Motorola Demonstrates SoftDSL Technology for Next-Generation PCs - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, May 1, 2000

Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Tuesday announced the first public demonstration of Motorola's SoftDSL communications technology running on an AMD Athlon processor. Leveraging the latest PC processor advances, Motorola's SoftDSL technology gives PC OEMs a glimpse into next-generation low-cost broadband communications.

Motorola's SoftDSL technology represents the next phase in software communications. Using the power of the computer instead of a dedicated modem chipset, software communications eliminates the need for costly fixed-function hardware and enables PC OEMs to deliver next-generation PCs without compromising performance or functionality. According to VisionQuest 2000, software modems captured one-third of the PC modem market in 1999 with roughly 20 million unit shipments. VisionQuest also expects software modems to exceed 50 percent of the PC modem market in 2000, making them the dominant technology for PC communications. As PCs continue to offer more power at lower cost, PC OEMs can look to SoftDSL technology as a viable communications solution to meet consumer demand for the latest high-speed technology while keeping margins up. Motorola's SoftDSL technology offers dynamic upgradeability and reconfigurability to bridge multiple DSL standards and provides users with a smooth migration path from V.90 analog modem to broadband Internet access.

"Advances in processor technology from companies such as AMD enable SoftDSL solutions to emerge rapidly as a cost-effective, high-speed broadband communications solution," said Mike Tramontano, marketing director of Motorola's Software Products Division. "PC OEMs can incorporate the latest communications technology into more of their PCs encouraging faster deployment of DSL services. Integrating low-cost SoftDSL modems into PCs eliminates the need for service providers to distribute and support end user equipment at the customer premise. At the same time, it gives end users a flexible product, easily adaptable to new features, functions and standards with simple Internet software upgrades."

"AMD has designed our latest processors and platforms to deliver the features, performance, and headroom required to implement next-generation technologies such as Motorola's SoftDSL solution," said Mike Johnson, vice president, Advanced Architecture Lab at AMD. "As one of the leading software communications technologies, Motorola's SoftDSL technology can work in conjunction with AMD Athlon processors to bring cutting-edge communications to the market, increasing the speed at which users access the Internet and enhancing the overall experience."

Motorola's Software Products Division (SPD) is a leading supplier of software-based modems for today's cutting-edge personal computers. Combining software and processing power, Motorola delivers low-cost modem connectivity for desktop and notebook PCs that address issues of cost, quality and upgradeability for PC manufacturers and users.

As the world's #1 producer of embedded processors, Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector offers multiple DigitalDNA solutions to enable customers in the consumer, networking and computing, transportation and wireless- communications markets to create new business opportunities. Motorola's worldwide semiconductor sales were $7.4 billion (USD) in 1999. http://www.motorola.com/semiconductors

Motorola Inc. (NYSE: MOT) is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 1999 were $33.1 billion (USD). http://www.motorola.com.