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IBM Set-Top-Box Chip Expands Use of Linux in Consumer Applications

EAST FISHKILL, N.Y. May 16, 2001... IBM today announced it is working with
MontaVista Software, Inc. to make its Hard Hat Linux operating system
available for IBM's PowerPC based single-chip Set-Top Box (STB) Controller.

Combining high-performance PowerPC-based STB controllers with Linux-based open
standards software, IBM is providing electronics manufacturers with the
ability to develop new classes of home gateway products such as television
set-top boxes, that will serve as an interactive medium between content and
service providers and consumers.  Netgem, one of Europe?s leading
developers of interactive services applications, plans to develop new
products based on the IBM STB controllers running the Hard Hat Linux
operating system.

Advanced STBs are part of the fast-growing category of "pervasive computing"
devices helping to make information available to more people in more ways.

"Our customers have been requesting support for Linux, and this is a major
step
forward in meeting their needs," said Scottie Ginn, vice president for
pervasive
technology, IBM Microelectronics Division. "The support of a leading
interactive
service developer like Netgem is evidence that versatile, adaptable hardware
coupled with open software is a valuable combination to help our customers
accelerate their pace of innovation in the digital television arena."

The MontaVista Hard Hat Linux 2.0 operating system and cross development tools
for embedded applications are based on Linux Version 2.4 and are developed by
MontaVista Software, Inc.

"Hard Hat Linux and IBM's set top box integrated controller represent a
natural
integration of software and hardware functionality," commented Sheila Baker,
MontaVista Software vice president of Marketing. "Leveraging Hard Hat Linux
for
IBM's PowerPC-based architecture will empower customers to speed their designs
to market, on time and at the right price."

Netgem?s new interactive digital software platform supports innovative
interactive services such as electronic program guides, multimedia mail,
Internet access, and video and audio on demand.

"Television has not evolved to offer the same additional services as the PC
and
mobile phone until now," said Joseph Haddad, Netgem CEO. "By developing an
interactive software platform based on IBM's set-top box integrated
controller,
Netgem has given digital television operators the ability to capitalise on
existing Internet infrastructure and to offer interactive services suited to
consumer needs. This makes our new software a cost-effective solution for our
customers."


IBM's STB034xx chip family includes an MPEG-2 audio/video decoder, a memory
interface subsystem and a range of peripheral interfaces all on a single piece
of silicon.  Based on the PowerPC processor, it features high-speed operation
at
162 MHz, with a 16-KB instruction cache and an 8-KB data cache, providing the
performance necessary for a range of new services.


IBM's scalable PowerPC architecture provides a common Linux programming
platform
across the e-business infrastructure. IBM?s PowerPC microprocessors, embedded
processors and cores are suited for high-end workstations, data storage
devices
and servers that feed the network; wired hubs, routers, and switches that make
up the network; and the hand-held communications devices and other pervasive
computing applications that access the network.


Both IBM and Netgem plan to demonstrate MontaVista Software?s Hard Hat Linux
running on the IBM STB034xx chip in their respective booths at the upcoming
MediaCast show to be held in London from May 21-23.


IBM?s Third-Generation Integrated Controller

IBM also intends to make available in the second half of 2001 its
third-generation integrated controller for digital set top boxes. The
next-generation STB Integrated controller is being designed to extend
performance from today's STB03xxx 225 DMIPS up to 350 DMIPS, utilizing the
embedded Power PC 405 processor running at speeds up to 252 MHz.  This extra
on-chip power is intended to enable advanced features such as personal video
recording, internet gaming, interactive TV, web browsing, and secure on-line
transactions.

Plans for the third generation architecture includes support for an external
processor interface, a new advanced 2D graphics subsystem, simultaneous
dual-stream recording to HDD with single stream playback, and other peripheral
interfaces.  This statement of intent underscores IBM?s commitment to
interactive and digital TV, and IBM?s plans to address the requirements of
both
service providers and STB manufacturers.

IBM is currently shipping engineering samples to customers with general sample
availability intended for June.

                    # # #

About IBM
IBM Microelectronics is a key contributor to IBM's role as the world's premier
information technology supplier. IBM Microelectronics develops, manufactures
and
markets state-of-the-art semiconductor and interconnect technologies, products
and services. IBM makes chips for a wide range of devices from the world's
most
powerful computers to the smallest cell phones. Its superior integrated
solutions can be found in many of the world's best-known electronic brands.
More
information about IBM Microelectronics can be found at: www.chips.ibm.com.


IBM and PowerPC are registered trademarks of IBM. Linux is a registered
trademark of Linus Torvalds. Hard Hat is a trademark of MontaVista Software
Inc.
All other names mentioned are trademarks, registered trademarks or service
marks
of their respective companies. IBM?s third-generation integrated controller
represents a statement of direction and the company?s current intent which
represent goals and objectives only and is subject to change without notice.