Axis Systems Joins the Synopsys in-Sync Program and Adds Interface to Improve Embedded System Design Verification; Goal is to improve hardware and software co-verification

Business Wire, August 9, 1999

Sunnyvale, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 9, 1999--

Axis Systems, Inc. (Axis) an EDA technology and verification tool developer, today announced that it has joined in-Sync(R), a third party software partnership program offered by Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNPS).

As well as joining in-Sync, Axis has developed an interface between its verification system, Xcite(TM), and Synopsys' Eaglei(R) design tool suite for embedded systems. This interface, facilitated through the in-Sync joint marketing program, improves the hardware and software verification process for embedded systems. (See related press release today - Axis teams with Synopsys.)

"Our mutual customers win as a result of programs like in-Sync," noted Steve Wang, Axis' vice president of marketing. "Now they have improved interoperability between their tools and additional options for verifying embedded systems designs."

"We are glad to include Axis as a member of our in-Sync program," said Karen Bartleson, interoperability program manager at Synopsys. "As a new licensee, we look forward to working with Axis to provide our mutual customers productive design flows. Through the in-Sync program, Synopsys and Axis will cooperate to provide mutual customers with integrated design flows that meet their time-to-market needs."

About Xcite:

Xcite speeds up simulation 1000 times compared to software simulation. It targets software and hardware designers who need to fully verify their design before committing to silicon. Xcite fits directly into current verification and design flows without modification.

Xcite for designs of up to 4-million gates is shipping now. Xcite includes a software simulator, ReConfigurable Computing (RCC) compiler and RCC co-processors. The Company estimates that verification with Xcite's RCC co-processors costs less than 10 cents (USD) a gate.

About Synopsys' Eaglei tools

The Eaglei tools allow designers to integrate hardware and software and verify their interactions much earlier in the design process than has been possible with traditional prototype-based verification systems. This approach has been proven to dramatically reduce overall design verification time, often by as much as 20 percent. By identifying errors early in the design cycle, before prototype, Eaglei improves design quality, speeds time-to-market and reduces development costs.

About In-Sync

Synopsys' in-Sync program establishes relationships with EDA vendors to enable customer design flows to run as smoothly as possible. In-Sync identifies optimal joint flows that maximize the productivity of EDA vendors' mutual customers. In-Sync establishes relationships with EDA vendors and works closely with them to create a smooth, predictable path between Synopsys and partner design tools. In-Sync certifies that the joint flows work and provides support to Synopsys' EDA partners. In-Sync is the primary point of contact for questions and technical information regarding Synopsys joint solutions and EDA tool interoperability. For more information visit the in-Sync website at www.synopsys.com/partners/insync.> About Axis Systems:

Axis Systems, Inc. is a technology leader in the logic design verification market. Founded in 1996, the company offers breakthrough technologies and high-speed products to verify electronic systems and systems-on-a-chip.

Axis Systems, Inc., 209 Java Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089, 408-588-2000, FAX: 408-588-1662, xcite@axiscorp.com, www.axiscorp.com.

Acronyms and definition: EDA: Electronic Design Automation RCC: ReConfigurable Computing Axis' RCC engine is based on a massively parallel architecture for which compute intensive tasks are mapped onto reconfigurable computing elements. Reconfigurable elements are custom processors designed for one single task. Computational efficiency derives from the ability to custom build and use the best RCC element for a particular function. RTL: Register-Transfer Level or RT level

Contact for inquiries:

Axis Systems, Inc., 209 Java Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089, 408-588-2000 x111, FAX: 408-588-1662, xcite@axiscorp.com or visit www.axiscorp.com, Attn.: Steve Wang

Xcite is a trademark of Axis Systems, Inc. Synopsys, Eaglei and in-Sync are registered trademarks of Synopsys Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their owners.