NEC Selects VenturCom's ReadyOn for New Multimedia PC; Instant-on/Instant-off Capability Optimizes Experience for Integrated PC and Entertainment System

Business Wire, Jan 6, 2005

WALTHAM, Mass. -- VenturCom, a global leader in designing and developing software solutions that enhance the control, dependability and management of Windows (R) operating systems, today announced that NEC Corporation (NASDAQ: NIPNY) (FTSE: 6701q.l), has selected VenturCom's ReadyOn software to ensure an optimal user experience for its recently launched Multimedia PC. The new Multimedia PC is exclusive to Japan and marketed by NEC Personal Products, Ltd.

ReadyOn provides the instant-on and instant-off capability that is a "must-have" element for consumer device manufacturers to eliminate long start-up and power-down times that would detract from the Multimedia PC user experience.

NEC is one of the world's leading providers of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions. On January 6, the company unveiled its new Multimedia PC, an information and entertainment system that combines a DVD, CD player, PC, and television, all in one unit. NEC has embedded VenturCom's ReadyOn in every Multimedia PC to optimize the user experience.

ReadyOn provides NEC's Multimedia PC with the ability to boot and run any of its functions in about ten seconds, keeping the users engaged with the system as they toggle from function to function. ReadyOn ensures rapid starts, stops and transitions between functionality by eliminating the time it takes to boot drivers for the devices the user needs.

"In today's fast-paced world, device users do not have the time or patience to wait for a system to boot up," said Kiyoshi Kan-o, Associate Senior Vice President and Division Manager of Marketing Division, PC Operations Unit, NEC Personal Products, Ltd. "With VenturCom's ReadyOn, the Multimedia PC is up and running faster than any typical desktop system, allowing users to enjoy the entertainment media almost instantly."

Businesses and individuals are constantly demanding more from their technology. They want it to be productive, fast and simple. As fast and simple as: "it's on." In order for NEC to provide the best user experience possible, it had to ensure that its system could start the Windows environment quickly, ensuring satisfaction.

VenturCom's ReadyOn provides secure, instant-on capabilities for Windows XP, XPe, and Win2K based devices. Available exclusively from VenturCom, ReadyOn is:

--Secure, offering device manufacturers a virus proof and corruption proof solution

--Dependable: Even after a power interruption, the device returns to the desired configuration

--For XP Embedded XP Professional, and Windows 2000 operating systems.

"NEC's Multimedia PC represents a sea change in how the digital world views computing and entertainment," said Steve Woodard, VenturCom's Sr. Vice President of Global Operations. "These spheres have clearly merged and we are thrilled that NEC chose ReadyOn to optimize the user experience for NEC's first integrated computing and entertainment center. We look forward to NEC's success and to growing our relationship and enhancing future product offerings."

About VenturCom, Inc.

VenturCom Inc (Waltham, MA, www.vci.com) is the leader in designing and developing software products that control and manage devices utilizing the Windows operating systems. VenturCom's software, design tools, operating platforms, consulting and training deliver always-on reliability plus a range of cost-effective options for system management, configuration, and control that ensure the highest levels of security and productivity. The firm's embedded solutions include: the Phar Lap ETS real-time operating system; RTX, the market-leading solution that increases control and adds real-time capability to Windows; and ReadyOn, a solution that gives devices instant-on/instant-off functionality.

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation (NASDAQ: NIPNY) (FTSE: 6701q.l) is one of the world's leading providers of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of its diverse and global base of customers. Ranked as one of the world's top patent-producing companies, NEC delivers tailored solutions in the key fields of computer, networking and electron devices, by integrating its technical strengths in IT and Networks, and by providing advanced semiconductor solutions through NEC Electronics Corporation. The NEC Group employs more than 140,000 people worldwide and had net sales of 4,906 billion yen (approx. $47 billion) in the fiscal year ended March 2004. For additional information, please visit the NEC home page at: http://www.nec.com.