Microsoft and Intel to Optimize Platform Technologies for Next-Generation Connected Mobile Devices.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

Intel Developer Forum 2002

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 2002

Windows CE .NET and Intel(R) XScale(TM) Microarchitecture Based

Processors Deliver Rich Browsing, Multimedia and

Wireless Capabilities for Mobile Devices

Intel Corporation and Microsoft Corporation today outlined details of their collaboration to optimize Microsoft(R) Windows CE .NET for Intel(R) PXA250 and Intel(R) PXA210 applications processors based on the Intel(R) XScale(TM) microarchitecture in support of the Intel(R) Personal Internet Client Architecture (Intel PCA). The effort will enable hardware and software developers to create powerful, connected mobile devices that utilize the latest browsing, multimedia and wireless capabilities while maximizing battery life.

Examples of these devices include personal digital assistants (PDAs), smart phones, handheld data terminals, Web pads and smart displays such as the recently announced "Mira" class of products. Companies such as Cyberbank Corporation, Hitachi, Ltd., Impactra Company, Intermec Technologies Corporation, Samsung Electronics and Symbol Technologies have already started development on devices utilizing Windows CE .NET and the Intel(R) PXA250 applications processor and will be shipping these products in the coming months.

Windows CE .NET will include an optimized compiler, kernel, and board support package for the Intel(R) PXA250 and Intel(R) PXA210 applications processors and Intel DBPXA250 development system in support of Intel PCA, Intel's development blueprint for designing wireless handheld communication devices that combine voice communications and Internet access capabilities. Intel will distribute the Windows CE .NET development tools with the Intel DBPXA250 development system, the Intel(R) Integrated Performance Primitives (Intel IPP), and wireless technologies like GSM/GPRS, 802.11, and Bluetooth. As an example, developers can use Intel IPP to rapidly implement Windows Media Technologies in devices to increase frames per second video performance, improve sound quality and enhance graphical effects.

"Microsoft and Intel continue to provide great technology platforms and reference designs for developers of connected devices," said Todd Warren, general manager of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft. "The rich set of applications and services enabled by Windows CE. NET combined with the Intel PXA250 and Intel PXA210 processors will help mobile device OEMs to develop high-performing Windows Powered devices that take advantage of the performance and battery life enhancements of Intel's processor technologies."

"A key requirement for the success of a new processor architecture is to have the support of leading software solutions," said Ron Smith, senior vice president of Intel's Wireless Communications and Computing Group. "The combination of Windows CE .NET and Intel XScale microarchitecture based processors will be a great fit for wireless mobile devices and allow developers to create powerful and compelling hardware and software solutions for their consumer and enterprise customers."

Today's announcement is an extension of the wireless development initiative the companies made last week at 3GSM World Congress in Cannes, France. Intel and Microsoft agreed to deliver reference designs to promote the rapid development of next-generation wireless applications and services for consumer and enterprise market segments using Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Powered Pocket PC and Smartphone 2002 software platforms and Intel PCA.

Microsoft and Intel have independent, highly-skilled global ecosystems made up of companies that are experts in developing systems and software based on both Windows CE .NET and Intel PCA. These include a number of Gold Windows Embedded Partners or members of the Intel PCA Developer Network, including system integrators such as Accelent Systems, Bsquare Corporation, Intrinsyc Software, Inc., and Stellcom, Inc. The ecosystems will enable original equipment manufacturers; original design manufacturers and independent software vendors to get the hardware and software assistance they need to bring products to market more quickly.

More information on how to start evaluating Windows CE .NET and its integrated Intel PXA250 and Intel PXA210 applications processor support can be found at www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ce.net, and information on the Windows Embedded Partner program can be found at www.mswep.com. Information about the Intel PCA Developer Network and the Intel DBPXA250 development system can be found at www.intel.com/pca.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.

About Intel

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.

Note to Editors: Microsoft, Windows and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

Intel, Intel PXA250, Intel PXA210, Intel PCA, Intel IPP and Intel XScale are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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