Sphere 3D and Microsoft to Deliver Glassware 2.0 Windows Application Containers on Microsoft Azure

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwired - Mar 9, 2015) -  Sphere 3D Corporation (NASDAQ: ANY), creator of the Glassware 2.0™ Windows container technology for application delivery, announced a strategic collaboration to enable support of Glassware 2.0 on Microsoft Azure.

Working together, Sphere 3D and Microsoft will provide organizations with the tools to make cloud migration of Windows based end-user computing applications from physical infrastructure to Azure simple and rapid. Glassware 2.0 container technology running in Azure will help enterprise customers achieve one of the guiding principles of cloud -- simplifying IT infrastructure.

"When we created Glassware 2.0, we envisioned a time where any application, regardless of its hardware or operating dependencies, could be easily delivered across multiple platforms from the cloud," said Eric Kelly, CEO of Sphere 3D. "Today, by joining forces with Microsoft, we have taken a substantial step towards realizing that vision."

As recently stated in an industry survey conducted by Rightscale, less than 20% of enterprise applications are running in the cloud. Glassware 2.0 containerization technology provides organizations with the ability to virtualize those applications that were previously deemed too difficult to move to cloud. Utilizing Glassware 2.0 container technology can assist in reducing the cost and complexity associated with migration from local workstations to the data center.

"We are committed to providing our customers with new and innovative ways to implement their cloud strategy," said Vibhor Kapoor, Director, Microsoft Azure Product Marketing. "By working closely with Sphere 3D, we are able to continue to deliver on that commitment and provide a new level of flexibility for organizations looking for scalable application delivery from the cloud."

Initially, Glassware 2.0 enabled workloads in Azure will be aimed at the needs of the education segment, and available through a select number of authorized partners. Later in 2015, you will see additional use cases and expanded availability with a focus on ensuring the simple and efficient migration of applications to Azure.

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 workload-optimized, purpose-built solutions that address the complete IT workspace delivery and management including the data lifecycle 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 hyper-converged infrastructure solutions include one of the industry's first purpose-built appliances for virtual workspace workloads 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 that make it easy and cost-effective to manage different tiers of information over the data lifecycle. For more information, visit www.sphere3d.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 including, without limitation, any failure of Sphere 3D to secure additional capital to fund operations; 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; the rate of customer adoption of our products and technologies; the ability of our newly announced partnerships and alliances to increase our revenue; any increase in Sphere 3D's cash needs or in expected expenses; possible actions by customers, 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), and risks detailed in the Form F-4/A relating to Sphere 3D's merger with Overland Storage filed 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.