- Agreements with Ministry of Science and Technology and Peking University allow Chinese development of new x86 solutions, AMD access to new products and technology -
- AMD opens new regional headquarters in China's Silicon Valley -
- Makes significant financial commitment to expanding IT in rural Chinese education -
BEIJING - Oct. 24, 2005 - At a ceremony today in China's Great Hall of
the People, AMD executives signed agreements with the Chinese Ministry
of Science and Technology (MOST) and Peking University to license AMD
x86 microprocessor design technology that will enable Chinese
development of low-power and embedded computer solutions for consumer
and commercial markets. AMD also announced the contribution of
US$750,000 to support technology deployment for primary education in
rural China and opened a new headquarters for AMD Greater China.
"AMD and China share a deep mutual respect for the ability of technology
to promote economic and educational opportunities," said AMD president
and CEO Hector Ruiz. "AMD's investments of technology, facilities and
resources are a sign of our commitment to provide industry-standard
x86-based computing solutions to the people of China."
"Products based on this x86 processor represent an energy-efficient,
industry-standard technology that can fundamentally transform the
productivity of businesses and individuals in China," said Mr. Ma
Songde, Vice Minister of MOST. "This important licensing agreement
advances AMD's vision of industry-standard technology meeting the needs
of people in virtually any environment and grants AMD exposure to
Chinese research and development and our growing market."
The licensing of core x86 AMD Geode(tm) processor technology to Peking
University via collaboration with MOST will contribute to China's
development of low-power and embedded x86 processor technology in the
Greater China region. MOST will facilitate discussions between AMD and
Chinese companies receiving access to x86 technology licenses. AMD will
earn revenue from licensing the AMD Geode processor to commercial
entities designated by Peking University and MOST.
Additionally, AMD will have access to intellectual property derived from
the licensed technology and options to invest in businesses that emerge
from development of AMD Geode processor-based technology in China. The
AMD Geode processor technology is one of the highest-performing
processors that U.S. Department of Commerce technology export
requirements allow without a license.
AMD also formally opened its new Greater China Headquarters in the
Zhongguancun Science Park. Frequently referred to as China's Silicon
Valley, Zhongguancun is home to a several Chinese information technology
companies, research institutes, and colleges and universities.
In addition, AMD executives will sign an agreement with the Chinese
Ministry of Education to donate Rmb 6 million (approximately US$750,000)
during the next three years to extend the deployment of information
technology supporting primary education in underdeveloped areas of
middle and western China. This agreement extends AMD's previous support
of education in China, which has included donations to schools in rural
areas, scholarships and assistantships, and the donation of AMD64
processor-based computers to university teaching labs. It also advances
AMD's 50x15 initiative, which aims to empower 50 percent of the world's
population with affordable Internet access and computing capability by
the year 2015.
"Opening the AMD Greater China headquarters in Zhongguancun Science Park
will put AMD at the heart of China's booming technology industry, close
to our partners and customers and significant new business
opportunities," Ruiz said. "Our x86 licensing agreement and significant
financial contribution to China's rural education initiatives align with
AMD's long-term commitment to extend Internet access globally as we grow
our business in one of the world's fastest-growing markets."
ABOUT AMD
AMD (NYSE:AMD) designs and produces innovative microprocessors, Flash
memory devices and low-power processor solutions for the computer,
communications and consumer electronics industries. AMD is dedicated to
delivering standards-based, customer-focused solutions for technology
users, ranging from enterprises and governments to individual consumers.
For more information, visit http://www.amd.com