American Megatrends Announces AMIBIOS Enterprise 64, a Complete IA-64 Firmware Solution.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 1999--

Editorial Summary

-- American Megatrends has completed development of IA-64 firmware. -- AMI's expertise in the BIOS arena will allow system manufacturers

to quickly design and implement IA-64 systems. -- AMI is committed to provide an ideal solution for the IA-64

processor family, including Merced and McKinley.

American Megatrends, Inc. announced today that the company has completed development of AMIBIOS Enterprise 64(TM), a full featured IA-64 firmware solution. AMIBIOS Enterprise 64 includes support for the Merced(TM) processor, the first within the IA-64 processor family, offering enhanced capabilities and full backwards compatibility with today's 32-bit IA-32 application software.

American Megatrends has long been a leading supplier of superior system BIOS for advanced server platforms. This expertise will enable AMI to provide system manufacturers with a strong feature set and complete firmware solution in sync with the Merced processor as it becomes available in the market. AMI's solution will enable manufacturers to quickly and efficiently design and implement IA-64 processor based systems, and allow MIS users to take full advantage of those systems.

System vendors who take advantage of AMIBIOS Enterprise 64 will find the total package includes an extensive array of tools and support. Features within AMIBIOS Enterprise 64 include:

-- Remote management capability via LAN or modem. -- Enhanced reliability with built-in system diagnostic features,

complete hardware checks and error recovery, full error reporting

and logging, health management and monitoring, and full WfM 2.0. -- Enhanced power management with full ACPI compliance and

symmetrical multi-processor support (MPS 1.5). -- Small footprint. -- Full IA-64 family support (including Merced and McKinley).

"With the advanced features and superior stability of AMIBIOS Enterprise 64, American Megatrends will be able to continue its long history of flexibility and availability in the system BIOS arena," said Mark Huffman, software sales manager for American Megatrends. "And with our continued work with IA-64, AMI is committed to delivering a quick path implementation for Merced and all future releases within the IA-64 family."

Founded in 1985, American Megatrends Inc. (AMI) has dedicated its resources to providing OEMs, resellers and systems integrators with leading edge computer technologies. This privately held company, best known for its Basic Input/Output Systems or BIOS, also supplies its state-of-the-art hardware, software, utilities and RAID controllers to over 55% of today's high-tech manufacturers. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, AMI has locations in the US and throughout the world including Munich, London, Taipei, Madras and Tokyo to better serve our customers. For more information on AMI, its products, services or reseller opportunities call 1-800-U-BUY-AMI or visit our website at www.ami.com.