3Com Licenses Parthus Technology for Use in Mobile Product Line
SAN JOSE, Calif. and DUBLIN, Ireland — January 24, 2001 — Parthus Technologies PLC (Nasdaq: PRTH) (LSE: PRH), a leading supplier of platform-level intellectual property for the mobile Internet market, today announced that it has signed a portfolio licensing and royalty agreement with 3Com Corporation (Nasdaq: COMS) to deliver technology for use in 3Com's wireless and mobile product line development.
As part of the agreement, Parthus will deliver a range of Intellectual Property platforms that includes Parthus' BlueStream(TM), NavStream(TM) and MediaStream(TM) technologies. Each platform is created to combine low power consumption requirements with high levels of on-chip functionality; key factors in the success of mobile devices.
"Wireless allows 3Com to provide radically simple connections for our customers," said Rick Maule, general manager of the Mobile Connectivity Division of 3Com. "Our next generation of wireless and mobile products are a natural extension and will complement our current role in LAN technologies. This alliance with Parthus, a leader in the mobile Internet, provides us with additional wireless and multimedia technology, which enhances our existing mobile IP portfolio."
"3Com is one of the world's leading technology companies with a long history of innovation," said Kevin Fielding, chief operating officer of Parthus Technologies. "We believe our agreement with 3Com accelerates the development of a range of wireless products that converge mobile communications and the Internet seamlessly."
While every Parthus platform can be converged in one chip solution, BlueStream, NavStream and MediaStream are also designed to operate as stand alone platforms that provide best-in-class performance.
* BlueStream is one of the industry's most comprehensive and advanced Bluetooth offerings containing all the required technology that allows Parthus' customers to rapidly deploy Bluetooth connectivity into their product offerings. 3Com was one of the founding members of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, along with Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Lucent, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia and Toshiba.
* NavStream is a complete GPS platform encompassing radio, baseband and software stacks targeted at mobile phone and automotive markets. NavStream(TM) is one of the world's first platforms to deliver sub-five meter location accuracy to mobile devices enabling location-based m-Commerce services to be provided by network operators.
* MediaStream is a complete Internet audio platform encompassing Parthus 24-bit DSP, essential analog components and complete suite of audio software. MediaStream is targeted at a broad range of end applications, including mobile phones, in-car entertainment, portable audio devices (MP3 players) and home entertainment.
About 3Com Corporation
3Com simplifies how people connect to information and services through easy-to-use, connectivity products and solutions for consumers and commercial organizations. The company also provides access infrastructures and IP services platforms for network service providers. For further information, visit www.3com.com or the press site at www.3com.com/pressbox .
About Parthus Technologies
Parthus Technologies is one of the world's leading providers of complete platform level Intellectual property (IP) solutions targeting the mobile Internet market. Incorporating radio, baseband and software design solutions, Parthus' unrivalled range of mobile Internet platforms are used by the world's largest microprocessor companies and electronics manufacturers in MP3, GPS, GPRS, GSM, 3G and Bluetooth applications. Parthus' broad range of platforms power a diverse range of mobile Internet devices, such as cellular handsets, Smartphones, automobiles, personal audio players and PDAs. The company has leveraged seven years' of IP development experience to deploy platforms that lead the industry in terms of ultra-high processing power and low power consumption, and deliver significant cost and time-to-market advantages to its customers. Parthus is headquartered in Dublin with offices in six countries and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: PRH) and NASDAQ (Nasdaq: PRTH). More information on Parthus is available at http://www.parthus.com .
Safe Harbor Statement:
This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any "forward-looking statements" in this press release are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including without limitation statements to the effect that the Company or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "plans" and similar expressions) should be considered forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include uncertainties relating to the acceptance of semiconductor intellectual property offerings, expansion of our business, quarterly variations in results, and other uncertainties that are discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of our final prospectus dated May 19, 2000, which is on file with the SEC and of our listing particulars dated May 19, 2000, filed with the London Stock Exchange and the Registrar of Companies in England and Wales and the Registrar of Companies in the Republic of Ireland.
3Com is a registered trademark of 3Com Corporation.
SOURCE Parthus Technologies PLC
CONTACT:
Elaine Coughlan, vice president Finance, +353-1-402-5700, or Richard Martin, vice president Corporate Communications, +353-1-402-5700, or 415-317-2005, or Lorraine Whelan, Investor Relations Director, +353-1-402-5700, all of Parthus Technologies plc;
or
Deborah Arden-Jones of Financial Dynamics Limited, +44-20-7831-3113