Sphere 3D Enters Multi-Year OEM Embedded Agreement With Microsoft


SAN JOSE, CA and MISSISSAUGA, ON--(Marketwired - Dec 22, 2014) - Sphere 3D Corporation (NASDAQ: ANY), a virtualization technology and data management solutions provider, today announced that it has entered into a multi-year, global OEM Embedded Agreement with Microsoft Corporation that allows for the pre-installation of Microsoft Windows Embedded Server software in appliances that utilize Glassware 2.0® application virtualization technology.

Through this agreement with Microsoft, Sphere 3D will be able to offer customers Glassware 2.0 application virtualization appliances with Windows Embedded Server preinstalled. Windows Embedded Server is a proven, robust, highly reliable operating system that is binary identical to general purpose Windows Server and provides high-performance, hybrid cloud-service capabilities and innovative storage options for building robust, industry-class server appliances.

"This agreement positions Sphere 3D to further simplify the deployment and management of purpose-built appliances for virtualization to customers," said Eric Kelly, Chairman and CEO of Sphere 3D Corporation. "Under the embedded licensing program with Microsoft, we are able to deliver turnkey solutions for Windows Embedded Server workloads to organizations ranging from small businesses to large enterprises."

About Glassware 2.0
Glassware 2.0 utilizes proprietary technology to achieve application virtualization without the requirement to virtualize the desktop. The Glassware 2.0 family of technologies is comprised of the Glassware 2.0 protocol, microvisor, containers, management, and clustering. Glassware 2.0 utilizes containers to run multiple instances of the same application on a Glassware 2.0-enabled server or appliance, and the ability to share binaries, libraries or the Glassware 2.0 Microvisor. Within these containers, Sphere 3D allows access to only the necessary elements of the operating system an application requires to run. This can include applications that utilize a wide array of Windows-based operating systems, such as Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, etc.

About Sphere 3D
Sphere 3D Corporation (NASDAQ: ANY) is a virtualization technology and data management solutions provider with a portfolio of products that address the complete data continuum from active data to data at rest. Dedicated to continue to lead through innovation, Sphere 3D enables the integration of virtual applications, virtual desktops, and storage into workflow, and allows organizations to deploy a combination of public, private or hybrid cloud strategies. Sphere 3D's Glassware 2.0 platform delivers virtualization of some of the most demanding applications in the marketplace today, making it easy to move applications from a physical PC or workstation to a virtual environment. Sphere 3D's V3 converged infrastructure solutions include one of the industry's first purpose-built appliances for virtualization and the Desktop Cloud Orchestrator™ management software for VDI. Overland Storage and Tandberg Data, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Sphere 3D, provide an integrated range of technologies and services for primary, nearline, offline, and archival data storage through their data storage, data management and data backup brands, SnapServer®, SnapScale®, SnapSan®, NEO® and RDX®, that make it easy and cost-effective to manage different tiers of information over the data lifecycle. For additional information, visit www.sphere3d.com, www.overlandstorage.com, and www.tandbergdata.com.

Overland Storage, SnapServer, SnapScale, SnapSan and NEO are trademarks of Overland Storage, Inc., and Tandberg Data and RDX are trademarks of Tandberg Data Holdings, S.à r.l. that may be registered in some jurisdictions. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, unforeseen changes in the course of Sphere 3D's business or the businesses of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including, without limitation, Overland Storage and Tandberg Data; any increase in Sphere 3D's cash needs; possible actions by customers, suppliers, competitors or regulatory authorities with respect to Sphere 3D; and other risks detailed from time to time in Sphere 3D's periodic reports filed with the SEC, including, without limitation, risks detailed in the Form F-4/A relating to Sphere 3D's merger with Overland filed by Sphere 3D with the SEC. Sphere 3D undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Contact Information:

Media Contact:
Pattie Adams
Director, Global Corporate Communications
+1 408/283-4779
padams@overlandstorage.com