VIA EPIA M-Series Mini-ITX mainboard and CPU get validation for Microsoft Windows CE .NET embedded operating system, enhancing acceptance by digital media device manufacturers and innovators

Taipei, Taiwan, 23 January 2002 - VIA Technologies, Inc. a leading innovator and developer of silicon chip technologies and PC platform solutions, today announced that Microsoft Corp. has certified the ultra compact VIA EPIA M-Series Mini-ITX mainboard for the Windows CE .NET embedded operating system after successful certification testing of the Board Support Package (BSP) and CPU, and has added it to the Supported BSP and Supported Processor lists.

The EPIA M-Series mainboard was launched in November 2002, and with such advanced features as its integrated hardware MPEG2 decoder for flawless DVD playback and six-channel audio for a rich surround sound experience, provides the ideal platform for building an almost limitless range of connected digital media entertainment devices. Other distinguishing features include support for ATA133, DDR266 memory, IEEE1394 (Firewire) and USB 2.0 connectivity, providing a complete feature set for the multimedia rich Windows CE .NET environment.

By receiving the BSP and CPU certification, this highly integrated 17cm x 17cm mainboard is now part of a package that enables system developers to rapidly build media rich Windows CE .NET based solutions based on the VIA EPIA M-Series Mini-ITX, eliminating extensive compatibility testing of the components with the operating system and thus speeding up time to market.

“This certification by Microsoft will boost our presence in the embedded market as many designers are looking for an affordable yet powerful native x86 embedded platform for their home entertainment and digital media offerings,” said Paul Hsu, Executive Assistant to the President at VIA Technologies, Inc. “We are proud to be included on the supported BSP list as it provides a recognized quality assurance point for device manufacturers to rapidly create the next generation of smart connected Windows Powered digital media devices.”

VIA has been working closely with Microsoft to ensure compatibility across product lines. The VIA EPIA M-Series Mini-ITX mainboard is the latest key VIA product to receive such certification from Microsoft, with the VIA C3 processor validated for Windows CE versions 2.11 and 2.12, and Windows CE .NET.

“By becoming Windows CE .NET certified, the VIA EPIA M-Series Mini-ITX mainboard now offers device OEMs with quality assurance and faster time to market by streamlining compatibility testing,” said Keith White, senior director of the Embedded and Appliance Platform Group at Microsoft. “It’s a solid foundation for rapidly creating the next generation of smart mobile and small footprint Windows-powered devices.”

About the Microsoft Windows CE Board Support Package (BSP) Certification

The Microsoft Windows CE BSP and CPU Certification Process is designed to certify Windows CE .NET BSPs and CPU compatibility. Certification by Microsoft guarantees that the BSP and CPU meet the requirements of the Microsoft Windows CE .NET operating system, and therefore will be more readily accepted by customers and OEMs. Additionally, when the BSP and CPU pass certification testing, they will be added to the Supported BSP and Supported Processor lists. Inclusion on these lists is a marketable quality assurance point and provides positive industry exposure.

Supported BSP list: <http://www.microsoft.com/windows/Embedded/ce.NET/evaluation/hardware/providedbsp.asp>

Supported CPU list: <http://www.microsoft.com/windows/Embedded/ce.NET/evaluhttp://www.microsoft.com/windows/Embedded/ce.NET/evaluation/hardware/processors.asp>



About the VIA EPIA M-Series Mini-ITX Mainboard

The VIA EPIA M-Series Mini-ITX Mainboard is a revolutionary 17cm x 17cm platform optimized for today’s killer digital video and audio applications, and is fully compatible with Microsoft® and Linux-based operating systems. Available with an embedded VIA Eden™ ESP processor core for fanless, ultra-quiet systems, or an embedded VIA C3™ E-Series processor for more demanding digital multimedia applications, the EPIA M-Series is the perfect platform for a whole range of small form factor, low-power digital media devices and home entertainment centers.

Featuring the new VIA Apollo CLE266 chipset with embedded MPEG-2 decoder and a new integrated 2D/3D graphics core, the VIA EPIA M-Series platform provides smooth DVD playback and a rich overall entertainment experience. With the sizable memory bandwidth of DDR266 SDRAM and the high data transfer speeds of ATA/133, the VIA EPIA M-Series ensures the high performance levels required of today’s most popular digital media and productivity applications. The user’s digital media experience is further enhanced by support for 5.1 surround sound, courtesy of the onboard VIA VT1616 6 Channel AC’97 codec.

The latest in high-bandwidth connectivity is supported with IEEE 1394 and USB 2.0 connections provided, as well as S-Video and RCA TV-Out (NTSC & PAL) and 10/100 Ethernet for seamless broadband connectivity. The VIA EPIA M-Series also offers support for the latest LVDS embedded LCD panels, has one PCI slot for expandability options, and is compatible with a full range of Mini-ITX chassis as well as FlexATX and MicroATX enclosures.

Further information on the VIA EPIA M-Series Mini-ITX mainboard may be found at:

http://www.viavpsd.com/product/epia_m_spec.jsp?motherboardId=81

About VIA Technologies, Inc.

VIA Technologies, Inc. is a leading innovator and developer of PC core logic chipsets, microprocessors, and multimedia, networking and communications chips. VIA delivers value to the PC industry by designing, marketing, and selling high-performance VIA Apollo core logic chipsets for the full range of PC platforms, and cost-effective VIA C3™ processors for Value PCs and Internet Appliances, as well as developing complete solutions for the PC platform through its VPSD Business Unit. Its customers include the world's top OEMs, mainboard manufacturers, and system integrators. VIA is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, at the center of the Greater China high-tech manufacturing engine, and has branch offices in the US, China and Europe. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE2388), and achieved annual revenues of nearly US$1 billion in 2001. Additional information can be found at http://www.via.com.tw.