IRVINE, CA, July 23, 2012– Paragon Software Group (PSG), a leader in data backup, disaster recovery, and data migration solutions, announces the release of Paragon Partition Manager 12, one of the fastest and most reliable partitioning solutions available on the market to handle all PC data partitioning tasks with ease. Compatible with all new hard drive technologies, such as SSDs and hybrid data storage systems, Paragon Partition Manager 12 – with its advanced new partitioning engine – supports GPT partitioning schemes as well as all major file systems. Expanded split and merge functions now allow users to allocate specific files and folders to new partitions before performing the operation, enabling a more flexible modification of the partition layout. The software supports Windows 8 (tested under the “Developers’ Preview” version).
New engine ensures maximum flexibility
The new partitioning engine is highly compatible with all of the latest-generation hard drives, including SSDs, AFDs and 512e hard drives, as well as bridge technologies such as hybrid hard drives. The engine supports all file systems that are currently relevant on the market, in addition to the GPT partitioning scheme, which is becoming increasingly widespread due to the UEFI and prevalence of data devices over 2 TB. Paragon Partition Manager 12 is also useful in conversions between various partition schemes and file systems – including NTFS to HFS and vice-versa – without losing data, and supports UEFI installations of operating systems. With enhanced VSS communication between the software and the MS Windows service, faster hot partitioning start up and functionality over the previous version, and no forced restarts after installation, Paragon Partition Manager 12 meets the highest standards in all partitioning tasks.
“The new partitioning engine is the fastest and most powerful Paragon has developed to date,” says Paragon CEO Konstantin Komarov. “This makes it a must-have item for all PC users who want to organize their data storage systems by dividing or re-dividing them and have the maximum flexibility when working with their data.”
Additional new functions include:
Paragon GPT Loader: A specially developed driver, which expands the Windows XP operating system by adding support for the GPT partitioning scheme. Partition Manager 12 provides two ways to combine the use of hard drives over 3 TB and Windows XP. First, the software supports the installation of a special driver for Windows XP, which enables the operating system to recognize and work with GPT-formatted hard drives. Second, the hard drive can be prepared with a special partitioning scheme, dividing it into two partitions and creating a dynamic drive, which is then displayed in Windows Explorer.
The Boot Media Builder creates a user-specified Windows-based rescue CD. The program aids in copying a great number of Paragon Partition Manager 12 features to a WinPE CD, DVD, BD or USB stick – a single rescue medium containing all necessary drivers and network connections.
• Connect VD with non-destructive mode and snapshot mode: The software can mount virtual hard drives directly, enabling users to conduct nearly all hard disk administration, backup and migration operations – just like working with physical data devices. The updated Connect VD version of the Partition Manager can be used to mount the virtual hard drive in write-protected mode or in a special read/write mode, which creates a snapshot and only executes all changes after the snapshot was taken if the user explicitly wants to do so. This makes it possible to test all settings without destroying the virtual source drive.
• Continue operations on virtual data media: Operations conducted on virtual drives using Connect VD can be continued, if the connection is interrupted or another unexpected situation occurs. The incomplete operation can be conducted as soon as the virtual drive is connected again.
• Linux Boot Medium: The boot medium with the latest Linux kernel enhances hardware compatibility.
• Converts basis MBR data media into GPT data media
• Supports Windows 8 (tested with the “Developers’ Preview” version)
Price and availability:
Paragon Partition Manager 12 Home (€ 29.95) and Partition Manager 12 Professional (€ 49.95) are available on the Paragon website, as well as from specialty retailers.
About Paragon Software Group
Paragon Software Group is an innovative software developer focused on two dynamic growth markets. The company's comprehensive product line for the data storage market addresses the needs of data security, storage and management for PCs, servers and networks. A second portfolio of products focuses on mobile productivity applications for handheld devices. Founded in 1994, Paragon Software has offices in the USA, Germany, Japan, and Russia, delivering its solutions to consumers, small business and enterprise clients worldwide through a network of Value Added Resellers, distributors and OEMs as well as online through the company website. Paragon Software provides technology to a host of world class companies and partners including Cisco, Dell, Toshiba, NEC, Siemens, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, and more. For more information please visit the company website at www.paragon-software.com.
Paragon Software is a trademark of Paragon Software Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.