Global Semiconductor Alliance Announces Beta Release of IPecosystem Tool Suite Version 4.0

Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA) announces the beta release of
its IPecosystem (IPe) Tool Suite Version 4.0. The Tool Suite addresses
the risk factors and risk assessments of intellectual property (IP)
integration. Version 4.0 includes the Hard IP Licensing Risk
Assessment Tool.

The IPe Tool Suite enables more efficient communication between IP
vendors, integrators and foundries for IP interaction. The Tool Suite
creates efficiencies and lowers risk by reducing the time spent
collecting and communicating the information required to purchase,
integrate and utilize IP.

The second Tool within the Suite, the Licensing Tool focuses on
assessing the licensing risk an integrator is willing to accept before
acquiring the desired IP. The Tool is designed for semiconductor
companies regardless of expertise in the licensing process.

The Licensing Tool functions similarly to the Hard IP Quality Risk
Assessment Tool. It provides a benchmark set of questions that cover
the major areas of IP licensing and acquisition, including scope of
license, payment, warranty, limitation of liability, indemnity,
governing law, confidentiality and term and termination.

Key benefits include:

-- Shortening the licensing time period by creating efficiencies
for IP purchasers

-- Allowing integrators to identify risk factors

-- Determining the level of risk that is acceptable

-- Providing a qualitative yet effective method for answer
assessment

"It has been documented that the licensing process can take up to
22 weeks or more," said Lisa Tafoya, Vice President of Global Research
at GSA. "This new tool provides an objective measure that enables the
negotiation process to focus on the areas that really matter, which
will accelerate the process of purchasing IP from a vendor and aid in
lowering costs for IP integrators."

The IPecosystem Tool Suite is available complimentary to the
industry at www.gsaglobal.org/ipecosystem. Beta testing of version 4.0
is underway, and the general release is slated for Q1 2008.

Additional areas planned for inclusion in the Tool Suite in 2008
include IP technology and IP manufacturability.

About GSA:

The Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA) mission is to accelerate
the growth and increase the return on invested capital of the global
semiconductor industry by fostering a more effective fabless ecosystem
through collaboration, integration and innovation. It addresses the
challenges within the supply chain including IP, EDA/design, wafer
manufacturing, test and packaging to enable industry-wide solutions.
Providing a platform for meaningful global collaboration, the Alliance
identifies and articulates market opportunities, encourages and
supports entrepreneurship, and provides members with comprehensive and
unique market intelligence. Members include companies throughout the
supply chain representing 25 countries across the globe.
www.gsaglobal.org.