Maxtor releases Ultra ATA/133 specification

Maxtor, US-based vendor of information storage solutions, has released its Ultra ATA/133 hard drive interface specification. According to Maxtor, it boosts data transfer rates between the computer and the hard drive up to 133 Mbps. The new interface is claimed to be one-third faster than earlier Ultra ATA/100 technology integrated in many PC computer systems and performance adapter cards sold today. Currently, VIA Technologies, Silicon Integrated Systems (SiS), Promise Technology, and Silicon Image have completed licensing agreements to use Maxtor's Ultra ATA/133 interface technology in upcoming systems and chipsets. ATA or Advanced Technology Attachment defines the connection and speed for the interface between a hard drive and a computer. The new interface, which Maxtor is branding as 'Fast drives', is suitable for transferring large amounts of data such as digital video. It is claimed that with fast drives, videos will run more smoothly and with flow uninterrupted on the screen. Richard Brown, Director of marketing, VIA Technologies, said, "Fast and smooth data transfer between memory and hard drive is essential for digital video, audio and gaming experience. Large capacity and fast access to data storage is also key for the performance of servers and workstations."

The Ultra ATA/133 is also backward compatible with the existing ATA standard. Personal computer users who want to upgrade from Ultra ATA/100 to Ultra ATA/133 will need to purchase a compliant adapter card or system motherboard along with new hard drives.

(CNS)