Altera and SLS Offer Commercially Supported Pre-Packaged uCLinux for Nios II Embedded Processor

Updated Distribution Targets Altera’s Popular Nios II Embedded Evaluation Kit

San Jose, Calif. -- September 30, 2008—Altera Corporation (NASDAQ: ALTR) today announced it is partnering with SLS Corporation to offer Nios^® II users a commercially supported, pre-packaged uCLinux option that targets its popular Nios II Embedded Evaluation Kit (NEEK). The commercial support offered by SLS, in conjunction with the flexibility and ease-of-use of the NEEK, enable embedded designers to quickly meet the evolving needs of their projects. This new offering complements Altera’s existing open-source, community-supported distribution of uCLinux that is available free from the Nios Forum. 

Altera’s NEEK system is a feature-rich, low-cost platform based on Altera’s Cyclone^® III FPGAs. The evaluation kit provides a fast and simple way for embedded designers to jumpstart embedded projects using the Nios II embedded processor. The new SLS-supported pre-packaged uCLinux distribution includes a board support package for the NEEK system, with device drivers in object or source form. SLS offers technical support for users who want the flexibility of open source software and the assurance of commercial support. The company also provides users the choice of several support plans to meet their unique support requirements.

“SLS has a long track record of offering uCLinux in system-level designs,” said Paresh Patel, president and CEO, SLS Corporation. “Our expertise with the Nios II embedded processor, intellectual property cores, device drivers, and uCLinux makes SLS the perfect design partner for Nios II users. We are deeply committed to open-source practices, and are pleased to extend the benefit of open-source software with our expertise and premium support options to Altera’s customers.”

“Nios II embedded processor customers have had access to uCLinux through open-source communities for years,” said Chris Balough, senior director of software, embedded, and DSP marketing at Altera. “Our partnership with SLS further complements our community-supported open-source strategy for uCLinux customers looking for commercial support.”

Availability

A pre-packaged uCLinux distribution is available now from SLS Corporation. Customers interested in learning more should visit SLS Corporation at www.slscorp.com. More information about Altera’s Nios II embedded processor can be found athttp://www.altera.com/pr/nios.

About Altera

Altera^® programmable solutions enable system and semiconductor companies to rapidly and cost-effectively innovate, differentiate and win in their markets. Find out more at www.altera.com.