AIRBUS and HCL Technologies ink embedded software development deal - Project entails development of software for A340 Flight Warning System

Chennai, June 12, 2003 – Leading provider of software services, HCL Technologies (HCLT), today announced that it has won a mandate from the French aircraft manufacturer, AIRBUS France, for the development of sophisticated embedded software for the System Data Acquisition Computer of the AIRBUS A340 Flight Warning System.

The terms of reference of the project code named ODESA, an acronym for Offshore Development of Embedded Software for AIRBUS, in its first phase, will include the migration of the embedded software development environment from an older technology platform to a newer platform.

HCLT has a special focus on the aerospace industry and delivers software services in the areas of safety and mission critical airborne avionics systems and ground-based air traffic management systems. Its skill pool includes highly experienced developers, technical leads and managers with expertise in design and development of highly reliable real time avionics systems. HCLT's aerospace practice clients include several leading aircraft manufacturers, system integrators and Tier 1 suppliers.

Speaking on the engagement, the AIRBUS Software & Simulation Procurement Manager currently on a visit to India, said, "We have gone through an extremely diligent evaluation and selection process and find that the embedded software skills and methodologies at HCL Technologies match AIRBUS France's objectives". Added the Software Department Industrial Policy Manager, "We wish to achieve an efficient process for the migration of the SDAC development environment, with a reduction in development time and at a value equation that is lucrative. This is a strategic decision and one of great importance to us. We wish the project all success."

Commenting on the development, an HCL Technologies spokesperson said, "This project from AIRBUS further endorses the maturity of our aerospace practice. Over the past several years, we have handled aerospace projects with varying degrees of complexity and sophistication. We are extremely delighted at the prospect of adding value to one of the largest and most successful aircraft manufacturers in the world and look forward to a beneficial and successful long term relationship".

About AIRBUS

AIRBUS, a partnership between EADS and BAE Systems, is one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers and offers a state-of-the-art product range of 100 to 500 seater passenger aircraft. For over 70 years, AIRBUS has delivered over 3,100 aircraft to 180 clients on five continents. Current orders stand at over 1,500 units for the coming years.

With a turnover of Euros 19.5 billion (2002), AIRBUS is an international company employing over 46,000 people of various nationalities in its development and manufacturing centers located at France, Germany, United Kingdom and Spain as well as in its subsidiaries in the United States, China and Japan. AIRBUS also has training and maintenance centers in Europe, United-States and Asia and provides after-sales support for optimizing the profitability of its customers' fleet.

AIRBUS has developed international partnerships with companies all over the globe to set up a network of 1,500 suppliers.

About HCL Technologies

HCL Technologies is one of India's leading global IT services and product engineering companies, providing value-added, software-led IT solutions and services to large and medium-scale organizations. Founded in 1991, HCL Tech focuses on technology as well as R&D outsourcing, with the objective of working with clients in areas at the core of their business.

HCL Tech delivers these services through an extensive offshore software development infrastructure and a vast global marketing network, spanning 26 offices in 14 countries, that enables scalable, flexible and cost-effective delivery.

The company's well defined business strategy has enabled it to build domain expertise across a host of chosen verticals including banking, funds management, insurance, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, automotives, semi-conductors and retail.

As of 31 December 2002, HCL Tech along with its subsidiaries had 7,788 employees. Together with its knowledge of embedded systems, core technologies and application development expertise, HCL Tech is positioned as a composite solutions provider equipped to cater to the entire gamut of IT needs. For more information, visit HCL Technologies at www.hcltech.com