ModelSim from Mentor Graphics First EDA product to Support Intel's Ground-Breaking 64-bit Itanium 2 Processor on Linux Systems

Design Automation Conference 2003

WILSONVILLE, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 2003--Model Technology(TM), a Mentor Graphics (Nasdaq:MENT) company, today announced the availability of its industry-leading HDL simulator, ModelSim(R) for Linux running on Intel(R) Itanium(R) 2 -based platforms. Mentor Graphics is the first EDA company to support this ground-breaking 64-bit processor. The ModelSim tool delivers exceptional performance and usability when running on Itanium 2-based systems for leading customers' ASIC and SOC high-speed verification designs.

"We are excited to see the ModelSim software product line from Model Technology on Intel Itanium 2 processor-based systems, offering the best-in-class 64-bit computing performance," said Guru Bhatia, Director of IT Engineering Computing, Intel Corporation. "This offering reinforces that the Itanium 2 processor is a feature-rich, stable and easy-to-use high performance 64-bit computing platform for developing and running mission-critical CAD applications for silicon design".

Combining the widely renowned ease-of-use, versatility, performance, and capacity of the ModelSim tool with Intel's 64-bit processor technology results in profound performance gains for customers pushing the limits of next-generation IC designs. ModelSim for Itanium 2-based systems was custom designed to take advantage of the Itanium 2 processor's new architecture. Engineers from Intel and Model Technology worked to ensure optimal performance while preserving the unique advantages of the ModelSim product.

"Our customers are demanding ever-increasing performance and capacity," said Robert Hum, vice president and general manager of the Design Verification and Test division of Mentor Graphics. "We are excited to be the first in the EDA market to capitalize on the immense architectural advances made by Intel with the Itanium 2 processor. We continue to build on our long-standing strategic business relationship with Intel to deliver a truly unique solution for our customers."

Availability

ModelSim support for Linux on Itanium 2 processor-based systems is available now in the ModelSim 5.7d version, for customers on support at no additional charge. For customers not on current support, please contact your sales representative. The ModelSim tool is also available on Hewlett-Packard HP-UX, Sun Solaris, IBM AIX, and RedHat Linux. ModelSim on Itanium 2 processor-based Linux system will be shown in the Intel booth (#1042) at the Design Automation Conference in Anaheim, Calif.

About Model Technology

Model Technology, a Mentor Graphics company, is the industry's leading supplier of HDL simulation tools. Model Technology provides ASIC and FPGA designers with the latest in simulation technology regardless of the language (VHDL, Verilog or mixed-HDL, C/C++) or platform (Unix, Windows, Linux) used. Model Technology is headquartered in Portland, Ore., with 28 sales and distribution offices in the United States, Europe, Japan and the Pacific Rim. For information on the nearest Model Technology representative or Model Technology products email sales@model.com, or visit www.model.com.

About Mentor Graphics

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.

Note to Editors: Mentor Graphics and ModelSim are registered trademarks and Model Technology is a trademark of Mentor Graphics Corporation Intel and Itanium are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Model Technology
             Shawn Hiday, 503/685-7805
             shawnhiday@mentor.com
                   or
             Weber Shandwick               
             Jeremiah Glodoveza, 415/248-3417                  
             jglodoveza@webershandwick.com