NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR PROVIDES SECURITY FOR NOTEBOOK PCS.

IBM has selected National's SafeKeeper Notebook Trusted Input/Output security device for IBM's latest notebook computer, the IBM ThinkPad T43.

IBM's thin and light ThinkPad T43 features a multi-layered security approach for managing ever-increasing security threats. National's SafeKeeper Notebook Trusted Input/Output (I/O) device, based on the industry-standard Trusted Platform Module, provides the foundation for this layered secure computing infrastructure and helps IBM's customers protect their notebooks from hackers and Trojan horse viruses. The Trusted I/O device stores vital elements of the computer's identity in silicon, making it virtually impossible for outsiders to read or modify that information.

"National and IBM recognize that intellectual property must be protected on notebooks no matter where a company's employees are located," said Jonathan Levy, general manager of National's Advanced PC Division. "With IBM's desktop PCs already relying on National's SafeKeeper technology, their customers can be assured that they have secure industry- standard products whether they are in the office or on-the- go."

Unlike other security hardware, National's Trusted I/O devices integrate a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), Super I/O and embedded firmware to implement industry-standard Trusted Computing Group security functions. TPMs are microcontrollers that securely store passwords, digital certificates and encryption keys for PCs and other systems. These devices, which comply with Trusted Computing Group (TCG) specifications, can be used to protect computer software, such as BIOS, operating systems and applications, from unauthorized snoopers or malicious attacks. IBM has used TPMs since 1999.

National's Notebook Trusted I/O security device is based on its embedded 16-bit CompactRISC core technology. It resides on the low-pin-count (LPC) bus, an ideal place for integration because it sits at the intersection of input devices to the PC.

Pin- and software-compatibility with the company's current Super I/O products allows system engineers to easily create dual-system designs that can accept either part. This gives manufacturers the flexibility to design "TPM-ready" systems without designing in an additional empty socket.

Understanding Desktop and Notebook Systems

National Semiconductor offers a diverse product portfolio to surround current and next-generation CPUs, chipsets and memory. National provides all the analog technology a PC needs for excellent audio, display, video and power management performance. In addition, its mixed-signal technology delivers security, system management and networking capabilities. Using this system-level approach, National is partnering with customers to re-define system partitions that create unique features for their products.

About National Semiconductor

National Semiconductor, an analog company, creates analog devices and subsystems. National's products include power management circuits, display drivers, audio and operational amplifiers, communication interface products and data conversion solutions. National's key markets include wireless handsets, displays, PCs and laptops. The company's analog products are also optimized for numerous applications in a variety of electronics markets, including medical, automotive, industrial, and test and measurement. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $1.98 billion for fiscal 2004, which ended May 30, 2004.

National Semiconductor can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.national.com/.

For more information, call 408/721-2142.