Appian Transfers Software Technology to ATI; Multi-Monitor Pioneer Focuses on Professional Market

Business Wire, August 9, 2001

Business/High Tech Editors

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 9, 2001

Appian Graphics, the leading provider of professional multi-display solutions, announced today an ownership transfer of HydraVision(TM) Desktop Management Software to ATI Technologies and the extension of a sales and distribution agreement established with ATI in November 2000.

"The transfer of HydraVision software technology to ATI enables the more rapid development of the leading-edge desktop-management software technology pioneered by Appian Graphics over five years ago," said Wallace Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Appian Graphics Corporation. "ATI is the perfect company to shepherd dual-monitor technology into a mainstream market by developing low-cost, dual-monitor graphics boards -- all of which will now use HydraVision."

Under the terms of the agreement, ATI acquires ownership of HydraVision desktop management software and related technologies, several multi-monitor related patents and the HydraVision trademarks. Appian and ATI also renew a sales and distribution agreement that provides Appian with exclusive marketing and sales rights to sell ATI-based multi-monitor products bundled with HydraVision to professional multi-display markets, including financial trading floor systems, audio and video editing systems, professional mapping systems, point-of-sale (POS) systems and digital point-of-presence systems.

"Appian will maintain the source and object rights to HydraVision with a more concentrated focus on our core competency: developing multi-display hardware and software solutions for the professional markets," Smith said. "Now that Appian has the ability to leverage ATI technology in our professional multi-display solutions, we can provide the professional markets with best-of-class graphics-board technology while we focus on the development of professional-quality, multi-display drivers and HydraVision enhancements that address important market requirements such as portrait display and multi-board support."

Appian pioneered the multi-monitor market in 1995 with the Appian Impulse and the development of HydraVision. The combination of reliable multi-monitor graphics boards and user-friendly desktop management software made Appian the leading multi-monitor solution provider by 1999, according to John Peddie Associates.

"The HydraVision Desktop Management Software application was an excellent product right out of the gate, garnering 50 percent market share in just three years," said Dr. Jon Peddie, President, Jon Peddie Associates.

"In the nine months that HydraVision desktop management software has been a part of our industry-leading RADEON graphics technologies, we have experienced considerable customer acceptance of this solution," said Rick Bergman, Senior Vice President, Marketing, & General Manager, Desktop Marketing, ATI Technologies Inc. "Given that scenario and the fact that demand for this type of graphics solution is growing in the mainstream commercial and consumer markets, the decision to acquire HydraVision provides ATI with a key differentiator."

About Appian Graphics

Appian Graphics is the market leader for Xtended Desktop Solutions(TM) -- designing, manufacturing and marketing hardware, software and technology to improve productivity of the professional user by extending the desktop area and offering the attachment of multi-display devices. World-renowned technology leaders such as Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Dell and Microsoft have recognized Appian solutions. Additional information about the Redmond, Wash.-based company can be found on the World Wide Web at www.appian.com.

About ATI Technologies

Founded in 1985, ATI Technologies Inc. is a world leader in the supply of graphics, video and multimedia solutions for the personal computer and Mac platforms. The pioneer, innovator and market leader in the graphics industry, ATI provides cutting-edge technologies for the PC, set-top box, game console and other consumer appliances markets. The Company has more than 1,900 employees supporting customers from its headquarters in Markham, Ontario, Canada, as well as from offices in Barbados, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the United States. ATI common shares trade on NASDAQ (ATYT) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (ATY).

Appian Graphics is a registered trademark of Appian Graphics. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For media or industry analyst support, please visit our Web site at http://www.appian.com or by e-mail at marketing@appian.com