OSTA EXPANDS REACH OF OPTICAL STORAGE WITH RELEASE 1.5 OF UNIVERSAL DISK FORMAT (UDF 1.5)

Updated Format Supports Two New Operating Systems Plus CD-R and CD-RW

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., June 5, 1997 -- The Optical Storage Technology Association (OSTA) today announced the release of its latest specification for writable optical disk devices and media. Revision 1.5 of the Universal Disk Format (UDF 1.5), created by OSTA member companies, defines support for WindowsÆ 95, Windows NTÆ and additional recordable optical devices -- CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable) and CD-RW (Compact Disc - ReWritable).

The addition of these new features to the UDF specification expands the number of environments in which optical drives can be used and increases the types of optical storage that can be implemented as long-term, stable storage solutions. The new specification also dramatically expands the number and type of business and home applications for optical storage.

OSTA ís evolution of the Universal Disk Format continues to make optical storage an ever more compelling storage medium,î said Isaac van Kempen of LSI Logic, chairman of OSTAís File Interchange Committee. ìThe additions in revision 1.5 enable the kinds of reliable, cross platform storage solutions that people need now.

CD-R and CD-RW users who record discs in multiple sessions need to employ packet writing to avoid a substantial loss of storage capacity. A standard method must be defined for the resulting discs to be compatible and interchangeable. These needs will both be met by drives compliant with UDF 1.5, making CD technology ever more competitive with tape storage.

The UDF 1.5 specification fully defines support for Windows 95. The standard also addresses all aspects of Windows NT support, with the exception of support for multiple data stream files. Support for multiple data stream files is planned for the next release of UDF. OSTA committee members have been working closely with ECMA (European Computer Manufacturerís Association) to keep UDF and related standards ECMA-167 and ISO 13346 consistent.

UDF 1.5 was created as an update to the previous edition, Revision 1.02, released in June 1996. The UDF 1.02 revision defined the use of UDF on DVD media. DVD specifications require the use of UDF as the standard file system.

OSTA Background

The Optical Storage Technology Association (OSTA) was incorporated as an international trade association in 1992 to promote the use of writable optical technologies and products for storage of computer data. The organizationís membership includes optical product manufacturers and resellers from three continents, representing more than 80 percent of worldwide writable optical product shipments. They work to shape the future of the industry through regular meetings of CD-Writable, file interchange, market development, magneto-optical and planning committees. Interested companies worldwide are invited to join the organization and participate in its programs by contacting an OSTA representative at 805/963-3853 or by addressing its Web site at http://www.osta.org.

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