SNT & Sigma Join Forces to Offer Complete Networking Solution for Microsoft NetShow Theater Server

Business Wire, July 7, 1998

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 7, 1998--Switched Network Technologies (SNT) and Sigma Designs (Nasdaq: SIGM) today announced that the companies will jointly market complete turn-key systems for the Microsoft NetShow Theater Server. The announcement is coincident with today's release of NetShow Theater Server by Microsoft. Joining the previously announced SNT/Compaq partnership, Sigma Designs completes the end-to-end system proposition by providing the best of breed NetShow Services PC video decoding and display boards for MPEG networked video.

"Every NetShow Theater Server system we've installed includes Sigma's REALmagic NetStream cards at the desktop" said Rich Mavrogeanes, SNT VP of Marketing. "SNT provides the end-to-end network infrastructure that makes spectacular digital video possible, and we're happy to be working with Sigma to insure customers continue to receive the best possible video quality".

SNT is an acknowledged leader in ATM connectivity solutions for Windows NT Servers. SNT's EntraSERV network adapters leverage the value of servers by maximizing the number of NetShow Theater Server video streams available from a single content server. Drivers tuned to the server OS and optimized performance of the server CPU and PCI bus are key attributes that EntraSERV brings to video streaming networks. SNT's ESX series of NetShow Theater Server -optimized multimedia switches add value as well with configuration flexibility, reliability and scalability provided by the 5.8Gbps ESX-6000 or 11.6Gbps ESX-8000, and concurrent support for 622Mbps, 155Mbps, 25Mbps ATM, as well as 10/1000 Ethernet. This combination of high performance server connectivity, core/backbone and workgroup switching, client adapters, and industry leading GUI-based management provide an achievable end-to-end networking proposition for users.

"SNT is a real leader in network Quality of Service in this market with its high performance networking solutions. Working with Microsoft, we have optimized REALmagic NetStream 2 MPEG playback cards for NetShow Theater Server, and we look forward to providing our customers with a complete system solution," said Marshall Goldberg, Sigma Designs Product Marketing Manager.

SNT previously announced a complete turn-key Microsoft NetShow Theater Server "starter kit" developed with Compaq (formerly Digital), and has been a Microsoft NetShow Theater Server industry partner throughout the NetShow Theater Server Beta period. SNT is very pleased that Microsoft is today releasing a well-tested application that takes advantage of the power and capabilities of ATM.

"We depend on vendors like SNT to provide high quality networks with real Quality of Service to make end-to-end, high quality video possible," said Gary Schare, Lead Product Manager at Microsoft Corporation. Today, Microsoft is delivering one of the first native ATM applications and Switched Network Technologies, in conjunction with their Compaq and Sigma partners, is uniquely positioned to provide a total end-to-end system solution for NetShow Theater Server."

About SNT

Switched Network Technologies, a leader in delivering true QoS-based networking systems and specialists in video and multimedia networking, is a private-held company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. SNT products offer a full range of multiservice switches for backbone, server area network, multimedia and workgroup networks; server and client network adapters optimized for best server and client performance; and GUI-based management tools that take the complexity out of managing multi-protocol networks. For additional information, call (612) 519-9732, fax 612-519-9701 or visit SNT's web site at http://www.sntc.com

About Sigma Designs:

Sigma Designs entered the multimedia market in 1993 with products based on the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) standard for compressing and decompressing digital audio and video signals. Since then, Sigma has been a driving force behind advancement of the MPEG technology used in most multimedia products on the market today. Sigma Designs' products include affordable MPEG video and audio decoding hardware. All Sigma Designs' products are sold worldwide through a network of dealers, distributors, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). For additional information, call 800-845-8086 or 510-770-0100, fax 510-770-2640, or visit Sigma's web site at http://www.sigmadesigns.com

    CONTACT: Switched Network Technologies, Minneapolis
              Phone: 612/519-9732
              Fax: 612/519-9701
              http://www.sntc.com
              or
              Sigma Designs
              Phone: 800/845-8086, or 510/770-0100
              Fax: 510/770-2640
              http://www.sigmadesigns.com