AMD licenses x86 technology to China

At a ceremony today in China's Great Hall of the People, AMD executives signed agreements with the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and Peking University to license AMD x86 microprocessor design technology that will enable Chinese development of low-power and embedded computer solutions for consumer and commercial markets. AMD also announced the contribution of US$750,000 to support technology deployment for primary education in rural China and opened a new headquarters for AMD Greater China.

"AMD and China share a deep mutual respect for the ability of technology to promote economic and educational opportunities," said AMD president and CEO Hector Ruiz. "AMD's investments of technology, facilities and resources are a sign of our commitment to provide industry-standard x86-based computing solutions to the people of China."

"Products based on this x86 processor represent an energy-efficient, industry-standard technology that can fundamentally transform the productivity of businesses and individuals in China," said Mr. Ma Songde, Vice Minister of MOST. "This important licensing agreement advances AMD's vision of industry-standard technology meeting the needs of people in virtually any environment and grants AMD exposure to Chinese research and development and our growing market."

The licensing of core x86 AMD Geode(TM) processor technology to Peking University via collaboration with MOST will contribute to China's development of low-power and embedded x86 processor technology in the Greater China region. MOST will facilitate discussions between AMD and Chinese companies receiving access to x86 technology licenses. AMD will earn revenue from licensing the AMD Geode processor to commercial entities designated by Peking University and MOST.

Additionally, AMD will have access to intellectual property derived from the licensed technology and options to invest in businesses that emerge from development of AMD Geode processor-based technology in China. The AMD Geode processor technology is one of the highest-performing processors that U.S. Department of Commerce technology export requirements allow without a license.

AMD also formally opened its new Greater China Headquarters in the Zhongguancun Science Park. Frequently referred to as China's Silicon Valley, Zhongguancun is home to several Chinese information technology companies, research institutes, and colleges and universities.

In addition, AMD executives will sign an agreement with the Chinese Ministry of Education to donate Rmb 6 million (approximately US$750,000) during the next three years to extend the deployment of information technology supporting primary education in underdeveloped areas of middle and western China. This agreement extends AMD's previous support of education in China, which has included donations to schools in rural areas, scholarships and assistantships, and the donation of AMD64 processor-based computers to university teaching labs. It also advances AMD's 50x15 initiative, which aims to empower 50 percent of the world's population with affordable Internet access and computing capability by the year 2015.

"Opening the AMD Greater China headquarters in Zhongguancun Science Park will put AMD at the heart of China's booming technology industry, close to our partners and customers and significant new business opportunities," Ruiz said. "Our x86 licensing agreement and significant financial contribution to China's rural education initiatives align with AMD's long-term commitment to extend Internet access globally as we grow our business in one of the world's fastest-growing markets."