Free Trial of New Phoenix FirstWare Assistant Instant-On PC Productivity Software Now Available at CNET Download.com

Business Wire, Dec 14, 2004

MILPITAS, Calif. -- Software Adds PDA Functionality to Laptops, Gives Mobile Workers Instant-On Access to Microsoft Outlook Content

Phoenix Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq:PTEC) today announced the availability via CNET Download.com of a free 30-day trial version of Phoenix FirstWare(TM) Assistant 2004 software, which gives Microsoft Outlook users instant access to e-mail, calendar and other personal productivity data without having to boot their PCs' operating system. CNET Download.com is a comprehensive download library site that has more than 2.4 million downloads delivered per day.

Phoenix FirstWare Assistant 2004 essentially adds personal digital assistant (PDA) functionality to a mobile PC and eliminates the need to carry a second device or to synchronize data. With FirstWare Assistant 2004, users can access e-mail, calendar appointments, task lists and contacts within seconds of hitting the computer start key or a pre-programmed button that launches the application. For mobile travelers, the new software allows them to easily find conference call numbers, a recent e-mail document or a colleague's contact number on the way to the office or in-between meetings or airplane flights.

The software kicks in before the operating system (OS) and other applications boot up. The process takes about 10 seconds, as opposed to the typical 2-5 minutes of painful PC boot time.

"By leveraging our expertise in firmware technology, Phoenix is able to deliver advanced applications for mobile users, significantly enhancing their productivity and maximizing business continuity," said Michael Goldgof, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Corporate Marketing and Product Divisions for Phoenix Technologies. "Business travelers can now take advantage of a month-long trial of our new software through CNET Download.com to see the benefits it provides for easy and effective access to critical information on their mobile PCs."

Phoenix FirstWare Assistant 2004 Availability

The free 30-day English version evaluation copy of Phoenix FirstWare Assistant 2004 is currently available on Download.com at www.download.com/FirstWare-Assistant/3000-2064_4-10345787.html? tag=lst-0-1. (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.) Users can then upgrade to a production version of FirstWare Assistant 2004 for only US$29.95.

About Phoenix Technologies

Phoenix Technologies Ltd. develops a complete product suite of Core System Software, tools and applications to deliver trusted, seamless computing to smart devices for an Internet-connected world. Phoenix Technologies helped launch the PC industry nearly 25 years ago. Today we are extending our leadership and knowledge at the core of machines, beyond the PC to a wide range of platforms and devices.

Phoenix Core System Software has set the standard for the world's leading branded PC OEMs and their global network of supply chain and software partners. Today, Phoenix solutions enable, secure, connect, and recover the world's best-known systems. These solutions are built into the device core, where they are protected from viruses, user errors, hackers, and corruption. Phoenix Technologies is headquartered in Milpitas, Calif. (Silicon Valley), with offices in global business and technology centers. For more information, visit www.phoenix.com.

The Phoenix Technologies logo and FirstWare are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.