National Semiconductor's Geode Technology for Next-Generation Thin Clients Simplifies Enterprise IT Management

Santa Clara, CA -- 5/22/2001 -- National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE: NSM) today announced that Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) will incorporate National's Geode™ technology in its next-generation thin client systems. Compaq is one of the top-tier original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to adopt the proven Geode technology in thin clients for improved personal and workgroup productivity in various enterprise applications.

The Compaq Evo™ Thin Client T20, launched yesterday, is a legacy-free client device that connects over a network to a server that handles all processing and storage. National's Geode technology allows Compaq to lower overall system cost and speed time-to-market by simplifying design, while reducing component count, main system board size and power consumption. The low-power feature of the Geode technology is key to enterprises seeking ways to save energy.

"The Compaq Evo Thin ClientT20 is designed to provide enterprises with simplified IT management that, in turn, translates to lower total costs of ownership and increased resource efficiency," said Keith LeFebvre, director, Workstations and Thin Client Business, Compaq Computer Corporation. "The combination of National's Geode technology and Compaq's global leadership in thin-client deployment will allow customers to extend the cost savings provided by thin-client server computing into an increasingly greater portion of enterprises."

The Compaq Evo Thin Client T20 is powered by the Geode GX1 integrated processor and its Geode CS5530A companion chip, the DP83815 MacPHYTER™ Ethernet controller and a number of analog components including audio codec and power management, all from National Semiconductor.

"Because of its proven leadership in the market, Compaq is well positioned to provide end-to-end thin-client solutions to the enterprise market," said Ziv Azmanov, director of thin client business unit at National. "Our Geode technology provides the best combination of system performance, power consumption and price. We see Compaq's commitment to thin-client technology as a clear sign that the market is taking off right here, right now."

National Semiconductor is the world leader in thin-client technology. Its award-winning Geode technology optimized for information appliances has found itself in the majority of the thin-client systems by leading OEMs worldwide.

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; information appliances; information infrastructure; and display, imaging and human interface technologies. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2.1 billion for its last fiscal year and has about 10,000 employees worldwide.