Improv Systems' Configurable DSP Tools & Methodology Receive 'Seal of Approval' from EEMBC Certification Labs

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 5, 2001-- Today, at the Embedded Systems Conference, Improv Systems, a pioneer in configurable DSPs for communications and media, announced its Jazz PSA tools have received a `Seal of Approval' rating from EEMBC Certification Labs (ECL). ECL, the testing and certification facility of the Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium (EEMBC), provides an objective evaluation for gauging the functionality and user-friendliness of software and hardware developer kits (SDKs) for embedded processors. ECL's First Impressions Testing Service (also being announced today, see related news release) tests compiler quality, documentation, support, and ease of use for SDKs according to a uniform set of criteria. Improv's tools received positive reviews in all areas and for how well they support the accompanying architecture and methodology.

``Improv Systems tools clearly allow the developer to exploit the power of the Improv Systems architecture,'' said Alan Weiss, ECL chairman and chief technology officer. ``ECL developers were able to build, execute and tune applications in less than 30 minutes after installing Improv's tools for the first time. The learning curve is extremely manageable and Improv Systems' tutorials were standouts in understandability. We commend Improv on its efforts to provide such high-quality tools coupled so well with its architecture.''

ECL's testing showed that Improv's tools are unique in how well they support configurable multiprocessing DSPs with multiple levels of potential optimizations. In addition, the Jazz PSA tools were praised for providing an excellent development, optimization and feedback system that results in the ability to create applications and processors concurrently within a consistent paradigm.

``Improv methodology, architecture and toolset for developing custom application engines is based on how well we handle the multiple DSP challenge,'' said Cary Ussery, president and CEO of Improv Systems. ``We recognized early on that the programmability and scalability required by today's advanced communications applications would mandate the development of advanced compiler technology, analysis and configuration tools. That is why we've focused so intensely on making our Jazz PSA tools standouts in the market and why we wanted them tested by ECL. We take the need for strong tools very seriously and are happy to see an organization stepping up to ensure the quality and usability of these tools for customers.''

ECL's evaluation praised Improv's profiler tools for not only identifying application bottlenecks, but for also providing specific processor resource utilization. Rather than trial and error configuration guessing, Improv's tools tell developers what customization changes to make and the benefits of those changes. In addition, Improv's compiler was hailed for its ability to generate excellent optimized code without requiring a developer to get down into assembly language programming. The compiler also automatically re-targets an application depending on the number of Jazz DSPs in any configuration. Improv's performance and resource-allocation analyzers inform the developer how to best configure the number of DSPs and internal configuration of each one.

About Improv Systems, Inc.

Improv Systems(TM), Inc. develops and licenses configurable DSP processors and platform solutions for Voice-over-IP, Networking and Emerging Media. Improv's Jazz DSP is a programmable, scaleable, and configurable DSP, targeted to consumer electronics and telecommunications markets. Improv's solution extends beyond the hardware; it includes a complete tool suite to facilitate rapid, system level design and state-of-the-art compilation technology to efficiently map applications onto its Jazz DSP solution. In addition, Improv offers pre-designed applications platforms for a complete solution and software components to jump start product development efforts. Improv Systems has development centers in Beverly, MA, Santa Clara, CA, and Rochester, NY, and direct sales offices in Paris and Tokyo. Improv is headquartered in Beverly, MA (01915) at 100 Cummings Center Suite 343G and can be reached at (978) 927-0555 or at http://www.improvsys.com.

Contact:
     Improv Systems, Inc., Beverly, Mass.
     Bob Bell, 978/927-0555
     bobb@improvsys.com
     or
     Wired Island, Ltd.
     Mike Sottak, 649/941-4218
     mike@wiredisland.tc