M-Systems And Intel Sign Flash Software License Agreement

Business Wire, Dec 21, 1994

TEL AVIV, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 21, 1994--M-SYSTEMS FLASH DISK PIONEERS LTD. (NASDAQ Symbol:FLSHF), a leading supplier of Flash Disk solutions, and INTEL CORPORATION (NASDAQ-NM Symbol: INTC), the world's largest computer chip and flash component manufacturer, today announced the signing of a Flash Translation Layer Software License Agreement.

The Agreement grants Intel the non-exclusive right to market and use M-SYSTEMS' TrueFFS(R) software. The Agreement also contemplates cooperation in the flash memory field.

Flash is a non-volatile semiconductor memory technology. M-SYSTEMS' TrueFFS fully emulates a magnetic hard disk in a manner which optimizes the architectural characteristics of flash memory (block erase required prior to rewrite and block size different than the standard sector size in a hard disk). This enables flash memory cards and other flash products to function as long term read/write devices in a way that is totally transparent to the user. As previously announced by M-SYSTEMS, the data format of M-SYSTEMS' TrueFFS software was recognized as a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) standard in July. In addition, M-SYSTEMS recently received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office with respect to the method for disk-emulation on flash implemented by the TrueFFS software.

"M-SYSTEMS' applied its experience in the flash disk marketplace to develop TrueFFS as an easy-to-use, DOS-compatible software solution for system designers intending to use flash for data storage," said Bruce McCormick, product marketing manager of Intel's Memory Components Division. "Choosing flash for data storage provides the most rugged and efficient solution to any systems integrator needing high reliability, low power consumption and high speed."

"TrueFFS technology is rapidly becoming the accepted method of disk emulation for flash," stated Dov Moran, President of M-SYSTEMS, LTD. "We are pleased to have INTEL, with its leadership position in the flash industry, support TrueFFS technology. This Agreement and the recognition of TrueFFS' data format as a PCMCIA standard should help propel M-SYSTEMS toward its goal of achieving a position of leadership in the flash disk industry."

INTEL CORPORATION, the world's largest microprocessor and flash component manufacturer, is also a leading manufacturer of networking and communications products.

M-SYSTEMS FLASH DISK PIONEERS LTD. develops, manufactures and markets flash disk solutions (data storage media based on Flash memory) utilizing TrueFFS, including a range of PC Flash Disks, PCMCIA Flash cards and DiskOnChipTM (a BIOS replacement and miniature electronic disk in one) devices. M-SYSTEMS, INC. is the U.S. subsidiary handling all marketing and sales for North America. EUROM, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of M-SYSTEMS, designs and manufactures smart memory components using flash technology.

TrueFFS is a registered trademark of M-SYSTEMS FLASH DISK PIONEERS LTD. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd., Tel Aviv

             Dana Gross, 972-3-647-7776
                          or
             Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates, New York
             Laura E. Wilker, 212/838-3777, ext. 106 or,
             Bharti Malkani, ext. 119