SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 31, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sphere 3D Corp. (NASDAQ:ANY), a containerization, virtualization, and data management
solutions provider, today announced that Biloxi Public Schools (BPS) has selected HVE ConneXions (HVE) Virtual Desktop
Infrastructure (VDI) technology for their classroom VDI environment expansion through authorized reseller, Howard Technologies.
Academic institutions of all sizes are tasked with balancing their budgetary constraints with the need to
provide students and faculty the tools they need for success. As such, educational institutions and school districts are taking the
lead in accessing the latest technologies to support the digital transformation of their classrooms. Investments in the right
virtualization strategy are effectively providing on-demand learning services to students, faculty and staff across infrastructures
of all shapes and sizes, culminating in a more efficient school day for teachers and students.
BPS has already embraced the value of the digital classroom and was already well on its way with an existing VDI
footprint of three HVE-101-N appliances that supported 300 current users. This latest project expanded their environment from
300 to 900 concurrent users and provided VDI for several general-purpose labs, two advanced STEM Labs, and several classrooms.
Howard Technologies responded to the BPS Desktop Virtualization expansion Request for Proposal (RFP), and the
solution was delivered and installed within two weeks of the close of the order to meet the requirements of BPS’s 2017 technology
initiatives. This expansion helped BPS provide state of the art technology to their educational environment, enhanced their state
mandated online testing, and expanded the capabilities of their STEM program.
Quotes
As stated by Alex Mitchell, IT Director of BPS, “The HVE solution was selected for several reasons, but
ultimately the HVE next-generation hardware technology, performance, reliability, service, and overall TCO (total cost of
ownership) made this decision easy. We really appreciate their turnkey offering that includes the automation of PCoIP zero clients
(900), end user polices and controls through active directory, networking configurations, VMware Horizon View automation, and rapid
hardware deployment with their integrated VMware appliances. HVE ConneXions provided a complete end-to-end solution that also
included a server virtualization environment to support the control servers and high-availability requirements for end user
access.”
Director of Purchasing for BPS, Kassie Bourque, stated, “The Howard proposal that included the HVE solution was
a really easy decision for our school system. Reviewing the requirements and capabilities of vendors is a key aspect for our
district to ensure our financial decisions provide the best solutions for our education community and long-term technology
roadmap.”
Joseph O’Daniel, President of Virtualization and Professional Services for Sphere 3D stated, “We are grateful
for the opportunity to work with such a great team at Biloxi Schools on their digital transformation initiatives. Their investment
in advanced virtualization technologies frees up valuable time for BPS staff to invest in other aspects of their operations and
continue to deliver the best possible learning environment for the students of Biloxi.”
About Howard Technologies
Howard Technology Solutions, a value-added reseller, based out of Ellisville, Mississippi, strives to bring to market cutting-edge,
reliable, high-quality technology equipment at affordable prices. Visit www.howardcomputers.com/education for more information on Howard Technology solutions for
education.
About Sphere 3D
Sphere 3D Corp. (NASDAQ:ANY) delivers containerization, virtualization, and data management solutions via hybrid
cloud, cloud and on-premise implementations through its global reseller network and professional services organization.
Sphere 3D, along with its wholly owned subsidiaries Overland Storage, and Tandberg Data, has a strong portfolio of brands, including HVE ConneXions and UCX ConneXions, dedicated to helping customers achieve their IT goals. For more information,
visit www.sphere3d.com. Follow us on Twitter @Sphere3D, @overlandstorage, and @tandbergdata.
About HVE ConneXions
HVE ConneXions, recently acquired by Sphere 3D, is a fast growing technology manufacturer of next generation storage
and virtualization hardware. Its engineering philosophy is dedicated to creating Manageable, Scalable, Reproducible, and
Predictable (MSRP) solutions based on proven virtualization technologies running on high-performance next generation hardware. For
more information and technical specifications on the HVE product line, visit www.hveconnexions.com.
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; our inability to comply with the covenants in our credit
facilities or to obtain additional debt or equity financing; any increase in our future cash needs; the Company’s
ability to transfer the listing of its common stock to the NASDAQ Capital Market due to its failure to regain compliance with the
NASDAQ Global Market listing standards by January 30, 2017 and its ability to maintain listing with such market; our ability to
successfully integrate the UCX and HVE ConneXions business with Sphere 3D's other businesses; unforeseen changes in the course of
Sphere 3D’s business or the business of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including, without limitation, Overland Storage and Tandberg
Data; market adoption and performance of our products; the level of success of our collaborations and business partnerships;
possible actions by customers, partners, suppliers, competitors or regulatory authorities; and other risks detailed from time to
time in Sphere 3D’s periodic reports contained in our Annual Information Form and other filings with Canadian securities regulators
(www.sedar.com) and in prior periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission (www.sec.gov). 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, except as required by law.
Investor Contact: The Blueshirt Group Mike Bishop Tel: +1 415-217-4968 mike@blueshirtgroup.com
