Insignia's Jeode PDA Edition To Be Shipped In New Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 Personal Mobile Tool.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 3, 2001

Innovative Handheld Communications/Multimedia Product

Expected to be Available in Early 2002

Insignia Solutions(R) (Nasdaq:INSG), the leading provider of accelerated Java(TM) software solutions for information appliances, announced today that its Jeode(TM) PDA Edition virtual machine environment -- and the other key software components of the Embedix Plus PDA platform -- will ship with Sharp Corporation's newly-announced Zaurus SL-5500 Personal Mobile Tool. The Embedix Plus PDA platform, including Jeode PDA Edition, was incorporated in the original SL5000-D developer unit announced on November 5.

The Zaurus SL-5500 Personal Mobile Tool is an innovative, handheld communications and multimedia solution for professional consumers and corporate users. Sharp expects the new device to be available in early 2002.

Insignia is demonstrating Jeode PDA Edition at Sharp booth number 302 this week at the Internet World Wireless West show in San Jose. Several other Insignia partners are also participating in the Sharp booth, including Lineo, Trolltech, Opera and PointBase, Inc. Insignia and PointBase are also jointly presenting the benefits of Jeode and Java technologies for the Zaurus SL-5500 at the Sharp-sponsored symposium being held today at the Hyatt Sainte Claire in San Jose from 2:45-3:45 p.m.

Jeode PDA Edition for the Sharp Zaurus SL-5500

Jeode PDA Edition provides the Embedix Plus PDA software platform with Java functionality, including the ability to run Java-based enterprise applications, such as sales force automation and order entry. It incorporates the Jeode EVM(TM) runtime engine, a "Sun Authorized Virtual Machine" that is fully compatible with the PersonalJava(TM) specification, and supports all PersonalJava 1.2 class libraries, including optional classes. As with all Insignia products, Jeode PDA Edition leverages the company's dynamic adaptive compilation (DAC(TM)) and precise, concurrent garbage collection technologies to deliver superior performance, and responsive and robust Java application behavior. Insignia also provides developers with the tools they need to configure and tune the Jeode EVM runtime engine and DAC to meet the requirements of each specific device and application.

Embedix Plus PDA Platform

Introduced in June, Embedix Plus PDA offers a powerful development environment for configuring, customizing and deploying embedded Linux software solutions. It includes Lineo Inc.'s Embedix Linux, Trolltech AS's GUI application framework, Opera AS's Opera 5 for Linux web browser, and Jeode PDA Edition. Also included is Trolltech's Qtopia user interface and application suite.

The Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT) in Jeode PDA Edition has been implemented to leverage Trolltech's Qt/Embedded and Qtopia GUI technology. This architectural approach means Java applications automatically adopt the familiar look-and-feel of that environment and enables the use of platform-specific fonts and language support. This, coupled with the Jeode platform's unique Java acceleration technology, means that Java programmers can create applications for the SL-5500 that both perform and appear as compelling as those written in traditional compiled languages. Insignia has also implemented a complete implementation of the Java Native Interface (JNI) protocol to allow developers to support platform-specific functionality (e.g., bar code readers, power management, USB port access) through Java classes.

Sharp Zaurus SL-5500

The Zaurus SL-5500 features Sharp's high resolution color reflective LCD screen technology, a cleverly designed integrated QWERTY keyboard with a sliding cover, dual expansion with a Compact Flash(TM) and Secure Digital card slot, a powerful Intel(R) StrongARM(R) 206MHz processor, 64MB of standard memory, and an MP3 and MPEG1 multimedia player offering professional consumers and corporate users a next-generation mobile device for all their business and personal needs, from mobile communications to mobile multimedia and entertainment.

Taking advantage of the millions of Linux/Java programmers, the Zaurus SL-5500 delivers business and professional consumers with one of the most powerful operating systems available today in a PDA. The new Zaurus SL-5500 is one of the first handheld devices that features an embedded Linux operating system and PersonalJava application development environment already embedded into the device.

The Java platform is becoming a popular development language for PDAs in terms of capability, reliability and security. Already deployed in a number of products currently on the market, Java technology is extremely attractive for the enterprise customer as it offers a secure and platform-independent environment, making it easy to port Java-based corporate applications to the handheld.

For more information please contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Mobile & IT Solutions Group, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, NJ 07430-2135, or dial 1-800-BE-SHARP (1-800-237-4277); www.sharp-usa.com

Jeode Platform

The Jeode platform enables accelerated and robust Java functionality on information appliances. A "Sun Authorized Virtual Machine" fully compatible with the PersonalJava and EmbeddedJava(TM) specifications, the Jeode EVM runtime engine can execute Java applications 6-10 times faster than interpretive JVMs in roughly the same amount of memory.

Key attributes include:

-- Industry leading accelerated performance and efficient memory utilization through patent-pending dynamic adaptive compilation (DAC) and precise, concurrent garbage collection technologies

-- Configurability and tunability to meet the diverse needs of information appliance developers

-- A turn-key software solution already ported and tested on popular RTOS/ microprocessor combinations:

- Operating systems include BSDI Unix, ITRON, Linux, Nucleus, pSOS, VxWorks, Windows CE and Windows NT4

- Microprocessors include ARM, Hitachi SH-3 and SH-4, Intel x86, MIPS, PowerPC and StrongARM

Sharp Electronics Corporation

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core digital technologies that are playing an integral role in shaping the next generation of mobile computing products for consumer and business needs. Since creating the Wizard(R) electronic organizer in 1989, Sharp has led the market in introducing innovative handheld computing products. Sharp is also the global leader in LCD technology, which is incorporated into leading-edge LCD monitors and projectors. From the small office/home office (SOHO) to large corporate environments, Sharp provides a variety of innovative, computer-related solutions designed to help increase productivity while providing functionality to meet customer demand. Dedicated to improving people's lives through the use of advanced technology and a commitment to innovation, quality, value and design, Sharp Electronics employs approximately 2,000 people nationwide to support its more than 50 product lines.

Insignia Solutions

Insignia Solutions is the leading provider of accelerated Java software solutions that dynamically optimize the use of available system resources. Insignia's patent-pending Jeode virtual machine technologies are licensed by such leading companies as BSQUARE Corporation (Nasdaq: BSQR), Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ), Echelon Corporation (Nasdaq: ELON), Fujitsu PC, Gemstar/TV Guide (Nasdaq: GMST), Humax, Intel Corporation (Nasdaq: INTC), Motorola (Nasdaq: MOT), NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR), Nortel Networks (NYSE: NT), Olivetti, Philips Semiconductor (NYSE: PHG), Phoenix Technologies (Nasdaq: PTEC), Quantum Corporation (NYSE: DSS, HDD), Siemens AG, Toshiba Information Systems, Victor Data Systems (a subsidiary of JVC), ViewSonic and Wind River Systems (Nasdaq: WIND). Insignia Solutions is publicly-held with headquarters in Fremont, California, and its main R&D facilities in High Wycombe, England. Sales and marketing departments are located in Fremont and High Wycombe. For additional information on Insignia and its products, call 800/848-7677 in the United States, [phone] in Europe, [phone] in Japan or visit the company's website at http://www.insignia.com.

Note to Editors: Insignia, Insignia Solutions, the Insignia Solutions logo and the Jeode logo are registered trademarks and Jeode, Embedded Virtual Machine, EVM and DAC are trademarks of Insignia Solutions, Inc. Sun Microsystems, Sun, Java, EmbeddedJava, and PersonalJava are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

Forward Looking Statements

The statements in this press release relating to matters that are not historical are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include the anticipated timing of product releases, the expected customer demand for existing and new products, the expected revenue from product sales, the growth of the market for Insignia Solutions' products, and the market demand for the Jeode platform. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that the company will be able to market and support the Jeode product or customers will accept that such product. The company's business is subject to a variety of other risks and uncertainties that include, but are not limited to, rapid technological changes in the industry, increased competition, and timely introduction and customer acceptance of the Company's products. These and other risks and uncertainties are further described in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 and will be described from time to time in the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.