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Computer peripherals industry

Iomega Revolutionizes Computer Storage with Zip Drive

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Iomega Corp. has announced a game-changing innovation in computer storage with the introduction of its Zip drive, a removable disk drive that offers a new standard in flexible storage, providing a tremendous value to consumers. The company has partnered with three software companies to include organizational and other software with its Zip tools software bundle, designed to help consumers more easily organize and use their computer information with Zip drives. With a suggested retail value over $150, Zip tools will be included at no additional charge on a 100MB starter Zip disk, included with each $199 Zip drive.

Key Takeaways:

  • Iomega's Zip drive revolutionizes computer storage with a removable disk drive offering flexible storage and a tremendous value to consumers.
  • The company has partnered with three software companies to include organizational and other software with its Zip tools software bundle.
  • Zip tools software provides consumers with a bundle of software tools to help them more easily organize and use their computer information with Zip drives.
  • The suggested retail value of Zip tools is over $150, included at no additional charge on a 100MB starter Zip disk, with each $199 Zip drive.
  • The Zip drive is expected to be available in computer retail stores in the first quarter of 1995.
  • Iomega's Zip tools software bundle includes Continuum's Virtual Disk, SunStar's Personal Backup, and Bungie's demo versions of games found on Bungie's Marathon 4L CD-ROM.
  • The partnership with Continuum Software provides a storage media management tool that catalogs and finds applications and files and labels disks for easy reference.
  • The partnership with SunStar Publishing provides a quick and easy backup solution, developed by Highware SA.
  • The partnership with Bungie Software makes computing fun for users with demo versions of games found on Bungie's Marathon 4L CD-ROM.
  • Iomega developed applications for the Zip tools bundle include Disk tools, which provides the first ever read/write disk locking and protection feature as well as formatting, diagnostics, and hard drive emulation functions.
  • Iomega's Zip drive and Zip disks are aimed at the small office/home office, large business, government, and education markets.
  • The company also sells 21MB Floptical and 1.3GB LaserSafe Plus magneto-optical drives.
  • Iomega had revenues of $147 million at fiscal year end 1993.

Statistics:

  • The suggested retail value of Zip tools is over $150.
  • The retail value of a 100MB Zip disk is $19.95.
  • The retail value of a 25MB Zip disk is $9.95.
  • Iomega's Zip drive and Zip disks are expected to be available in computer retail stores in the first quarter of 1995.
  • Iomega's revenues were $147 million at fiscal year end 1993.
  • The company sells 21MB Floptical and 1.3GB LaserSafe Plus magneto-optical drives.

Sources:

  • Business Wire: "Iomega Corp. Revolutionizes the Way Consumers Think of Their Computer Information with the Announcement of Its Zip Drive" (January 4, 1995)
  • Iomega Corp.: Zip Tools Fact Sheet (no date)
  • Iomega Corp.: Press Release (January 4, 1995)

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