IBM and Asyst to Deliver Automation Services for Semiconductor Manufacturers
FREMONT, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 20, 2004—
Asyst Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASYT) announced today
that it will team with IBM Global Services to provide a full range of
manufacturing automation solutions for the worldwide semiconductor
marketplace. Under a new agreement, Asyst will supply its suite of
distributed equipment connectivity solutions, such as the NexEDA(TM)
and EIB(TM) software products, and IBM Global Services will provide
worldwide systems integration services for semiconductor manufacturers
in the United States, Asia and Europe.
Asyst is a leading provider of connectivity software that is
installed across thousands of semiconductor manufacturing tools
worldwide. IBM has deep experience as a leading provider of
large-scale integration services as well as a global presence that is
critical as an increasing portion of the semiconductor industry
migrates to lower cost manufacturing regions.
Paula LuPriore, vice president and general manager, connectivity
solutions, for Asyst said, "IBM is the industry leader in global
systems integration services, and we are confident that this agreement
will allow both of our firms to more effectively meet the needs of our
semiconductor industry clients."
The arrangement also allows Asyst to expedite the rollout of its
new EIB technology. Asyst's EIB (Equipment Information Bridge)
software products provide real-time access to active streams of
distributed equipment information. These data-handling capabilities
have a wide range of potential applications in many critical
manufacturing and computing industries in which IBM has expertise.
Jude Miller, senior project executive for IBM commented, "This
agreement between Asyst and IBM Global Services marries the strengths
of both organizations. IBM gains the ability to leverage Asyst's
advanced EIB product technology in IBM's Manufacturing Systems
Integration solutions and Asyst is able to utilize IBM Global
Services' international presence to service Asyst's worldwide
customers."
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, or OEMs, to select and
employ the value-assured, hands-off manufacturing capabilities that
best suit their needs. Asyst's homepage is http://www.asyst.com
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995
Except for statements of historical fact, the statements in this
press release are forward-looking. 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 company's ability to effectively sustain,
manage and derive benefits from its industry alliances, such as an
alliance with IBM; the timely development, delivery, performance and
market acceptance of new products, such as Asyst's EIB software
products; and other factors more fully detailed in the company's
annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 27, 2004, and Form
10-Q for the quarter ended June 26, 2004, filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
"Asyst" is a registered trademark of Asyst Technologies, Inc.
"NexEDA" and "EIB" are trademarks of Asyst Technologies, Inc. All
Rights Reserved.
Contact:
Asyst Technologies, Inc.
Pamela Mah, 510-661-5000 (Media)
pmah@asyst.com
John Swenson, 510-661-5000 (Investors)
