Intersil and Ubicom First to Enable Development of Access Points With Leading-Edge Security That Also Support the Latest Version of the 802.11g Draft Standard.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

NetWorld+Interop 2003 Las Vegas 

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 2003

Companies Bring 3x Performance Improvement

and Most Advanced Security Features to WLANs

Ubicom(TM), Inc., a leading supplier of wireless network processor and software platforms, today announced that it has partnered with Intersil Corporation (Nasdaq:ISIL) to successfully demonstrate the first access point that is fully compliant with the latest version of the IEEE 802.11g specification (draft standard 8.1). In addition, the demonstration will show how customers can apply Ubicom and Intersil technology to design end products that can be submitted for Wi-Fi Protected Access(TM) (WPA) certification.

The latest draft of the 802.11g standard requires that protection mechanisms be in place which ensure complete coexistence and optimal performance when operating in the presence of legacy 802.11b equipment. As a result, Ubicom and Intersil become the only companies able to deliver both high throughput and advanced security to companies designing 802.11g infrastructure equipment. Intersil is demonstrating these breakthrough technologies on an access point that combines Ubicom's IP2022(TM) wireless network processor and software platform with Intersil's PRISM GT(TM) chipset in private meetings to editors, industry analysts and customers at the NetWorld+Interop trade show this week.

"As the industry migrates to higher data rate standards like 802.11g, it is critical that we be able to rapidly support the new features and functionality delivered with the 802.11g specification, including high throughput and security," said Bulent Celebi, president and CEO of Ubicom. "In just a few short months, Ubicom has not only delivered access point and Ethernet bridging functionality based on the latest version of the 802.11g draft standard, but has also enabled support for advanced security on the only platform optimized for the size, cost and performance of wireless networking. Our rapid support of new and emerging standards proves the flexibility and robustness of our platform, and makes secure, high performance wireless solutions more broadly accessible."

Ubicom's platform is based on an entirely new microprocessor architecture called the Multithreaded Architecture for Software I/O (MASI). MASI uses determinism, multithreading, and a memory-to-memory approach to ensure high-performance execution of software I/O. This eliminates the need for costly, dedicated hardware I/O, off-chip memory and large on-chip caches. As a result, the platform delivers wire-speed performance in one-quarter the silicon area, using one-third the power in one-tenth the footprint of competing technologies.

Intersil now delivers enhanced throughput in both mixed-mode and g-only networks with its exciting new PRISM Nitro(TM) technology. The technology uses fully standards-compliant methods that eliminate collisions in mixed-mode networks, while greatly increasing the performance of both pure 802.11g and mixed 802.11b/g networks. PRISM Nitro has demonstrated the ability to bring a 3x performance improvement to mixed-mode wireless networks and as much as a 50 percent improvement in pure 802.11g networks. PRISM Nitro technology is supported on Intersil's high data rate platforms, including PRISM GT and PRISM Duette(TM), and is available now from Intersil via a firmware upgrade.

"Intersil continues to lead the industry in supporting new wireless standards and protocols, as we drive down the cost and increase the performance of our wireless solutions," said Larry Ciaccia, vice president and general manager of Intersil's Wireless Networking Product Group. "Our work with Ubicom has resulted in a cost-effective platform that will enable OEMs and ODMs to rapidly deploy high throughput, secure 802.11g products and at the same time drive wireless LAN technology into new markets and locations."

Ubicom's Security Implementation

Ubicom is now offering an advanced wireless security software module for its IP2000(TM) family processors that can be added to an access point design. The access point can then be submitted by customers to the Wi-Fi Alliance for WPA certification. WPA has been defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance and is a subset of the draft 802.11i specification, which provides the framework for bringing authentication and encryption capabilities to 802.11-based networks. Ubicom also announced support for 802.1x authentication in early January.

"The industry has found a solution to wireless LAN security issues with the Wi-Fi Protected Access standard," said Amer Hassan, marketing chairman of the Wi-Fi Alliance. "As leading companies like Intersil and Ubicom allow their customers to bring WPA support to their platforms, it is finally becoming feasible for more and more companies to deploy higher throughput, secure wireless networks."

About the IP2000 Wireless Network Processor Family and Software

Ubicom offers two wireless network processor families, the IP2000 and IP3000(TM), which are optimized to run a specialized instruction set, networking-optimized operating system and networking stack software modules.

Ubicom has pioneered an entirely new microprocessor architecture category, called MASI, that uses determinism, multithreading and a memory-to-memory architecture to deliver an optimized platform designed from the ground up for wireless networking. The IP2000 family is shipping in volume today and can be found in both retail and commercial products ranging from Ethernet bridges and small office/home office (SOHO) access points to voice-over-IP phones, Web cameras, refrigeration systems and printers.

Comprehensive Development Support Speeds Time-to-Market

Ubicom's advanced software development platform provides a simple configuration tool that allows designers to quickly embed network connectivity into their devices, and customize a wide variety of products for multiple markets and users, all using the same processor. In fact, companies no longer have to bet their product design on the adoption of a single standard. Instead, they can change the hardware they develop through simple software upgrades and enable it to connect using any combination of the most prevalent communications protocols and functions. In addition, as standards evolve and change, a simple software update is all that's needed to remain fully compliant with the latest version of a specification.

Pricing and Availability

Ubicom's security software module is expected to be available by the end of this quarter. For more information, please visit Ubicom's Web site at www.ubicom.com/sales/sales.html.

Intersil + Elantec Means More for Our Customers

Intersil Corporation is a global semiconductor leader in the design and manufacture of high performance analog and wireless networking solutions. The acquisition of Elantec Semiconductor, Inc., expanded Intersil's product portfolios to address four fast growing markets -- flat panel displays, optical storage (CD and DVD recordable), power management and wireless networking. Intersil brings added customer value in providing complete silicon, software and reference design solutions to new products that enhance the computing experience for people wherever they live, work or travel. For more information about Intersil or to find out how to become a member of our winning team, visit the company's Web site and career page at: www.intersil.com.

About Ubicom, Inc.

Ubicom, Inc. develops and markets wireless network processor and software platforms that enable all electronic devices to be connected to each other -- securely, cost-effectively and transparently. With headquarters in Mountain View, California, Ubicom also has offices in Southern California, as well as Belgium, Taiwan and Hong Kong. For more information, visit www.ubicom.com.

Note to Editors: Ubicom, IP2022, IP2000 and IP3000 are trademarks of Ubicom, Inc. PRISM GT, PRISM Nitro and PRISM Duette are trademarks of Intersil Americas Inc. Wi-Fi Protected Access is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.