Phoenix Technologies delivers system software suite for the AMD-K6 processor; PC manufacturers already developing AMD-K6-based systems with PhoenixBIOS 4.0 software

Business Wire, April 2, 1997

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 2, 1997--Phoenix Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ:PTEC) -- the leading supplier of standards-based system enabling software for the PC industry -- today announced it is shipping system software support for the new AMD-K6(TM) processor.

Phoenix is providing broad support to PC manufacturers using the new processor with its industry leading products that include: PhoenixBIOS 4.0, ServerBIOS 4.0, NoteBIOS 4.0 and Phoenix PICO products for information appliances.

The AMD-K6 includes new features such as Write Allocation and an innovative RISC-based architecture that together dramatically improve the processor's performance to levels that now exceed the 200MHz boundary. Also included on the chip are new extensions that improve multimedia performance by distributing intensive multimedia activities. PhoenixBIOS 4.0 delivers critical capabilities to manufacturers incorporating the new processor into future system designs.

"The AMD-K6 processor opens a number of important doors for our broad range of customers," said Clay Clatur, vice president of Phoenix's Desktop Products Group. "It extends the life of existing Socket 7 designs and continues to push the boundaries of processor performance."

Phoenix system-level software provides manufacturers using the AMD-K6 processor with reduced engineering costs and improved time-to-market. PhoenixBIOS 4.0 delivers support for the latest industry standards such as Universal Serial Bus, and ensures compatibility with millions of other personal computers shipping with Phoenix system software.

The AMD-K6 generation of processors eliminates confusion in previous designs about measuring equivalent performance. Phoenix helped eliminate the issue by displaying a performance-rating code developed by AMD called "PR2." The initial boot screen now displays this information instead of the traditional internal clock speed that often confused end users in the past. The actual internal clock speed is still calculated by the BIOS and is available to users in an application lever viewer.

About AMD

AMD (NYSE:AMD) is a global supplier of integrated circuits for the personal and networked computer and communications markets. AMD produces processors, flash memories, programmable logic devices, and products for communications and networking applications. Founded in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, Calif., AMD had revenues of $2 billion in 1996.

About Phoenix Technologies

Phoenix Technologies is the world's largest supplier of standards-based compatibility software to the personal computer industry. The company's system-level software products, such as PhoenixBIOS(TM) for desktops, NoteBIOS(TM) for portables, and ServerBIOS(TM) for servers, allow PC manufacturers to increase product differentiation, reduce product cycle time to market as well as cut internal engineering costs. Phoenix's PICO product line provides products and services for information appliances, and the Virtual Chips product line supports interconnect standards including PC Cards/CardBus, PCI, Universal Serial Bus and other emerging interfaces. Through its relationship with CyberMedia, Phoenix develops and markets ActiveHelp products to enable self-healing PCs that reduce technical support costs for PC manufacturers and users. Information on all Phoenix Technologies products is available on the World Wide Web at www.phoenix.com . -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Phoenix is a registered trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All other trademarks are the property of their owners.

CONTACT: Phoenix Technologies Ltd.

Jim Adamson, 408/570-1013

jim_adamson@phoenix.com

or

The Weber Group

Michele Landry, 415/325-8300

mlandry@ca.webergroup.com