Mentor Graphics Eases Software Development Tool Cost Issue with EDGE Development Suite.

WILSONVILLE, Ore. -- Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) today announced the EDGE[TM] Development Suite, a bundled version of its EDGE Development Tools, including integrated development environment (IDE), software simulator, compiler and debugger, priced at only $2,995. The Suite lowers the price barrier for development tools, allowing developers to cost-effectively experience the benefits of a proven, commercial-grade development package, based on Eclipse, for the most popular 32-bit processor architectures.

In CMP Media's 2006 State of Embedded Market Survey, price is the second most important factor in choosing software tools. Venture Development Corporation's 2006 Embedded Software Strategic Market Intelligence Program cites both price and technical support as the most important selection factors. For a minimal investment, the EDGE environment gives embedded developers tighter tool integration, control over the quality and stability of their applications, control of release cycles, shorter learning curves, a common Eclipse platform and the benefits of the value added by Eclipse community. The EDGE Development Suite is currently available for Altera's Nios([R]) II processor, ARM([R]) cores, Freescale's ColdFire([R]) and PowerPC([R]) families, MIPS([R]) cores and the Xilinx MicroBlaze[TM] microprocessor, with additional processor support to be announced soon.

"Embedded developers using Altera's industry leading Nios II soft processor and FPGAs continue to benefit from relationships with partners like Mentor Graphics," said George Brooks, senior manager of embedded alliances at Altera. "The new EDGE Development Suite and support of the Nios II processor is another example of Mentor Graphics' continued focus on addressing the design needs of our mutual customers with products offering enhanced performance at competitive prices."

"Mentor Graphics has supported embedded processors from Xilinx from the beginning," said Mark Jensen, senior manager of Embedded Ecosystem Strategic Marketing at Xilinx. "They have a proven tool and understand the risks a developer faces when developing complex embedded systems. The announcement of a very competitive price further demonstrates their commitment to offer the best solution to Xilinx customers."

The EDGE Development Suite incorporates the EDGE Microtec Compilers, which are a complete cross-compiler solution that includes a compiler, assembler, and linker, all designed exclusively for building embedded applications. The Development Suite also includes the EDGE Debugger, which provides a comprehensive feature set for basic and advanced debugging operations, plus support for modern hardware (multicore systems and hardware-assisted features such as hardware breakpoints). The EDGE SimTest simulator provides the ability to simulate hardware peripherals, Man-Machine Interface (MMI), communication networks, and multiple instances of virtual prototypes so that a developer can simulate the entire system in its target environment before hardware is available. The EDGE MAJIC([R]) probe is a full-featured JTAG connection that lets a developer see the innermost workings of their target platform, download code, program flash, and create target files specific to their board design.

"The advanced EDGE Development Suite provides excellent support for our cores, including the 4KE, 24K and the multi-threaded 34K processors," said Jack Browne, vice president of marketing at MIPS Technologies. "We are excited about the new pricing on the development suite. Now, customers developing everything from simple to sophisticated digital consumer devices can take advantage of application development, profiling and debugging tools at one low price."

"Price isn't the only consideration when purchasing a new tools solution. High also on the list are features and technical support, which is something Mentor excels at," said Glen Johnson, director of product marketing for Mentor Graphics' Embedded Systems Division. "Having addressed these issues, we are now tackling the cost issue to make it easier for developers to adopt the best tools available in order to get their job done."

Pricing and Availability

Licenses for the EDGE Development Suite are U.S. $2,995 per seat. The EDGE MAJIC JTAG connection hardware can be added for an additional $995 each. For more information, please contact Mentor Graphics embedded systems division at 800-468-6853 or [e-mail].

About Mentor Graphics

Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting services and award-winning support for the world's most successful electronics and semiconductor companies. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues over the last 12 months of over $725 million and employs approximately 4,050 people worldwide. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777. World Wide Web site: http://www.mentor.com/.

Mentor Graphics and MAJIC are registered trademarks, and EDGE is a trademark of Mentor Graphics Corporation. All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.