Mentor Graphics Signs Agreement for Milkyway Database Integration

WILSONVILLE, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 2003--Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) today announced that it has reached agreement with Synopsys (Nasdaq:SNPS) to integrate its integrated circuit (IC) design products with the Milkyway design database from Synopsys.

The move deepens the integration of Mentor's leading IC solutions with the Synopsys database. Mentor and Synopsys have agreed to jointly maintain and support the integration in future product releases from both companies.

"Mentor Graphics(R) has been a leader in offering interoperability to our customers. Today, we have responded to the requests from mutual customers and begun integration with the Milkyway database," said Brian Derrick, vice president of marketing at Mentor Graphics. "This integration allows customers the freedom to continue to choose best-in-class tools, knowing they will work together."

Key IC design tools to be integrated include Mentor's Calibre(R) Design-to-Silicon and IC Station(R) analog/mixed-signal design flows. The popular Calibre Design-to-Silicon design flow provides an integrated set of tools to take a completed design through manufacturing in one environment, including: design rule checking, layout versus schematic, a full set of resolution enhancement technologies, full chip transistor-level extraction, interactive physical verification and design viewing, and mask data preparation. Additionally, Mentor will integrate its IC Station analog/mixed-signal design flow that offers the only single, integrated simulation environment for both digital and analog design components, speeding design completion and reducing design errors. These tools will have an easy-to-support interface to the Milkyway database.

"We welcome Mentor's participation in the MAP-in program and its support for open and interoperable flows for our mutual customers," said Rich Goldman, vice president of strategic market development at Synopsys, Inc. "There is a very strong and consistent message from our customers that EDA vendors must work together to promote interoperability. Mentor and Synopsys are responding to these requests to ensure that Mentor's integrated circuit design products can access the Milkyway database."

Mentor Graphics will continue to offer Milkyway integration of its Calibre Design-to-Silicon and analog/mixed-signal design flows as it extends the offerings with planned manufacturing, verification, and design enhancements.

Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting services and award-winning support for the world's most successful electronics and semiconductor companies. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues over the last 12 months of about $600 million and employs approximately 3,500 people worldwide. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777; Silicon Valley headquarters are located at 1001 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, California 95131-2314. World Wide Web site: www.mentor.com.

Mentor Graphics, Calibre and IC Station are registered trademarks of Mentor Graphics Corporation. All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

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    CONTACT: Mentor Graphics, Wilsonville
             Ry Schwark, 503/685-1660
             ry_schwark@mentor.com
             or
             Suzanne Graham, 503/685-7789
             suzanne_graham@mentor.com