Klein Named UB Engineer of the Year

BUFFALO, N.Y -- Timothy J. Klein of Williamsville, B.S. '84, has been named 2006 Engineer of the Year by the Engineering Alumni Association at the University at Buffalo in recognition of his success as president, CEO and co-founder of ATTO Technology Inc., an Amherst-based computer electronics company.

"Tim is an exceptional professional who has risen in meteoric fashion to the top of his field in device design and fabrication," said Mark Karwan, dean of the UB School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS).

ATTO Technology began business in 1988 as a two-man operation that today employs more than 120, approximately 25 percent of whom are UB engineering graduates. It was housed in Baird Research Park, a business incubator operated by UB and located adjacent to the UB North Campus on Sweet Home Road, until 1993.

The mainstay of ATTO Technology is the manufacture of storage connectivity and infrastructure solutions for data-intensive computing environments. Klein often describes his progressive product line as the "Mercedes of the market."

ATTO provides a wide range of end-to-end solutions to help customers better store, manage and deliver their data. With an ever-evolving market demanding high-performance solutions, ATTO recognizes future needs and responds with leading-edge engineering and product manufacturing of host adapters, appliances and data management software.

Companies that incorporate ATTO components in their data-intense computer, image and video environments include Apple Computers, Motorola, Kodak, Nikon, Avid Technology and Disney. ATTO components are sold throughout the United States, as well as in 35 countries worldwide.

Karwan noted that Klein, who earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, has "deep loyalties to the University at Buffalo."

ATTO supports the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences through an internship program that allows students to work at the company. It also maintains a relationship with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering in SEAS and the Science and Engineering Node Services Group.

In addition, ATTO executives, including Klein, teach students who are involved in UB's Engineering Career Institute and attend UB job fairs in search of employees.