Oct 1997 Softimage to Support New Intel Architecture
Expects increase in performance using the Merced™ Processor’s advanced architecture
The first Sumatra-level 3D product to be made available on the new architecture will be Softimage’s next-generation rendering and finishing system, codenamed Twister. Offering completely interactive rendering control, as well as direct manipulation of scene lighting and texturing, Twister is designed to fit seamlessly into the customer workflow already established by Softmage 3D, the current-generation product.

For Immediate Release

October 13, 1997

Softimage to Support New Intel Architecture
Expects increase in performance using the Merced™ Processor’s advanced architecture

MONTREAL — Oct 13, 1997 —Softimage Inc., the leading provider of animation and video-editing tools for games, film and video content, today announced its plans to support the first implementation of Intel Corporation’s IA-64 architecture, code-named Merced™. Softimage’s next-generation 3D platform, code-named Sumatra, is expected to experience a substantial performance boost on the Merced Processor’s advanced architecture. These applications will be optimized for workstations running Microsoft’s 64-bit Windows NT Operating System, and will be available when the Merced Processor is launched.

“We are very excited about the promise of the IA-64 architecture as it relates to our next generation products,” said Marc Petit, Director of 3D Product Development for Softimage, “the gains in computing power will enable us to push the envelope in terms of interactivity and rendering performance. We are working closely with Intel to ensure that our applications take maximum advantage of the Merced Processor architecture.”

The first Sumatra-level 3D product to be made available on the new architecture will be Softimage’s next-generation rendering and finishing system, codenamed Twister. Offering completely interactive rendering control, as well as direct manipulation of scene lighting and texturing, Twister is designed to fit seamlessly into the customer workflow already established by Softmage 3D, the current-generation product.

“Users of Softimage’s 3D products will clearly benefit from IA64’s performance. We are delighted that Softimage is extending their commitment from IA32 to IA64 and look forward to their forthcoming Sumatra product release on IA64” said Anand Chandrasekher, general manager of Intel’s Workstation Products Division.

Softimage products will be certified to run on Mercad Processor-based workstations from a large number of industry-leading vendors including Compaq, HP, NeTpower and others who have announced plans for Merced Processor systems when it becomes available in 1999.

Softimage Information

Founded in 1986, Softimage develops software for media-rich applications including video, film, interactive games and CD-ROM applications.  Products include Softimage 3D (high-end animation), Softimage Eddie (compositing) and Toonz (2-D cel animation).  Additional information about Softimage and Microsoft can be found via the Internet at http://www.softimage.com/ and http://www.microsoft.com/, respectively.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers.  The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

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