SOFTIMAGE CO. NAMED ONE OF QUEBEC’S FINEST TECHNOLOGY INNOVATORS
— COMPANY’S 3D ANIMATION SOFTWARE RECOGNIZED AMONG ELITE, 20TH CENTURY TECHNOLOGICAL ACHIEVEMENTS IN PROVINCE OF QUEBEC–

Montreal, Quebec, Canada (May 30, 2001) – Softimage Co., the Montreal-based animation and special effects subsidiary of Avid Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVID), today announced that its 3D animation software was chosen as one of the greatest technological inventions developed in Quebec during the past century.

Softimage technology was recognized by L’Ordre des Technologues Professionnels du Quebec (OTPQ), translated The Order of Professional Technologists of Quebec.

Since 1986, industry professionals have relied on Softimage to develop software that meets the needs of creative individuals in the film, commercial, broadcast, games and interactive markets. The OTPQ lauded Softimage for its innovative 3D animation software which has been used to create cutting-edge animation featured in such award-winning films as “Jurassic Park,” “Titanic,” “X-Men,”and “Gladiator.”

“We are truly honored to be recognized by our peers here in Quebec for our role in helping transform Quebec into a leading high-tech province and a center for innovation,” said Michael Stojda, managing director of Softimage. “We’re gratified that Softimage has had a positive economic effect on the local economy and is in such elite company, placed in the same circle as Quebec businesses that have been around for years longer.”

To choose the winners, OTPQ’s members and board of directors nominated a list of eligible companies that have made a significant technological impact on the culture of Quebec, and are linked to the geography and history of the province. The candidate companies also must have played a significant part in the province’s quality of life and technological development. The final 10 candidates named by OTPQ included Canadair-Bombardier and Hydro-Quebec (the eventual winner).

“Our company culture and our creativity are very much a reflection of our surroundings in Montreal, and to a wider extent, the province of Quebec,” added Stojda. “We take immense pride in this honor from the OTPQ.”

The Order of Professional Technologists of Quebec is a 5,000-member professional association of technologists in many technical fields, including: electronics, aeronautics, data processing, chemistry, mechanics, construction, forestry and natural sciences.