Asyst Introduces New Strategic Software Platform, Toshiba Semiconductor Is First Commercial User

Business Wire,  July 16, 2008  

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FREMONT, Calif. -- Asyst Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASYT), the leader in Agile Automation[TM], today announced the commercial availability of its VAO[TM] (Visualize Analyze Optimize) Productivity Solution. VAO coordinates data acquisition from, and provides control of, a wide range of factory systems, including Automated Material Handling Systems (AMHS) and process and metrology tools, with the resulting information available in real-time.

The product allows today's large semiconductor manufacturers to handle the complex task of observing today's very large factories, with real-time views of transport status, tool status, and data analysis to help focus on the critical items quickly. When enabled, the Optimization Module applies control functions to key areas of the fab and its operations. The VAO architecture, with its agent-based system, provides a distributable and scalable way to link Asyst solutions with other applications, including customer applications, such as MES, Alarm Management, and Maintenance Tracking. Its web based architecture enables remote viewing and linkage of multiple fabs supporting today's global business requirements.

The VAO system is in production today at Toshiba Corporation in one of the world's largest fabs, linking data from factory control systems and transport control systems. Its ability to display in real time both tool status and vehicle movement is unique in the industry.

Jim Holliday, Vice President and GM, Asyst Software Solutions, said, "VAO offers customers a way to combine data from multiple systems without duplicating large databases, providing a unified view with the ability to analyze that data and identify opportunities for productivity improvement. We are delighted with the success of our initial installations at Toshiba and look forward to releasing the follow-on VAO modules in the coming months."

About Asyst

Asyst Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated automation solutions that enable semiconductor and flat panel display (FPD) manufacturers to increase their manufacturing productivity and protect their investment in materials during the manufacturing process. Encompassing isolation systems, work-in-process materials management, substrate-handling robotics, automated transport and loading systems, and connectivity automation software, Asyst's modular, interoperable solutions allow chip and FPD manufacturers, as well as original equipment manufacturers, to select and employ the value-assured, hands-off manufacturing capabilities that best suit their needs. Asyst's homepage is http://www.asyst.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, the statements in this release are forward-looking. The forward-looking statements include statements regarding the performance and availability of our VAO products, and other factors more fully detailed in the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008, and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. These factors include, but are not limited to, the availability and performance of our VAO products; the ability of our VAO products to meet customer requirements; uncertainties related to the pace or completion of customer orders and the timing and realization of expected sales and related revenue for our VAO products; and other factors more fully detailed in the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008, and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

"Asyst" is a registered trademark and "Agile Automation" and "VAO" are trademarks of Asyst Technologies, Inc. Copyright 2008, Asyst Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

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