Conversion from Octopus systems

For quite some customers, we have converted EMS conversion systems (MCX-F, MCX-Q, MCX-A) to comparable InterMedia systems.

Below, you can see our own, which has been put in service as floppy disk, QIC-80, Travan as well as Rhomat formats conversion system

Seen from the financial point of view, such a conversion can be considered an upgrade of an existing system, rather then investment in a new conversion system, which budgetwise can be advantageous.

Hardwarewise, the present drives and boxes will be kept "alive", apart from some rewiring and the exchange of two controllers.

The IMWIN software will be offered at 50% of the normal price if an irrevocable 3-year software support agreement is agreed upon, for the functions embedded in Octopus. This includes all disk handlers for 3.5" up to 8" and the QIC handlers. Other handlers, like Exabyte, DAT, Magtape, … will need to purchased at full price.

What will this typically cost ?

The calculation is based on a MCX-F with 5 drives, and an MCX with DC600 drive(s), which is the most common configuration.

However, Archive Viper drives must be replaced with Tandberg, as Archive drives do not support variable block length, which is used by many systems.

The action taken, is the following:

• Rewiring the MCX-F consists of the following disciplines: dismantling, cleaning, new cables, new controller, full test. Approx. 6 hours + parts, in total something like £ 800
• Removing the controllers from the PC, installing a GT-card and an Adaptec 2940 (if needed), installing the software. Approx. 2 hours + parts;
• Softwareagreement: £ 900 annually, for at least 3 years.

On top of that are costs like freight & transportation and training. (There is quite a gap between Octopus and InterMedia)

This arrangement will make us neither rich nor fat, so why do we offer such a thing? The logic is of course, that most customers need to expand that system with e.g. an Exabyte drive or even a 3490-type drive.

These drives and software drivers are invoiced at the normal price.

Please e-mail us for further information.