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Embedded BIOS by General Software Provides Rapid x86 Development

New Embedded BIOS targets Low Power or Fast Boot Embedded x86

SAN JOSE, CA - April 04, 2007 -- General Software, Inc, a supplier of firmware for x86 processors, has today announced Embedded BIOS with StrongFrame Technology, the sixth evolution of General Software’s Embedded BIOS firmware SDK solution for x86 designs.

Embedded BIOS with StrongFrame is a firmware BIOS that specifically addresses Embedded vertical markets including kiosks, point of sale (POS) devices, medical equipment, gaming, test equipment, and avionics gear such as flight management systems and flight data recorders.

General Software, Inc. is a leading supplier of x86 embedded firmware. The Embedded BIOS® firmware adaptation kit allows embedded x86 systems to configure a custom Embedded BIOS to their exacting specifications. General Software will also offer additional firmware modules that are optimized for other markets such as Telecom/Datacom example.

Embedded BIOS StrongFrame Firmware Modules

Using Embedded BIOS® with StrongFrame Technology, BIOS developers can produce working prototypes in days, and finish deployments in weeks. The Embedded BIOS is configured using a descriptive configuration manager which uses an intuitive GUI to configure the firmware, rather than managing assembly language modules.

While assembly code may still be by the firmware engineer, object modules like ACPI, MP, and PCI tables can be automatically configured, based on descriptions of the target supplied by the developer. With much less assembly code to write, OEM customers can prototype much faster and achieve measurable results much earlier in the development process while reducing the amount of code that needs to be validated in system test.

"To truly be compatible with today's PC architecture, a BIOS must offer all the external APIs and internal nuances of the IBM PC, XT, and AT BIOS implementations, as well as support the industry initiatives and operating systems that were introduced since then. Embedded BIOS® with StrongFrame Technology does just that, building on a decade of support for these initiatives on the widest possible range of chipsets, CPUs, and board designs," said Steve Jones, General Software CTO.

Embedded BIOS is a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS). An RTOS used in an x86 system that supports an operating system such as Microsoft Windows CE is called an Embedded BIOS.

OEM customers may elect to have General Software use its SDK to produce a turn-key BIOS, or they may instead use General Software's consulting and engineering services to augment an existing in-house BIOS team, optimize familiarity with the SDK, or take advantage of training programs prior to their own in-house adaptation using the SDK.

About StrongFrame™ Technology
StrongFrame Technology is the framework that enables targeted firmware to be built for every application, while leveraging common libraries of software. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) choose StrongFrame firmware to gain the strength, flexibility, and long life expected from firmware supporting targeted applications that have special requirements, such as such as targeted PCs, mobile PCs, differentiated mainboards, industrial PCs, servers, telecom/datacom equipment, and embedded devices with unique needs.

About Embedded BIOS® with StrongFrame™ Technology
Embedded BIOS with StrongFrame Technology is a leading firmware solution for OEM manufacturers offering configuration flexibility, rapid and risk-reducing deployment tools, compatibility with all x86 industry standards, support for the widest range of embedded chipsets, x86 CPUs, and SIO building blocks, and support for multiple core versions and module versions within the same architectural framework. Embedded BIOS with StrongFrame Technology addresses the entire lifecycle of products, from board bring-up, configuration prototyping, testing with system diagnostics, and product manufacturing to in-field diagnostics and software reload.

About General Software, Inc.
For nearly 20 years, General Software, Inc. has provided firmware for a wide range of applications including Ultra-Mobile PCs, industrial PCs, targeted PCs, differentiated mainboards, telecom/datacom equipment, servers, blades, and embedded devices including medical, gaming, kiosks, point-of-sale, DVR, and commercial and military avionics.