National Semiconductor Optimizes Geode Technology Support for Windows XP Embedded with Service Pack 1

National and Microsoft Provide OEMs with Reliable and Enhanced Driver Suite

Santa Clara, CA -- 10/22/2002 -- National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE: NSM) today announced an improved set of software drivers for its Geode™ products, including its new Geode GX2 integrated processor, that support the Microsoft Windows XP Embedded with Service Pack 1 (SP1) operating system.

“National is continuously striving to increase quality and reduce time-to-market for customers developing thin clients, retail point of sale devices, and advanced set-top boxes," said Ziv Azmanov, director of the thin client business unit, National Semiconductor. "Optimizing the base interaction between the OS and the Geode hardware is key to our customers and allows them to focus on making quality products.”

High-end thin clients demand a higher level of performance and features while still maintaining a robust and secure environment. Devices powered by National Semiconductor’s Geode processor deliver that balance of power and performance while still maintaining excellent reliability. The Geode solution fully supports the new features in Windows XP Embedded with SP1 such as remote boot and device servicing, therefore reducing maintenance costs and accelerating time-to-deployment.

Information access devices found in the home demand a different set of requirements. Advanced set-top boxes require the latest in Windows Media Technologies support along with the most up to date digital rights management technology. National’s set-top box reference platform uses the Geode CS1301 media companion to process Windows Media Audio and Windows Media Video files, allowing the primary processor to manage the operating functions efficiently. The Geode product family, together with Windows XP Embedded, delivers rich multimedia and content control for today’s consumer information access devices.

“In this highly competitive device market, OEMs need a reliable and powerful microprocessor for Windows XP Embedded-based devices,” said Scott Horn, director of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft Corp. “By providing support for Windows XP Embedded with SP1, National’s family of Geode processors will enable OEMs to create the most advanced and full-featured connected hardware devices, and to bring those devices to market quickly and cost-effectively.”

National's family of Geode silicon solutions, optimized for thin clients, set-top boxes and consumer access devices, leverages an extensive integrated x86 computing infrastructure for maximum compatibility, high-end multimedia and rapid time-to-market. Featuring reduced power consumption, maximum Internet compatibility and intelligent integration, the Geode family of processors is specially designed to power information access devices.

About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor is the premier analog company driving the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of-the-art digital technology, the company is focused on the fast growing markets for wireless handsets; displays; information infrastructure, and information appliances. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $1.5 billion for its most recent fiscal year and has about 10,000 employees worldwide.