AMHERST, N.Y. -February. 22, 2000- THOMSON Broadcast Systems Will Incorporate ATTO Ultra2 SCSI Dual Channel Host Adapter into Nextore Studio Server.

ATTO Technology, Inc., a worldwide manufacturer of SCSI and Fibre Channel storage connectivity solutions, announced today that THOMSON broadcast systems will integrate the ATTO ExpressPCI UL2D Ultra2 SCSI dual channel host bus adapter into its NT-based Nextore Studio Server.

THOMSON broadcast systems, a subsidiary of THOMSON multimedia, develops, manufactures and markets a variety of digital imaging and video broadcast equipment. The product alliance between the two companies is significant because it provides a competitive, end-to-end integrated video storage solution from a single vendor.

In video broadcast arenas, server interconnection is vital for user groups. Thomson's Nextore is a high-capacity, fully versatile video server, available in 2 and 4 channel configurations. The product features 36, 72 or 144 GB internal storage with SDI inputs and outputs. In production and broadcast applications, the Nextore server works as a viable recording and playback source. In post production applications, the server offers both linear and non-linear video editing applications.

The ATTO ExpressPCI UL2D will maximize user connectivity with the Nextore server by providing data transfer rates of up to 80 MB/sec. per channel - for a combined throughput of 160 MB/sec. The host adapter also features ATTO's proprietary Advanced Data Streaming (ADS(TM)) Technology, which allows for controlled acceleration of data transfers in order to move large amounts of data faster and more efficiently. Through ADS Technology, the ATTO ExpressPCI UL2D maximizes I/O performance while utilizing only about one-third of the system bandwidth of other host adapters. The combination of high levels of speed, efficiency and reliability will allow Nextore users to reap the benefits of a true SCSI connectivity solution.

"ATTO is pleased to partner with THOMSON broadcast systems to provide a high performance NT-based connectivity solution to meet the demanding requirements of the digital broadcast industry," said Mark Wolfson, ATTO's International Business Development Manager. "ATTO recognizes the innovations that THOMSON broadcast systems has made in digital video-based technologies. This partnership reinforces ATTO's dedication to the growing digital video industry. ATTO's Ultra2 SCSI dual channel host adapter is optimized for a variety of digital video applications and will enable Nextore users to enjoy a new level of storage and broadcast capabilities." "ATTO Technology has proven itself to be a leading-edge developer of connectivity solutions for a variety of applications, including video storage," says Eric Serre, THOMSON'S Nextore Product Manager. "We are very pleased to integrate ATTO's Ultra2 SCSI host adapter into our Nextore video server. As the bar of expectation in the broadcast and production industries continue to rise, THOMSON broadcast systems looks to forge alliances with companies like ATTO that share our forward-thinking vision on the future of digital video. The ATTO product possesses both high performance and reliability, two critical facets for connectivity solutions in the video industry. With ATTO's Ultra2 SCSI host adapter, Nextore users will be able to take advantage of the benefits of an end-to-end SCSI connectivity solution."

About THOMSON broadcast systems

THOMSON broadcast systems, a subsidiary of THOMSON multimedia, develops, produces and markets broadcast equipment for the complete digital image chain from production to transmission and broadcasting. THOMSON broadcast systems also provides turnkey solutions for complete systems (production and post-production studios, TV play-out, OB and SNG vans, digital head-ends for satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcasting). For more information visit www.thomsonbroadcast.com

About ATTO Technology

Based in Amherst, New York, ATTO Technology, Inc. is a global leader in SCSI and Fibre Channel storage connectivity technology. Since its founding in 1988, ATTO has been engineering award-winning solutions specifically for data-intensive Macintosh(R), PC, workstation and server applications. ATTO distributes its products worldwide through original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), distributors, VARs, system integrators and directly to corporate end users.

Contact ATTO Technology, Inc. at: 40 Hazelwood Dr., Amherst, New York 14228; Phone: (716) 691-1999; Fax: (716) 691-9353; Website: www.attotech.com