New Communications Processors Challenge Motorola's Dominance

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 22-05-2003 -- The Linley Group, the leading technology analysis and strategic consulting firm covering networking silicon, today released "A Guide to Communications Processors." This guide is the first in-depth technology report to provide analysis of and insight into the processors behind the growth in broadband deployments.

A rare bright spot in the telecommunications industry can be found in the burgeoning communications processor market as broadband deployments continue to create an enormous worldwide market for the specialized devices. Although Motorola pioneered this market a decade ago with its Quicc and PowerQuicc processors, competition has recently arisen from a diverse group of players, each bringing different strengths and targeting different applications within the high-volume CPE and high-ASP access markets.

"Motorola was the first to create specialized processors focused on communications, replacing general-purpose processors," said Linley Gwennap, president and principal analyst of The Linley Group. "The communications boom of 1999-2000 encouraged several companies to enter this market, and in the past two years, we have seen first- and second-generation products from challengers large and small. Our clients have asked us for help in sorting through all of these new products."

"A Guide to Communications Processors" provides in-depth analysis of each vendor and each product, exploring their strengths and weaknesses and presenting key details in a consistent, easy-to-compare fashion. The report, co-authored by The Linley Group analysts Sanjay Iyer and Linley Gwennap, pays particular attention to features, performance, architecture, system design, and vendor roadmaps. The Linley Group's expert analysis and conclusions help you identify the differences in these products that are critical to your application. Vendors profiled include Brecis, GlobespanVirata, IDT, Infineon, Intel, Marvell, Micrel, Motorola, Samsung, Ubicom, and Wintegra.

The Linley Group cuts through the vendor hype and provides the information and insight necessary to understand communication processor requirements, features, architectures, and trends. In addition to getting an accelerated course on networking technologies relevant to the access and CPE space, you will learn who's doing what, from the market leaders to the latest startups. Our report guides you through the matrix of processor and vendor choices so you can make informed business decisions.

About The Linley Group

The Linley Group is the leading provider of independent technology analysis for the networking-silicon industry covering emerging areas such as network processors, communications processors, switch fabrics, search engines, and TCP processors. The company provides in-depth technology reports and interactive seminars as well as strategic consulting services tailored to the individual client. Subscribe to NPU Wire, a free e-mail newsletter, and get The Linley Group's analysis of recent news and events. More information about The Linley Group is available at www.linleygroup.com.

Contact: Candace Doyle, The Linley Group
Voice: 408-370-7631
Email: candaced@linleygroup.com