Computer System Builders Agree That an Ounce of Prevention Is Better Than a Pound of Cure

Built-in data recovery takes hold as essential criteria for system builders as they seek to offer computers that weather mishaps

IRVINE, CA — May 30, 2007 — A timeless adage gains momentum in the computer builder industry as the number of hacker attacks and viruses continue to rise. Add to this the rapid expansion of high-speed access to the Internet, allowing people to download more music, freeware and videos than ever before. This can be a serious problem for system builders, who end up having to troubleshoot the computer mishaps that ensue. The free video that looked so inviting online may contain a Trojan that hijacks a system, or the freeware application that someone just installed, may disable a system altogether. Malware-related tech support issues are on the rise, and system builders are often taking the brunt of it.

However, what if a small, completely integrated application acted as a kind of system safety net, offering users hassle-free recovery from system malfunctions and data loss? Users could roll back their system to a known good point before the data disaster occurred.

A new trend has emerged within the computer manufacturing industry to include software in systems that will provide users with a safety net to keep them protected from system and data loss. In the event of a system mishap, the safety net allows users, without technical support, to reverse the hands of time and roll back their system to a point before the problem occurred, back to when it was working properly. While such software isn’t promoted as a leading feature, it is now gaining wide spread presence, as the computer industry seeks to improve customer satisfaction, reduce product returns and minimize tech support calls.

Irvine, California-based FarStone Technology, a developer of hard disk imaging and data recovery software, has found this to be a lucrative market niche that others seem to have overlooked. FarStone is the maker of DriveClone™, a complete backup and recovery solution that lets users rebuild their entire system — including files, applications, personal settings and passwords — with just a few clicks of a mouse, whether the operating system is able to load or not. Designed for the non-technical user, DriveClone works in the background, without the user having to think about it, and is truly a “set it and forget it” application.

“We are hearing from more and more system builders that recovery technology is now a requirement from both resellers and retailers,” said Tom Fedro, executive vice president for FarStone Technology. “Those who sell systems and provide service to consumers and small businesses do not want the burden of troubleshooting computer mishaps that are caused by outside forces. Their service organizations require a tool that provides an immediate and hassle free system recovery experience for their customers.”

The market pressure and demand for built-in system recovery can be categorized into three areas:

• Threat of Loss — Viruses, spam and malware are more aggressive and pervasive than ever before
• Importance of Information — Data on computers is more valuable than ever and includes photos, video, music and important business files
• System Performance — Computer systems are growing in complexity, offering more features and capabilities, which need to be safe-guarded

It used to be acceptable for system builders and vendors to ship computers with a factory disc that would simply re-install the system and software that the computer came with. Now, if a user were to use this disk to bring their system back, they would lose everything they have installed or saved on their computer since the day they received it. For instance, users with digital cameras not only lose all of their existing photos, they would also need to re-load the camera software in order to download and save new pictures. Printer server software would also need to be reloaded in order to print the pictures.

Consumer expectations for continuous computer use, combined with more potential pitfalls, have greatly increased the pressures to deliver a thorough recovery solution. With the advent of digital video and photography and its expanded use by consumers, important files, such as the family photo album and precious memories are usually stored on the home computer. Businesses hold similar expectations for continuous computer use, and the safe recovery of important files, as they look to protect and maintain their livelihood. Therefore, vendors are in need of built-in system recovery solutions that give users their personal computers back immediately, with all their hard earned data intact, not just the factory model that was originally purchased.

About FarStone Technology

Founded in 1993, FarStone Technology is a software publisher focused on system recovery for PCs and Networks, enabling immediate and painless healing from system problems of all varieties. Holding multiple patents, the company designs, develops and markets its software to large Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), small businesses and, via its website, to consumers worldwide. FarStone's global technology partners include AOL, Authentium, Intel, NEC, Phoenix Technologies, Seagate, Trend Micro, Fujitsu, HiNet Taiwan, and Toshiba.

Media Contact

Bob Menzies
Lages & Associates
949/453-8080
Bob@lages.com