Atmel Chooses LinuxLink by TimeSys as Linux Solution for Developers Targeting Latest ARM-based Processors

1 January 1970

Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML), a global leader in the development and fabrication of advanced semiconductor solutions, and TimeSys(R) Corporation, the leading developer and service provider for the embedded Linux market, announced today that Atmel has chosen LinuxLink by TimeSys as the primary Linux distribution mechanism for their new ARM(R)-based processors.

Under the terms of the agreement, Atmel has joined the TimeSys OnBoard Program(TM) for leading semiconductor manufacturers. As an OnBoard Program member, the latest Linux(R) optimizations developed by Atmel for recently released and forthcoming ARM-based processors will be made available to developers through LinuxLink subscriptions.

LinuxLink subscriptions are now available for the recently released AT91SAM9261 and the AT91RM9200 processors. Support will follow for next- generation processors currently in development at Atmel. LinuxLink delivers the latest Linux available with validated support for version 2.6.16 on the AT91RM9200 and 2.6.15 on the AT91SAM9261 with a planned update to 2.6.16 by early May.

Through this partnership, customers for these devices will receive a one month LinuxLink subscription, free of charge from Atmel, providing an out-of- the box starting point for Linux development.

LinuxLink by TimeSys is the first commercial offering to support the majority of embedded developers who build and assemble their own commercial- grade custom Linux platforms by delivering on-demand access to continuously- updated processor-optimized Linux and components, a rich development environment and community support.

"We selected the LinuxLink model so that we can provide developers choosing Atmel processors with the latest innovations from our own development teams as well as from the open source community, via one continuously updated commercial source," said Alfredo Vadillo, Atmel's Director for ARM-based Products. "LinuxLink brings the rapid pace of innovation found in the open source community, along with valuable community support and tools to developers, and we are pleased to make this unique offering available to our customers."

"Atmel's selection of LinuxLink as the primary commercial Linux distribution mechanism for their key processors is the latest validation of the LinuxLink approach by a market leader," said Larry Weidman, president and CEO of TimeSys. "We are very pleased to team with Atmel to make the Linux components, tools and community support available to the thousands of developers building embedded devices targeting some of their most advanced processors."

About Atmel

Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions. Focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing and automotive markets, Atmel ICs can be found Everywhere You Are(R).

About TimeSys Corporation

TimeSys is the leading developer service provider for the embedded Linux market, delivering LinuxLink subscriptions that empower developers to rapidly and efficiently create their own commercial-grade custom Linux platform. The continuously updated cross-compiled components, information and systems offered through LinuxLink subscriptions are aggregated from the open source community, semiconductor manufacturers and TimeSys and hosted in the TimeSys Network. For more information, visit http://www.timesys.com.

NOTE: Atmel(R), logo and combinations thereof, Everywhere You Are(R) and others, are registered trademarks, or trademarks of Atmel Corporation or its subsidiaries. ARM(R) is a registered trademark of ARM ltd. Other terms and product names may be trademarks of others.

Information:

Atmel's AT91SAM9261 product information may be retrieved at http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/product_card.asp?part_id=3638

Atmel's AT91RM9200 product information may be retrieved at http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/product_card.asp?part_id=2983

For further information on Atmel's ARM-based microcontrollers, go to http://www.atmel.com/products/AT91/

For further information about LinuxLink by Timesys, go to http://www.timesys.com/products/index.htm

Atmel Press Contacts:

Peter Bishop, Communications Manager, Atmel Rousset

Phone: +33 (0)4 42 53 61 50, Email: peter.bishop@rfo.atmel.com

Helen Perlegos, Public Relations - USA and Asia Pacific Rim,

Phone: (+1) 408 487-2963, Email: hperlegos@atmel.com

Veronique Sablereau, Corporate Communications Manager - Europe

Phone: +33 (0)1 30 60 70 68, Fax: + 49 71 31 67 24 23