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National Semiconductor Selects Century Embedded Technologies to Power Next Generation Information Appliances

PIXIL Thin Client demonstration software ships with Geode development platform, offering alternative to Windows CE

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - November 20, 2001 - Century Embedded Technologies, a leader in graphical application technologies for embedded Linux, today announced that National Semiconductor (NYSE: NSM), the leading thin client technology provider, has licensed an evaluation version of Century's PIXIL™ Thin Client for distribution with the industry-leading Geode™ family of processors for thin clients and personal Internet access devices. PIXIL Thin Client provides manufacturers with a complete solution for server-based computing that provides Windows and Linux access and offers powerful PC-like capabilities in a small footprint, low-resource thin appliance.

National selected PIXIL Thin Client because the embedded Linux-based software provides robust features for advanced features and services while maintaining a small footprint.

"National is committed to providing customers with turnkey software and hardware solutions for both enterprise and consumer applications," said Ziv Azmanov, director of thin client business unit at National Semiconductor. "This collaboration brings National and Century Software together to deliver a very attractive, easy-to-use and cost-effective solution based on our leading Geode technology optimized for information appliances."

"National Semiconductor and Century share the common goals of innovating complete engineering solutions for the latest technology. Developers have increasingly embraced Linux for embedded development and PIXIL provides a complete solution based on open source components." said Gregory Haerr, CEO of Century Software. "The combination of PIXIL with Geode-based systems offers one of the most highly scalable and flexible hardware/software platforms in the industry."

The demonstration distribution of PIXIL shipped with National Semiconductor's reference and development platforms will enable developers to rapidly prototype and deploy their designs on National's high-performance, low-power Geode technology.

PIXIL Thin Client Features

PIXIL Thin Client is a complete solution for providing small footprint, low-resource device access to Windows servers for remote deployment of the Windows desktop, as well as direct access to Linux applications. PIXIL Thin Client includes Microsoft® Terminal Server and Citrix® Systems ICA access to remote Windows servers. PIXIL utilizes these protocols to minimize the bandwidth and resources thin clients require.

Browser-based connectivity is available through the PIXIL Thin Client Browser and features small footprint adapted versions of Mozilla and Netscape. Advanced internet technologies currently available include: HTML 4.0, JavaScript 1.4, Real Networks, Adobe PDF, and Flash. These features run in a 32Mb footprint and include local browser support client- side. For smaller footprint devices, PIXIL Thin Client can be configured to run in 8Mb without local browser support.

PIXIL's Software Development Kit (SDK) offers developers' tools to streamline the customization process, incorporate essential services, and add enhanced functionality. The SDK provides customers with a framework for accelerated development, offering higher performance, rapid deployment, and faster time-to-market for connected thin clients and smart devices. Generic configurations are available to jump-start device bring-up and application development. Specific features, protocols, and technology support details are available at: http://embedded.censoft.com/pixil/thin.php.

Availability

An evaluation copy of PIXIL will be distributed with National's shipments of reference and development platforms.

For those desiring the PIXIL Thin Client platform supplied turnkey by Century Embedded Technologies, a PIXIL Thin Client Certified Platform is available, supplied as a bootable binary system image with source, certified for a given Linux platform for a fixed fee. The Certified Platform provides free bug fixes and support for six months after initial deployment. Deployment licenses are priced based on volume.

For commercial inquiries and pricing, contact Century at: cetsales@centurysoftware.com, or call 1.801.268.3088. Century offers custom engineering services, maintenance and support.

About PIXIL™ Technology

PIXIL provides a complete suite of embedded solutions for advanced Internet appliances such as PDAs, WebPAD™ devices, cellular phones, smart handhelds, and thin clients. Developed for multiple form factor flat panel devices with requirements for wireless communications, networking, web browsing, power management and GUIs, PIXIL offers a fully integrated architecture leveraging the open standards of embedded Linux. PIXIL's modular framework, with fully optimized pre-defined components offers ready-to-use and easily customized applications.

About National Semiconductor

National Semiconductor is the premier analog company driving the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of-the-art digital technology, the company is focused on the fast growing markets for wireless handsets; information appliances; information infrastructure; and display, imaging and human interface technologies. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2.1 billion for fiscal year 2001 and employs about 9,700 people worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com.

About Century Embedded Technologies

Century Software Embedded Technologies, a newly created division of Century Software, Inc., is a leading developer of core applications technologies for the worldwide embedded Linux applications market. These technologies include: graphical windowing system development and runtime environments; customized Internet browsers and HTML viewers; embedded and Internet appliance multimedia technologies, including MP3 audio and MPEG video players and recorders; PDA/WebPAD runtime and development suites, PIM suites; and set-top boxes. Complete solutions These core technologies are designed specifically to allow chip manufacturers, hardware board vendors, and their customers to build embedded applications on x86, PowerPC, StrongARM, MIPS, SH and other microprocessor architectures running on either the Nano-X or the X Window System. Based in Salt Lake City, Century Software was founded in 1985 and is privately held. Century Software's CEO, Gregory Haerr, is the founder and chief maintainer of the Nano-X Project, and founder of the ViewML Project.

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Century Software, Century Embedded Technologies, and PIXIL are trademarks of Century Software, Inc. Linux is a registered trademark owned by Linus Torvalds. WebPAD is a registered trademark of National Semiconductor Corporation. All other names mentioned are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

Contacts:

Jill Ratkevic
1 (408) 209-5181
jillr@centurysoftware.com

Jon Beutler
1 (801) 268-3088 X145
jonb@centurysoftware.com