ChipData Joins RosettaNet PIP2A9 Validation Effort; New Standard Significantly Increases Supplier Visibility -- Decreasing Time-to-Information.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 10, 2001

ChipData Inc., the Design Chain Management(TM) Company, has announced its participation in the successful validation of the RosettaNet's Partner Interface Process(TM) (PIP(R)) 2A9.

Specifically, PIP2A9: Query EC Technical Information supports electronic component technical specifications that significantly increase visibility in the design chain. The PIP also helps to improve customer service by delivering accurate and timely component information during design cycles when time-to-information is critical.

RosettaNet's Validation Program formalizes the consortium's process for publishing high-quality standards. Under this program, a group of RosettaNet partners run the standard in production for a period of time, providing and reviewing feedback to enhance and ultimately validate the standard. RosettaNet intends to validate all of its standards through this program.

ChipData, a founding member of the RosettaNet Solution Provider Board, helped lead the validation of PIP2A9 along side other RosettaNet Partner companies including IBM, Infineon, Lucent, Mitsubishi, PTC, Si2 and Texas Instruments. The three week validation effort concluded August 31, 2001.

"Our partners are critical to the successful development of RosettaNet standards and related e-business initiatives," said Paul Tearnen, vice president of standards management at RosettaNet. "It is through the validation efforts of Partner companies such as ChipData that we are able to make rapid advancements towards design chain integration and interoperability by testing PIPs in a production environment."

RosettaNet's forthcoming PIP validation efforts include Product Change Notification, Product Design Information, Design Transfer, Manage Manufacturing Work Order and Work In Progress and Distribute Manufacturing Information.

"We're making impressive inroads furthering RosettaNet backed solutions, and the validation of PIP2A9 helps to strengthen our efforts to drive time-to-market applications," said Kevin McDonough, president and CEO, ChipData. "We're pleased to be a part of the consortium and our endeavors have already secured a strong relationships with many of RosettaNet's Validation Partners. We're delighted to have had the opportunity to play a significant role in furthering the advancements of RosettaNet."

Worldwide companies such as, Infineon Technologies; STMicroelectronics; and Texas Instruments already are implementing ChipData software to decrease design time and convert critical product information into standard based formats, such as RosettaNet.

About RosettaNet

RosettaNet is an independent, non-profit consortium dedicated to the collaborative development and rapid deployment of open Internet-based business standards that align processes within the global high-technology trading network. More than 400 companies representing over $1 trillion in annual information technology, electronic components and semiconductor manufacturing revenues currently participate in RosettaNet's standards development, strategy and implementation activities. For more information on RosettaNet's Validation Program or to participate on a Validation team, please visit the RosettaNet Web site under Standards/Standards Programs/RosettaNet Validation Program. A complete list of member companies and more information on RosettaNet is available at www.rosettanet.org.

About ChipData

ChipData, the Design Chain Management(TM) company, integrates enterprise-level software upstream of the supply chain to securely and seamlessly connect electronic component suppliers, original equipment manufacturers, contract manufacturers and independent software vendors. The resulting cohesive, concept-to-production environment leads to lower development costs and better time-to-market. Privately held ChipData, a Richardson, Texas-based company founded in 1999, received funding from independent investors and top high-tech venture capital, including CenterPoint Ventures, EDS Ventures, InterWest Partners, Sevin Rosen and Trinity Ventures. ChipData is a corporate member of the Silicon Integration Initiative (Si2) and a RosettaNet partner. For more information about the company and its products visit www.chipdata.com.

(c) 2001 ChipData, Inc. All rights reserved. ChipData, its logo, chipdata.com, and Design Chain Management are trademarks or service marks of ChipData, Inc. All other companies, brand names or products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.