ATI unveils integrated graphics and core logic program as next plank in its low-end PC strategy
TORONTO, April 26 /CNW/ - ATI Technologies Inc. (TSE:ATY, NASDQ:ATYT)
today unveiled the latest plank in its strategy for the low-end PC and
consumer appliance markets with the announcement of its integrated graphics
and core logic product program, featuring Shared Memory Architecture (SMA).
ATI's SMA products will join the company's low-cost graphics accelerators and
System-On-a-Chip (SOC) products to provide PC manufacturers with the widest
set of options to cost-effectively serve these market segments. ATI is the
world's largest supplier of graphics technology.
ATI's SMA products integrate two key technology blocks, North Bridge and
Graphics Acceleration, to address the trend toward low-cost PCs. By providing
technology that previously required two discrete chips and following a shared
memory approach, ATI will offer PC OEMs dramatic cost reductions for low-end
systems. ATI's SMA products will interface with Pentium II and Pentium III
microprocessors as well as other processors.
To address the current barriers to market acceptance of SMA products -
substantial performance penalties and a reduced feature set - ATI is committed
to providing SMA products that do not compromise features or performance as a
result of integration. Using ATI's proven modular architecture approach, the
company will add its best available graphics core and will continue to provide
technology that off-loads the demands on the central processor, resulting in
lower cost for PC OEM customers.
The SMA products are designed for the low-end emerging ultra low-end PC
market. ATI is a leading supplier in all significant PC graphics categories,
which include: the high-end, served by gra Low-end systems Value graphics chips, SMA products
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Ultra low-end systems SMA products
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Consumer electronic appliances SOC products
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ATI's unique business model of providing both graphics boards and
components makes it well-positioned to thrive in the SMA market. With the
advantages of strong graphics cores, a family of scalable products ranging
from top to bottom, and software compatibility across all implementations, ATI
will offer a full family of SMA products with different features and levels of
performance. ATI will offer OEMs the easiest and most cost-effective path for
low-end and ultra low-end systems. Sampling will begin the second half of
1999.
ATI's SMA program joins the company's SOC program, announced late last
year, to round out a comprehensive graphics and multimedia lineup that offers
customers the widest choice of products at unparalleled levels of performance.
ATI's SMA and SOC programs are the result of its long history of integrating
core technology blocks and responding to key market inflection points dating
back to the company's initial integration of multiple graphics standards in
1985.
In November, 1998 ATI acquired Chromatic Research, Inc. to develop
next-generation SOC technology to produce a highly integrated product that
encompasses graphics, system logic and processor blocks into a single chip.
This next-generation technology will be ideal for numerous multimedia
applications incorporated in sub-$500 computers and consumer electronic
devices such as set-top boxes.
Corporate Profile
ATI Technologies Inc., the world's largest supplier of 3D graphics and
multimedia technology, designs, manufactures and markets innovative and
award-winning multimedia solutions and graphics components for the personal
computer, set-top box and consumer electronics appliance markets. An ISO 9002
company, ATI is the world's leading supplier of video and 2D/3D graphics
accelerators to OEM and retail customers. Founded in l985, ATI employs more
than 1,600 people at headquarters in Thornhill, Ontario, and in offices in the
United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Barbados,
Malaysia, Japan and Hong Kong. ATI is a public company whose shares trade on
the Toronto Stock Exchange and NASDAQ.
For other ATI news releases visit our web site at atitech.com.
Copyright (C) ATI Technologies Inc., 1999. All company and/or product names
are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers.
Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
-0- 04/26/1999
For further information: contact, ATI Technologies Inc., Brian Hentschel, Media Relations (905) 882-2600 (ext. 8130); bhentsch@atitech.ca,
www.atitech.com
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