Sophia Systems announces "PEARTREE",
a development platform for Intel-based Mobile Internet Devices

To: News media

An integrated system maker of microprocessor development system, Sophia systems Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Katsumi Harashima; Capital: \90 million; 100% subsidiary company of Sophia Holdings (JASDAQ listed company (Code No. 6942)) hereinafter called "Sophia") has developed "PEARTREE", a development platform for Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) based on one of the Intel(R) AtomTM processors (previously codenamed Silverthorne). Sophia Systems expects to start selling this platform in Q2'08.

Sophia has a longstanding relationship with Intel and offers development solutions such as JTAG emulators and reference boards. It has extended its market overseas, not to mention the expansion in the domestic market, and is providing development support for embedded system engineering worldwide.

The "PEARTREE" development platform is based on one of the Intel Atom processors (previously codenamed Silverthorne) and the Intel(R) System controller Hub (previously codenamed Poulsbo). "PEARTREE" is compatible with Microsoft(R) Windows Vista(R) and Linux OSs, and the company will provide a Board Support Package (hereinafter called "BSP") to support these OSs as an option. The development platform is equipped with a WiFi module and W-SIM (with connectable 3G module). Additionally, dual mode device development is possible by using WiFi under wireless LAN services and 3G/PHS for external handheld communications. The development platform is equipped with a 5.0"WSVGA/TFT, 1SEG-TV module, camera module and SSD4GByte for entertainment devices, and also supports Bluetooth, SSD4GB and USB2.0. The company will offer software (middleware and drivers) for using these modules as part of the reference platform. In addition, the company plans to supply an expansion board that will be convenient for development and debugging. The expansion board has hardware expansion connectors such as LAN, USBHOST, GPS, HDD40GByte, and I/F for debugging.

An engineer can develop hardware and software concurrently by using this platform, and will be able to save time in the validation process. As a result, it will be possible to launch MIDs and handheld devices into the market segment with a shorter development time, higher quality and superior cost performance.

Main uses of "PEARTREE" include device development and evaluation, development of application software and middleware, research and development of user interfaces, development and field validation of new business models, system development and validation of devices for enterprises, and verification evaluation and demonstration.

President Harashima made the following statement: "Customers considering an Intel-based Mobile Internet Device are expecting a faster time to market solution from PEARTREE. We will be able to lower the hurdle for our customers based on the PEARTREE development platform and drive faster market adoption."

"Mobile Internet Devices represent an exciting growth opportunity in the industry. Intel has developed the Intel Atom processor (Silverthorne) and the Intel System Controller Hub from the ground-up specifically for MIDs," said Pankaj Kedia, director of global ecosystem programs for Intel Corporation's Ultra Mobility Group. "We welcome Sophia Systems' interest in the MID category and its investment in the Peartree development platform, which will make it easier for system manufacturers to bring MIDs to this market segment."

Sophia is a leading company of embedded development support in Japan, and puts an utmost emphasis on providing supports for launching a high-quality excellent product efficiently into the market.

Sophia Systems Co., Ltd.
Sophia Systems Co., Ltd. was founded in 1975 (transferred all the businesses to "Sophia Systems Preparatory Company" in January 2007, which was renamed to "Sophia Systems Co., Ltd.", becoming the 100 subsidiary of Sophia Holdings Co., Ltd.), and has been playing the role of a leader in the embedded system area consistently throughout 30 years and has continued to supply comprehensive development solutions on the basis of microprocessor development systems.
Sophia is working in close cooperation with major companies engaged in embedded development. Furthermore, it is always making efforts to form a new partnership with companies that have advanced technology. Sophia has been consistently offering a powerful and reliable real-time microprocessor emulation system that enables many hardware/software engineers to complete a development project within limited time and budget. Such high-quality products have long been supported by customers including business companies, government agencies, research institutes, and academic circles.
Sophia has its business locations in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan. Overseas, it also has a sales agent network in North America, Asia, Middle East and Europe.
For detailed information of Sophia, please refer to the Websites, http://www.sophia-systems.co.jp (in Japanese) or http://www.sophia-systems.com (in English).

* Suggested date of media publication: Wednesday, April 2, 2008 or later
* Supported product: PEARTREE
* Sale price: 980,000 yen
* Scheduled delivery: 2nd Quarter, 2008

Contact for further details:
Email: intsales@sophia-systems.com
Sophia Systems USA 888.423.2305 ext. 202
Worldwide support offices can be found on our web-site: www.sophia-systems.com

Microsoft Windows is a registered trademark or a trademark of Microsoft Corporation of the USA, in the United States and other countries.
Intel(R) Atom(TM) Processor is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation of the United States.
Furthermore, other company names, product names and trademarks belong to their proprietors, respectively.

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