Colchester UK and Toulon France, April 2004 - Concurrent Technologies, a leader in the design and development of high-performance and innovative single board computer products based on Intel Pentium and Motorola PowerPC technology, and Thales Computers, a leader in the development of high-performance PowerPC- and Pentium-based VMEbus systems, announced that under a recently signed agreement, they will be undertaking the joint development of a new family of Pentium M-based VME processor boards. The boards will be available in commercial, extended-temperature, and rugged versions.

Under the agreement, Concurrent Technologies will be responsible for the design and manufacture of the commercial product lines, and Thales Computers will be responsible for the design and manufacture of the extended and rugged products. Both companies will sell all versions under a cross-distribution agreement.

Glen Fawcett, Managing Director of Concurrent Technologies, stated, "This agreement combines the complementary expertise and skills of Concurrent Technologies and Thales Computers to bring to the market a product family that will meet the needs of our customers, whether they are involved in commercial or defense-oriented products. The products will be designed to be electronically compatible so customers can start development with commercial versions and progress to the rugged versions as necessary, safe in the knowledge that their software can transfer seamlessly from one version to the other."

Alain Albarello, CEO of Thales Computers, said, "This joint development agreement will enable both companies to go to market sooner with new products, while addressing a wider range of customer needs. Thales Computers proposes using its patented Ruggedizer technology to transform the commercial version of the board into a rugged product. There is a clear contribution to the project from both companies, hence minimizing joint development risks. This agreement will be fully beneficial to both of our customer communities."

The first commercial products are due for release during Q2, 2004, and the rugged products will be available later this year.