Improv and HelloSoft Provide Broadband Wireless 
802.11 Solution For Embedded Systems

Combines Hardware and Software Expertise To Target WLAN Clients and Infrastructure

    BEVERLY, Mass., Aug. 19, 2002 -  Improv Systems, a pioneer in application-optimized DSPs, and HelloSoft Inc., a leading communication software IP company, today announced a joint technology and marketing partnership. Under this partnership, HelloSoft will optimize its HelloWLAN(TM) Wireless LAN 802.11b and 802.11a Physical Layer (PHY) software for Improv's configurable Jazz DSP(TM) core. The two companies will work together to provide a family of high-performance, cost-effective WLAN products that will be ready for production later this year.

    "By working in close cooperation with HelloSoft, Improv is able to realize the high system performance and efficient low-power operation required for successful consumer products," said Victor Berman, Director of Marketing at Improv and head of its Ensemble Partner program. "As the industry moves towards application-specific platforms, DSP functionality plays an increasingly key role. Improv and HelloSoft's hardware-software collaboration is an industry-leading partnership model to enable configurable DSP architectures to target multiple market segments with custom solutions."

    "The Improv-HelloSoft WLAN solution will get customers to market quickly with new SoC products that enable innovative wireless devices and equipment. The WLAN market is exploding, with potential application in virtually every consumer and business device," said Ashok Setty, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, HelloSoft.

    HelloSoft's HelloWLAN solutions are optimized implementations of the 802.11a, b and g standards. They are complete embedded software systems implementing both the Physical Layer and MAC Layer, including WEP, making the software ideal for multi-function wireless devices.

    Improv has a proven track record in the development of application-optimized platforms starting with Acappella(TM) for VoIP (Voice-over-IP) in 2001 and the recent release of the Crescendo(TM) family for broadcast applications. These solution kits demonstrate how customers can get high performance, efficient, low-power solutions by using a configurable DSP as the heart of the platform.

    About HelloSoft, Inc.
    HelloSoft is a leading provider of high-performance embedded communications solutions. HelloSoft licenses field-tested Physical Layer software and Networking Protocols software to equipment OEMs and semiconductor companies in five technology segments: Wireless LAN, 2.5G & 3G Wireless, Voice-Over-Packet, Digital Subscriber Line and Bluetooth. http://www.hellosoft.com.

    About Improv Systems, Inc.
    Improv Systems, Inc. develops and licenses the Jazz PSA(TM) platforms featuring the Jazz DSP and application solution kits for Voice-over-IP, Networking and Emerging Media. Improv's Jazz DSP is a configurable DSP that allows designers to create optimized DSP cores targeted to consumer electronics and telecommunications markets. Through the company's Ensemble(TM) Partners program, formed to help accelerate the use and integration of designer-defined DSPs in System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions, Improv customers have access to complementary products and services from companies such as ARM (ARMHY), MIPS Technologies (MIPS, MIPSB), Synopsys (SNPS), Cadence Design Systems (CDN); and Wind River Systems (WIND) among others. Improv Systems has development centers in Beverly, MA, San Jose, CA, and Rochester, NY, and direct sales offices in the United Kingdom and Japan.

    Improv, Ensemble, designer-defined DSPs, Jazz DSP, Jazz PSA, Acappella and Crescendo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Improv Systems, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies

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              CONTACT:  
              Improv Systems, Beverly
              Victor Berman, 978/927-0555                                      
              victor@improvsys.com 
              or
              HelloSoft, Inc. 
              Ashok Setty, 408/441-7110           
              ashok@hellosoft.com  
              or                                             
              Wired Island, Ltd.    
              Toni Sottak, 649/941-4218          
              toni@wiredislandpr.com