENSES APPLE COMPUTER'S FIREWIRE (IEEE 1394) TECHNOLOGY

Adaptec Will Promote High-speed Serial Bus Interface for Desktop Computers

MILPITAS, Calif.--May 1, 1995--Adaptec (NASDAQ:ADPT), the industry leader
in input/output (I/O) technology, announced today a licensing agreement
with Apple Computer, Inc. The agreement will enable Adaptec to use Apple's
FireWire technology to develop products capable of interfacing with a new
class of peripherals. FireWire makes this possible by providing a
high-speed serial bus with isochronous data transfer rates up to 400Mbps.
In addition, FireWire offers a common easy connection to both consumer
electronic peripherals such as digital VCRs and video cameras, and
traditional computer peripherals such as optical drives and hard disk
drives.

As a FireWire licensee, Adaptec will use Apple's FireWire technology as a
basis for future 1394 products. Adaptec supports the emerging Institute of
Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 1394 standard as the optimal
high-performance serial I/O solution for the desktop. Apple's FireWire
technology is compatible with the IEEE 1394 standard.

"We welcome Adaptec's participation in making FireWire a key enabler for
entertainment and new media. We are very happy to be working with Adaptec
on this important program," said Satjiv Chahil, vice president of New
Media & Entertainment for Apple Computer, Inc.

Today's multimedia applications require real-time data transfer which can
only be achieved through a dramatic increase in bus bandwidth and
isochronous mode communications. Most existing solutions fail to meet
these requirements because they are not designed for high-speed data
transfer and operate asynchronously. FireWire, in contrast, provides
isochronous service that guarantees latency while providing the bandwidth
needed for imaging, video and other streaming data.

FireWire also supports up to 63 devices on a single bus, making it the
ideal interconnect for multimedia applications. With FireWire, connecting
to a device is as easy as plugging in a telephone jack. In addition,
FireWire provides users with the ability to "hot plug" devices. "Hot
plugging" allows users to instantly connect devices without first turning
off their PC.

"Adaptec's leadership in developing I/O solutions and its strength in
distribution make the company a strong addition to the list of FireWire
licensees," said Jonathan Zar, manager of New Business Development for
Apple Computer, Inc. "FireWire is the essence of personal I/O for the next
century--fast, real-time, inexpensive and an open standard. Adaptec's
implementation of FireWire is expected to make the standard more widely
available on PCs in the future, giving peripheral developers an assurance
of ports for connectivity to every platform."

"Adaptec licensed FireWire because we believe that desktops will require
new levels of performance and ease of use as they become more consumer
oriented," said S. Sundaresh, vice president and general manager of
Adaptec's Personal I/O business unit. "By using Apple's FireWire
technology and Adaptec's expertise in I/O, we will develop cross-platform
products that will redefine and expand computing possibilities on the
desktop."

Adaptec, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADPT), designs, manufactures and markets IOware
solutions to eliminate performance bottlenecks between microcomputers,
networks, and peripherals. Solutions range from simple connectivity
products for single-user and small-office desktops, to intelligent
subsystem, high-performance SCSI, RAID and ATM products for
enterprise-wide computing and networked environments. Adaptec I/O
solutions are incorporated into the products of virtually all the major
computer and peripheral manufacturers around the world.
Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Milpitas, Calif., Adaptec is a
recognized market leader in high-performance I/O technology. Adaptec
currently employs approximately 1,800 people, and with its global
distribution network, serves customers worldwide.

Adaptec
691 South Milpitas, Blvd
Milpitas, CA 95035
408-945-8600,  fax 408-262-2533

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