Synchromesh Computing Announces Market Ready Validation Program for Middleware; ''Tested and Validated Program'' Expands to Include Key Software Components.

ORLANDO, Fla. & AUSTIN, Texas -- Synchromesh Computing, a leading provider of embedded development, software design, benchmarking, software testing, and certification services, announced they are expanding the Market Ready Validation Program for Freescale Semiconductor's i.MX and MXC processor platforms.

The new Middleware Validation Program provides a level of assurance to customers that third party software for Freescale's applications and cellular processors are tested and validated by an independent third party. The goal of the program is to help ensure that the customer's "out of the box" experience is analogous to "plug and play" devices that simply work, and work well. This can result in a reduction in the customer's time to market by weeks or even months.

"Middleware" is comprised of software that resides above the board support package (BSP) and operating system, and includes:

--Codecs (audio, video)

--Multimedia frameworks

--Device drivers

--Communication (TCP/IP, USB, Bluetooth, UWB, ZigBee, FlexRay)

--Security software or hardware blocks

--Browsers

--Browser plug-ins

The Market Ready Validation program for Freescale was launched a year ago beginning with the "Cool Tool Experience" validation program supporting these tool components:

--Development Tools and Boards

--Compilers and Debuggers

--Simulators

--Profilers

--Device Drivers

--Board Support Packages (BSPs)

--Operating Systems

Participants with successful validation reports for the Cool Tool Experience program for Freescale include: Mentor Graphics, for their Eclipse-based Nucleus(R) EDGE embedded development environment, Nucleus Debugger and ARM(R) RealView(R) compiler for the i.MX processors; IAR Systems, for their IAR Workbench, and Microcross, for their GNU GCC-based compiler system.

"Our customers, partners and Freescale want the same thing: a trouble-free experience using third party products for developing solutions based on our i.MX and MXC platforms," said Monica Hamilton, director of the wireless developer network for Freescale. "Synchromesh Computing's validation program gives our customers confidence that partner solutions are highly optimized for i.MX and MXC processors and will perform effectively and efficiently right out of the box."

"We believe this validation program will help drive quality throughout the industry," remarked Alan R. Weiss, CEO of Synchromesh Computing. "Customers will get up to speed on leading edge Freescale technology faster, and more importantly, get their products to market quicker with a much more enjoyable experience," Weiss said.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

Third parties submit their software and/or hardware to Synchromesh Computing. The program provides functional testing, system interoperability testing of the various tools, software and hardware components, and a unique scoring system to let vendors know how well they did on factors such as functionality, performance, documentation, and technical support. Upon meeting the testing program criteria, Synchromesh Computing publishes a comprehensive report of the results and awards the Synchromesh Computing Tested and Validated Seal of Approval.

Synchromesh Computing personnel have tested hundreds of software tools and embedded development systems over the years. Through the firm's own experience working with silicon and tools companies, the need for a validation program became apparent. "We believe this program is the first of its kind in the industry and long overdue," Weiss stated.

For more information on the Market Ready Validation program visit: www.synchromeshcomputing.com/servicesFreescale.html or www.freescale.com/fwdn

About Synchromesh Computing

Synchromesh Computing, LLC is a world leader in embedded development, software design, benchmarking, testing, and certification services. Staff at the company work with more embedded tools and development systems than anyone else on Earth. With customers in North America, Europe, Japan, and the Far East, the rapidly-growing company is located in Austin, Texas.