Sony Corporation
Toshiba Corporation

Tokyo -- Sony Corporation and Toshiba Corporation today announced that they would collaborate in the development of highly advanced 45-nanometer (nm) process and design technologies for next-generation system LSI. Under the terms of an agreement, the two companies will take their successful development of 65nm process technologies to the next level, with positive results expected in 2005.

Sony and Toshiba have worked together to pioneer IC process technology since May 2001, in a collaboration that has resulted in co-development of cutting-edge 65nm design process that will soon be applied to the sample products. The companies have decided to build on this achievement and to apply the design know-how and cutting-edge technologies gained from developing the 65nm process to next generation 45nm process technology.

Sony and Toshiba signed the joint development agreement in Tokyo and it calls for completion of the project by late 2005, with the ultimate goal of being first to market with 45nm know-how. The project will have a budget of 20-billion yen, to be shared by both companies, and approximately 150 engineers from the two companies are expected to work on the project at Toshiba’s Advanced Microelectronics Center in Yokohama, Japan and Oita Operations in Kyushu island of Japan.

Continued advances in digitization fuel demand for the ability to access, process, save and enjoy increasingly rich data sources. That in turn is driving demand for system LSI that combines increased miniaturization with enhanced functionality, faster operating speeds and lower power consumption. Sony and Toshiba will position themselves in the vanguard of meeting these demands through the industry-leading development and deployment of 45nm design technologies.

About Sony Corporation
Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Its music, pictures and computer entertainment operations make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of over $62 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003. Sony's Home Page URL: http://www.sony.net/

About Toshiba Corporation
Toshiba Corporation is a leader in the development and manufacture of electronic devices and components, information and communication systems, consumer products and power systems. The company's ability to integrate wide-ranging capabilities, from hardware to software and wide-ranging services, assure its position as an innovator in diverse fields and many businesses. In semiconductors, Toshiba continues to promote its leadership in the fast growing system-on-chip market and to build on its world-class position in NAND flash memories, analog devices and discrete devices. Toshiba has approximately 166,000 employees worldwide and annual sales of over US$47 billion.
Visit Toshiba’s web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.

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