ATI Supports GLSetup Initiative, Technology That Ensures Optimal OpenGL 3D Rendering

Business Wire, Sept 17, 2001

Business Editors

MARKHAM, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 17, 2001

Company provides financial backing for GLSetup program

ATI Technologies Inc. (TSE:ATY, NASDAQ:ATYT), a world leader in the supply of graphics, video and multimedia solutions, announced today that it is supporting GLSetup, an initiative to ease distribution of OpenGL drivers to end users.

OpenGL is a standard application program interface (API) for the computer industry that powers many of today's most popular 3D games. GLSetup will help to ensure that no matter which operating system a user runs or which graphics card they are using, they will get the best possible performance from their application. GLSetup has been downloaded by millions of users and has shipped with such popular games as Quake 3: Arena; Serious Sam; Baldur's Gate 2; Tribes 2; Alice; Descent 3; Homeworld; Soldier of Fortune; and many others.

"We want users to have the best gaming experience possible, and GLSetup will help them achieve that," said Rick Bergman, Senior Vice President of Marketing & General Manager, Desktop Business, ATI Technologies Inc. "We're happy to support this type of grassroots initiative. The GLSetup project is about maximizing user experience and propagating standards-based application development."

OpenGL is an important aspect of ATI's strategy to lead all sectors of the graphics industry. ATI's recently announced RADEON(TM) 8500, RADEON(TM) 7500 and FireGL(TM) 8800 boards all include OpenGL extensions in their drivers for optimal performance, unparalleled visual effects and a truly immersive gaming experience.

Software developers can add the GLSetup installer to a game free of charge. It will automatically detect a users 3D graphics card and install the appropriate OpenGL and Direct3D drivers, ensuring optimal 3D rendering. Users can also download and run the GLSetup installer directly from the GLSetup web site at www.glsetup.com. "Gamers should really applaud this. GLSetup is a very cool and useful service that solves a lot of problems for both gamers and hardware manufacturers," said Gabe Newell, Managing Director, Valve Software.

"ATI's support of GLSetup is a sign of their commitment to our community." "ATI's support of GLSetup is a rare thing in the industry - a company pushing stability, conformance, and a positive user experience, not just the latest benchmarks and features," said John Carmack, Technical Director, id Software. "With the mad rush to always sell the latest and greatest video card, trying to wring cooperation out of competing companies is a difficult task. It is great to see ATI stepping forward with support for a program that broadly benefits all 3D card users and developers."

"I'm glad to hear they are helping out. I've always liked ATI. They seem to have a great corporate attitude and great developer support," said Tim Gift, co-founder of GarageGames, and formerly Technical Director at Dynamix for Starsiege TRIBES. "As a game developer, I've always been impressed with ATI's thoroughness and professionalism. Key ingredients in making quality hardware." "GLSetup has been a key element in assuring consumers have the best possible support for BioWare's games," said Greg Zeschuk, co-CEO, BioWare. "Its seamless approach to video driver support makes our job very easy."

"I think it's great to have a major player like ATI on our side," said Dean Sekulic, programmer for Croteam, creators of Serious Sam. ATI has committed funds to GLSetup to help offset the costs of programming, testing and distributing the installer. These funds will also speed progress of long-term projects such as expanded feature sets and development of GLSetup for Mac and Linux users.

Company Background

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, workstation, 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).

Copyright 2001 ATI Technologies Inc. All rights reserved. ATI and ATI product and product feature names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of ATI Technologies Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice. For media or industry analyst support, please visit our Web site at http://www.ati.com