"...During the CEBIT exhibition, Ahead Software and Philips Components previewed the first results of a joint collaborative effort on an "Intelligent" write system for Philips' CDRW drives. Recognizing the end users' increasing need for faster, error-proof CD recording without compromising speed, Ahead Software GmbH and Philips Components BV have been co-operating for some considerable time on enhancing the CD writing integrity of Philips CDRW systems through an enhanced software-buffering environment. As a result of this collaboration, Ultra-Buffer is set to become an inherit part of the writing process.

Ultra-Buffer provides end users with optimum performance control. Utilizing a standard PC and a Philips drive with the maximum buffer underrun protection added, users experienced:

1. Powerful Reading Capabilities
- Improved Caching Mechanism
- High-speed Digital Audio Extraction
- Immediate-readfor Ultra Fast Accessing of Data CDs

2. Powerful Writing Capabilities
- Extended Software Buffering
- Multi-Threaded Write Engine with a Highly Advanced Threading Mechanism
- Intelligent Write Synchronization

"The combined engineering expertise of Ahead Software and Philips has resulted in Ultra-Buffer, a new feature within the Philips `intelligent' drive functionality. Ultra-Buffer is set to move the whole CD recording process to another level of `anxiety free' recording." commented Brett Bernhardt, a marketing manager of Philips Components.

"Philips has an unprecedented heritage in the CD/CDR industry, and in recognizing the needs of today's CDRW user, they have once again shown they are a true leader. Through our collaboration, we are meeting users' needs for high-speed, error-free recording.'' said Jim Corbett, executive director of Ahead Software..." NULL