DCT boosts prospects for embedded Java

Java™-enabled solutions company announces new developments with customers, availability of evaluation silicon and funding

Sunbury, Middlesex, UK – 15 July 2002 – DCT, a developer of high-performance, low-cost embedded Java™ solutions, has announced three separate new developments expected to boost its presence in the market for high volume Java devices. DCT's Lightfoot™ processor has been signed up by Taiwan based Shera International in a new multi-use license agreement, and working silicon is now available for evaluation of DCT’s Bigfoot™ microcontroller platform. DCT has also secured an additional $3m funding from venture capital investors MTI.

Shera International’s license is an extension of the single-use license announced earlier this year to develop a microcontroller platform for embedded systems requiring secure communication. Shera will now begin immediate development of credit card terminals, printers, and touch-screen panels using DCT’s technology. DCT expects volume production of the first Lightfoot-based products from Shera by the end of 2002.

In the second development, the availability of working silicon –delivered through its partnership with Fujitsu – means potential customers can evaluate a demonstrator platform utilizing DCT’s technology in off-the-shelf Java-enabled microcontroller devices, expected to be shipping in volume by the end of the year. These devices address the needs of designers of networking, cellular and portable devices, as well as multimedia applications.

Chris Turner, a founder and chief operating officer of DCT, said, "We are extremely pleased at all of these developments coming together now. The fact that Shera extended its license is excellent news because it validates our technology, but we’re also real excited at the prospect of seeing products based on our solutions out in volume – through Shera and its Lightfoot implementations, through Fujitsu with its own multimedia devices, and with our own general purpose devices due out during Q4 this year."

He adds, "Through all these channels we’re expecting that in 2003, chips using DCT technologies will be produced in millions of pieces a year. Despite what the industry has been experiencing in 2002, I think DCT is in a privileged position to have been able to build traction, and deliver technology to companies developing Java-enabled consumer, communications and multimedia systems."

Commenting on the funding from MTI, Turner adds, "This is an interim agreement as we gear up to seek additional funding over the next year to build the company’s executive management and operational staff." DCT is currently headquartered in the UK and is looking to strengthen its management, sales, marketing and engineering activities, both in North America and Europe.

Editor’s notes:

About DCT
DCT is a fabless semiconductor company developing high-performance, low-cost Java™-enabled microprocessor solutions based on its Lightfoot™ and Bigfoot™ 32-bit processors together with development tools and run-time system software. Using DCT’s system solutions, developers can add network connectivity to their embedded systems using Java™ technology without the size or cost overheads typically required by competing solutions. Founded in 1997, DCT is a privately held company and was funded by MTI Partners in March 2000.

Shera International, Inc. is an American-run turnkey design and manufacturing company operating in Taiwan. It is also currently building a factory in China. Shera specializes in transaction terminals and thermal printer technology. Engineering activities include mechanical design, ASIC design, electronic design, and embedded software system development. Shera was established in 1992 and is located in San Chung, Taipei, Taiwan, with more than 100 employees, and annual revenue in excess of NT 500 million. For more information visit www.shera.com .