Insignia Solutions Takes Leadership Role In Speeding Deployment of Java Technology To Linux-Based Devices.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 10, 2001

Embedded Systems Conference

Booth No. 2242

Company Spearheads Embedded Linux GUI Industry Initiative; Unveils

New Jeode Platform Release for Linux with Graphical Support

Insignia Solutions (Nasdaq:INSG), the leading provider of accelerated Java(TM) software solutions for information appliances, is assuming an important leadership role to speed the deployment of Java technology to devices running embedded Linux and leveraging the Embedded Systems Conference this week as a major stage to promote its efforts.

Last night Insignia sponsored a technical interest forum of the Embedded Linux Consortium where its senior vice president of marketing, Ron Workman, presented Insignia's market perspective on Java technologies to encourage the embedded Linux industry to adopt a small memory footprint graphics standard framework. It is universally agreed throughout the Linux industry that a comprehensive X Window System implementation is the de facto standard for Linux desktop computers. However, a full X Window System was developed for computing environments where memory resources and secondary storage are plentiful. To be viable for many types of information appliances, such as PDAs, an equivalent standard graphics solution running in minimal memory needs to be recognized by the embedded Linux industry.

In a related matter, Insignia today unveiled the Jeode(TM) platform for Linux, a PersonalJava(TM)-compatible implementation that provides complete AWT graphics capability for high-end embedded Linux-based devices through its use of the full X Window system graphical standard. In addition, throughout ESC, Insignia is demonstrating Java applications and applets on various devices running Linux, working in conjunction with its partners DevelopOnline, Pointbase and NetClue.

The GUI Issue

Workman believes that embedded Linux for graphics-centric information appliances will meet limited success if an appropriate standard is not broadly adopted. "One of the key challenges for the embedded Linux community is the lack of a commonly accepted graphical subsystem and user interface," said Workman. "Currently, the de facto standard in the Linux desktop environment is the full X Window system. Some embedded Linux vendors and OEM device manufacturers are able to take advantage of this standard, even though a full X Window system implementation is too large (it requires 5 MB of RAM and 16 MB of disk space) to be commercially viable for other high-volume, low-cost information appliances, such as PDAs. To address this size issue, there are several viable, but not widely adopted, graphics subsystems offerings for these resource-constrained devices."

Workman continued, "This situation diminishes the attractiveness of embedded Linux to information appliance manufacturers who would much prefer to leverage a graphics solution that is supported across the industry. They want a deep pool of developers who have experience developing applications for a widely adopted graphics interface, and they want a variety of software suppliers to be developing complementary technologies for their information appliance platforms. It also affects the ability of suppliers of enabling middleware and application software to cost effectively support these alternative graphics solutions. For example, Java technology, web browsers and browser plug-ins are all fundamental requirements for many information appliances, and the suppliers of these technologies find the lack of a de facto graphics standard for embedded Linux makes it much more expensive to serve this market."

According to Workman, Insignia is addressing this issue through a multi-pronged approach. First the company is providing comprehensive graphical support for PersonalJava 1.2 implementations, including the Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT) class library on a full X Window system graphics stack. Although the memory footprint is too large for many OEM devices, Insignia's source code customers will be able to port Jeode technology to new target devices using any graphics subsystem of their choosing. To further address the memory footprint issue, Insignia will continue to offer services to port to additional graphics environments. In parallel, Insignia will play an active role working with the Embedded Linux Consortium to encourage the Linux community to proactively select a de facto graphics standard.

Introduction of The Jeode Platform For Linux

The company introduced the Jeode platform for Linux, which provides complete PersonalJava 1.2 compatibility and functionality, including support of the Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT) class library on a full X Window System graphics stack. This new release also supports Linux/86 as a development host with the initial reference implementation available for Red Hat Linux 6.2/x86. In addition, Insignia will license its source code and provide the tools and assistance to help its customers port Jeode technology to another graphics system or any of the other CPUs currently supported by the company, including ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, SH-3 and SH-4. The Jeode platform also provides full support for EmbeddedJava 1.0.3 on Linux.

ESC Linux-Related Demos

At Insignia booth No. 2242, several Linux-related applications and applets will be displayed including:

-- The NetClue browser running on the Jeode Embedded Virtual Machine(TM)
(EVM(TM)) on a ST Microelectronics STPC Consumer-II Linux/x86 machine, accessed
via the Internet through the DevelopOnline developer's website.

-- The Pointbase mobile database running on the Jeode EVM on a Linux-based iPAQ
PocketPC

-- A laptop running the Jeode platform for Linux, featuring several Java
graphics-intensive applets

Jeode Platform

At the core of the Jeode platform is the first independently developed "Sun Authorized Virtual Machine," the Jeode Embedded Virtual Machine(TM) (EVM(TM)), an accelerated runtime engine that delivers an optimal balance of performance and responsiveness in a smaller memory footprint. Using a proprietary technique called dynamic adaptive compilation, the Jeode EVM can execute Java applications on average six times faster than interpretive VMs in roughly the same amount of memory.

Key attributes include:

-- A full-featured software implementation compatible with Sun's

PersonalJava and EmbeddedJava specifications

-- Industry leading accelerated performance and efficient memory

utilization

-- Configurability and tunability to meet the diverse needs of

Internet appliance and embedded device developers

-- A turn-key software solution already ported and tested on

popular RTOS/processor combinations

-- World class support, training, consulting, customization and

development tools

The Jeode platform is designed to run with a wide range of operating systems and target processors. It currently supports operating systems such as Windows CE, Windows NT4, VxWorks, Linux, ITRON, Nucleus, BSDI Unix and pSOS, and processors such as MIPS, ARM, Intel x86, PowerPC and Hitachi SH-3 and SH-4.

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), eMachines, Inc. (Nasdaq:EEEE), Echelon Corporation (Nasdaq:ELON), Fujtisu PC, Gemstar/TV Guide (Nasdaq:GMST), Intel Corporation (Nasdaq:INTC), Lineo, Inc., Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT) Olivetti Lexikon, Philips Semiconductor (NYSE:PHG), Phoenix Technologies (Nasdaq:PTEC), Quantum Corporation (NYSE:DSS, HDD), RAVISENT Technologies (Nasdaq:RVST), Siemens AG, Televideo, Inc. (OTC BB:TELV), Victor Data Systems (a subsidiary of JVC), Wind River Systems (Nasdaq:WIND) and Wyse Technology, Inc. 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.

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, 1999 and will be described from time to time in the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Industry Comments on Insignia and the Jeode Platform for Linux

DevelopOnline

"DevelopOnline is proud to deliver immediate access to Insignia's new Jeode platform for Linux to developers worldwide. DevelopOnline users will be able to try out the exciting new Jeode capabilities in combination with NetClue, Pointbase or their own Java code on a variety of open hardware platforms from key technology providers such as ST, Intel and others" -- Jim Kearns, vice president of business development

Embedded Linux Consortium

"Standardization of graphical user interfaces that support a robust embedded Linux platform standard is crucial to broad scale acceptance of Linux. GUI standards can dramatically speed products to market by eliminating reinvention for each platform. Insignia's leadership in GUIs, demonstrated by the company's support for our Advanced Linux Platform Specification and Ron Workman's chairmanship of our GUI Standards Committee as it seeks a small memory footprint graphics framework standard, is an excellent move for the industry" -- Murry Shohat, executive director of the 124-member global organization

Espial

"Espial has continued to drive a vision of the Pervasive Internet which includes Java technology for smart Internet devices," says for Espial. "Insignia's enhancement to the Jeode platform for Linux continues to push the Linux platform for our DeviceTop suite in the direction the market wants to go. More standardization is required than just adherence to the Sun specification to make the 'write once, run anywhere' mantra of Java a true reality" -- Bob Egner, vice president of marketing

Lineo, Inc.

"Lineo believes very strongly that the new open standards "computing platform" is built upon a foundation of Java technology and Embedded Linux. Insignia is a leader in the supply of a Sun authorized Java virtual machine and we see continued rapid acceptance and growth for Jeode VM solutions in the embedded Linux market" -- Mark Sewell, vice president of marketing

Metro Link

"Metro Link views Insignia's Jeode platform as the perfect complement to our scalable Micro-XT. We believe Micro-X addresses the embedded Linux industry's requirement for a standards-compliant, small memory footprint graphics solution. Both Micro-X and the Jeode platform are optimized to take advantage of the smallest memory footprint possible, and deliver the highest quality, easiest to use-and-configure windowing environment for set-top boxes, web pads, PDA's and other next generation internet appliances" -- Garry Paxinos, vice president and chief technology officer

NetClue

"NetClue is excited about Insignia's new release of the Jeode platform for Linux with support for AWT graphics. Our Clue browser in combination with the Jeode virtual machine technology brings a comprehensive Java solution to wireless and information appliance manufacturers and positions us to meet the growing demand from these manufacturers for Linux-based solutions" -- Eva Low, vice president, business development

Trolltech(TM)

"With Qt/Embedded, Trolltech is committed to providing a graphics solution for embedded Linux-based devices that is small, fast and scaleable. We are pleased to work with companies like Insignia to provide a complete GUI solution with Java support. We applaud Insignia's efforts in helping to ensure that standards are adopted in the embedded Linux space and will work closely with them and other leading companies in the community to see this initiative become a reality" -- Haavard Nord, chief executive officer

Note to Editors: Insignia and Insignia Solutions are registered trademarks and Jeode, Embedded Virtual Machine and EVM are trademarks of Insignia

Solutions, Inc. Sun, Java, EmbeddedJava, and PersonalJava are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders. All other names, product names, and trade names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.