More: ARM and 3Com Advance Network Intelligence; ARM Processors to
Power a New Generation of 3Com Products, Including High Volume
Network Interface Cards - BW, 01:17 p.m Feb 25, 1999 Eastern
LOS GATOS/SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 1999-- ARM
(LSE: ARM and NASDAQ: ARMHY) and 3Com Corporation (NASDAQ:COMS) have
entered into a technology alliance which will enable a new generation of advanced
networking products. 3Com has chosen to deploy the ARM architecture in a variety of
volume products, capitalizing on ARM's strengths in innovation and integration. ARM
cores will enable 3Com to provide a new range of intelligent, high-performance,
cost-effective networking solutions. 3Com will access ARM technology through
ARM's world-class silicon partnership.
Products resulting from this alliance include a new generation of intelligent network
interface cards (NICs), each containing a custom-designed application specific
integrated circuit (ASIC) with an ARM processor core. The on-board ARM processor
will enable a distributed processing architecture, whereby system and network
performance are optimized by offloading networking tasks from the host system CPU.
Protocol processing and management functions can be performed by the ARM
processor, freeing the host CPU for other system tasks.
"3Com engages with industry leaders to develop highly innovative, cost-effective
products for our OEM customers and end-users," said Tom Werner, vice president and
general manager for 3Com's LAN Connectivity Division. "We chose ARM as a our
microprocessor provider because of its market and technology leadership. The
architecture's core strengths, including performance, family compatibility, and design
reuse will allow 3Com to deliver superior NIC solutions with fast time to market."
"ARM has grown its networking business through numerous design wins in Ethernet
adapters, switches, hubs, routers, ATM chipsets, remote access concentrators and
analog and digital modems," said Reynette Au, vice president of marketing at ARM.
"While ARM has established its presence as the microprocessor of choice for wireless
communications, this strategic alliance with 3Com further establishes ARM technology
in volume networking products. ARM's viability as a networking processor is
underscored by its integration into 3Com NICs, which are known for performance,
manageability, quality and reliability." ARM Processors for Networking
In today's fabrication processes, ARM processors range in performance from 60 MHz
(54 MIPS) to 175 MHz (200 MIPS), extending to 300 MHz (400+ MIPS) for
processor cores currently in development. ARM cores are noted for performance, small
die size, low power consumption, tight code density, and multiple supply sources.
Instruction set compatibility between processor families promotes design reuse and
reduces software development time. ARM offers a complete solution, including
processor cores, peripheral IP, development tools, applications software, EDA tools
and design services. The architecture is well supported by international semiconductor
partners, leading real-time operating systems providers, third-party toolchains,
application software providers, and ARM design centers. About 3Com Corporation
With more than 200 million customers worldwide, 3Com Corporation connects more
people to information in more ways than any other networking company. 3Com
delivers innovative information access products and network system solutions to large,
medium and small enterprises; carriers and network service providers; PC OEMs; and
consumers. 3Com-More connected.(TM) For further information, visit 3Com's World
Wide Web site at www.3com.com or the press site at www.3com.com/pressbox.
About ARM
ARM, a leading intellectual property (IP) provider, licenses high-performance,
low-cost, power-efficient RISC processors, peripherals, and system-chip designs to
leading international electronics companies. ARM also provides comprehensive support
required in developing a complete system. ARM's microprocessor cores are rapidly
becoming the volume RISC standard in such markets as portable communications,
hand-held computing, multi-media and networking. ARM serves its growing
partnership base from offices in Cambridge and Maidenhead, UK; Los Gatos,
California; Austin, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Westborough, MA, USA; Paris,
France; Munich, Germany; Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, Korea. More information on
ARM is available at arm.com. Editor's Notes:
ARM and ARM Powered are registered trademarks of ARM Limited. All other brands
or product names are the property of their respective holders.
"ARM" is used to represent ARM Holdings plc (LSE: ARM and NASDAQ: ARMHY);
its operating company ARM Limited; and the regional subsidiaries ARM, INC.; ARM
KK; ARM Korea Ltd.
This announcement contains "forward-looking statements" including statements
concerning plans, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other
statements which are other than statements of historical fact. ARM's actual results for
future periods may differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking
statements made by or on behalf of ARM. The factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially include, without limitation, potential for significant fluctuation in and
unpredictability of results, the ability of semiconductor partners to manufacture and
market microprocessors based on the ARM(R) architecture; the acceptance of ARM
technology by systems companies; the availability of development tools, systems
software and operating systems; the rapid change in technology in the industry and
ARM's ability to develop new products in a timely manner; management of growth;
competition from other architectures; general business and economic conditions; the
growth in the semiconductor industry; ARM's ability to protect its intellectual property;
and ARM's ability to attract and retain employees.
3Com is a registered trademark of 3Com Corporation. More connected is a trademark
of 3Com.
Copyright 1999, Business Wire
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