ARM Joins Consumer Electronics Linux Forum (CELF)

ARM joins technology industry leaders to promote wider consumer uptake of Linux

CAMBRIDGE, UK - Oct. 27, 2003 –ARM [(LSE:ARM}; Nasdaq: ARMHY)], the industry's leading provider of 16/32-bit embedded RISC processor solutions, today announced its associate membership in the Consumer Electronics Linux Forum (CELF).

Established in June, the CELF is an industry group focused on advancing Linux as an open source platform for consumer electronics devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld computers and other audio visual devices. CELF members collaborate, clarify and codify issues, designs and specifications required by Linux that need to be addressed by the open source community. ARM joins other high-profile members including Motorola, NEC, Samsung, ST, and Texas Instruments, and founding members Matsushita and Sony.

Membership in the CELF coincides with work ARM has already undertaken to develop and use embedded Linux on its core-based microprocessors.

"While Linux has been gaining momentum as a desktop operating system, changes from both a technical and architectural standpoint are needed to help the platform reach its full potential in a consumer electronics environment," said Mary Inglis, director, Operating Systems and Alliances, ARM. "ARM is joining a valuable resource in the CELF. It is part of our long-term support for the Linux platform, and to help bring Linux into products people use everyday."

ARM will participate in the Forum's various industry-leading working groups, addressing and collaborating on embedded technology changes required to adapt to Linux, such as kernel design, size constraints, performances rates and power management issues within microprocessor cores.

"Linux's open-source nature, which frees developers and users from the constraints of proprietary middleware, also has many challenges. ARM is committed to working with CELF members on enhancing architectures, as well as maintaining industry quality controls, security and standards," added Mary Inglis.

About ARM
ARM is the industry's leading provider of 16/32-bit embedded RISC microprocessor solutions. The company licenses its high-performance, low-cost, power-efficient RISC processors, peripherals, and system-on-chip designs to leading international electronics companies. ARM also provides comprehensive support required in developing a complete system. ARM's microprocessor cores are rapidly becoming a volume RISC standard in such markets as portable communications, hand-held computing, multimedia digital consumer and embedded solutions. More information on ARM is available at www.arm.com.

ARM is a registered trademark of ARM Limited. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders. "ARM" is used to represent ARM Holdings plc (LSE: ARM and Nasdaq: ARMHY); its operating company ARM Limited; and the regional subsidiaries ARM INC.; ARM KK; ARM Korea Ltd.; ARM Taiwan; ARM France SAS; ARM Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.; and ARM Belgium N.V.