At 72 Mbytes, Flash DiskOnChip2000 boosts capacity 36x; First Flash solution for motherboards and portables with the capacity, speed and value to replace disk drives.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 17, 1997--M-Systems (NASDAQ:FLSHF) has launched a breakthrough in solid state storage with the announcement of the new DiskOnChip(R).

72 Mbytes -- a dramatic 36-fold increase -- can be stored in a 32-pin package. Ever since the technology was first revealed in 1994, winning the prestigious Innovation of the Year award, computer builders have been installing DiskOnChip sockets on their motherboards, awaiting this capacity breakthrough. The new solid state disk is also five times faster and sells for 50% less per megabyte.

The higher capacity enables the DiskOnChip to completely replace hard disk drives in many applications, especially embedded systems. Since moderate-to-medium capacity mechanical drives are fast disappearing from manufacturing plans, the new DiskOnChip provides a long-life, ultra-reliable alternative.

M-Systems, Inc. President Dana Gross said, "The DiskOnChip2000 provides a technology-independent architecture to give customers the highest capacity and performance at the lowest price, with full backward and forward compatibility. As the Flash chip market evolves, the DiskOnChip2000 will eliminate single-source reliance, supplant disappearing hard drive sources and guarantee future upgradeability."

M-Systems is shipping 2, 4, 8, and 12MByte versions and sampling 24 MByte. The 72 MByte version -- available later this year -- will probably double next year.

Solid-state disk applications are multiplying quickly. "We're seeing new customers who plan to use the DiskOnChip2000 for telecommunications, networking and Internet devices where performance, reliability and price are key considerations," said Gross.

Typical uses range from the fast-growing list of mobile and hand-held devices, network computers and embedded systems ranging from elevators, vending machines and information kiosks to factory automation and process control systems.

Sharply higher capacity enables the DiskOnChip2000 to serve as a system's primary disk drive. For example, an embedded system can boot Windows95(R) or Windows CE(R), store the entire operating system, application programs and data files on a single 32-pin device.

The DiskOnChip2000 provides plug'n'play capability without a need for an external software driver. It employs Flash Translation Layer (NFTL) firmware, TrueFFS(R). TrueFFS provides 100% hard disk emulation and compatibility. TrueFFS is endorsed as the flash file technology of choice by dozens of semiconductor, system and software companies.

The DiskOnChip2000 is shipping now, in quantity. The 8 MByte version is priced at $67 (10,000 pieces). M-Systems plans to begin volume shipments of the 24Mbyte and the 72Mbyte versions later this year.

To speed customer designs, M-Systems offers an OEM Adaptation Kit (OAK) containing Application Notes and Specifications, programming and test utilities and an SMT socket, which are helpful in integrating the device into an application or system. M-Systems also offers a Programmer Integration Kit (PIK), which allows external programming and duplication of the DiskOnChip code set.

M-Systems Technology: Flash Disk Pioneers

M-Systems, Ltd. Flash Disk Pioneers, a multinational with headquarters in Tel Aviv, develops, manufactures, and markets flash data storage solutions. M-Systems employs the technology in PC Cards compliant with the PCMCIA standard, flash disks, and the patented, award winning DiskOnChip(R) devices.

North American activities are headquartered at 4655 Old Ironside Drive, Suite 200, Santa Clara, CA 95054. TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]. The company's e-mail address is [e-mail]. An informative and up-to-date web site is maintained at www.m-sys.com . -0-

Note to Editors: Corporate background page, frequently asked questions, data sheet and photographs are available on request (see contact information).

CONTACT: DRB Partners

Murry Shohat, 707/576-0111

[e-mail]

Ray Brown, 408/943-0515

[e-mail]