June 25, 2001 - National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE: NSM) today announced that Epson America Inc., the U.S. affiliate of Seiko Epson Corporation, has chosen National's Geode? technology for its next-generation customer communications system targeting the retail and financial industries. Epson's new product, launched today, utilizes a large touch screen display and customized multimedia system that provides customers with instant and easy information access in stores, banks and stadium settings.
"By integrating National Semiconductor's thin-client solutions into the Zeleon, we are transforming the way of doing business and customer communications," said Ed Bagg, director, business development, Epson. "Epson's deep knowledge of retailers and consumers' needs, coupled with National's high-performance, power-saving and cost effective Geode technology, makes the Zeleon a perfect match for interactive transactions in the Internet age. With Epson's Zeleon, shopping is easier than ever."
Designed to enable interactive information exchange during transactions, the Zeleon Network Terminal and Intranet System from Epson will improve customer relationships and enrich shopping experiences for both sellers and buyers. Its connection to a server-based network allows department stores, for example, to access real-time product and inventory information on the Web. At the same time, the Zeleon system allows customers to place orders, seek product information, or even watch a fashion show displayed via streaming video over the Web.
"We are excited about the collaboration between National and Epson to bring the latest information technology to our daily life," said Ziv Azmanov, director of thin client business unit at National Semiconductor. "National believes that thin-client computing is the right approach for businesses that want to improve customer services, ensure faster response and real-time information access and reduce cost of IT maintenance and support."
Powering Epson's Zeleon system is National's complete silicon solution that includes the proven Geode GX1 processors, its companion chips and Super I/O devices. The Geode technology is optimized for information terminals and provides the best combination of performance, power dissipation and price. It is ideal for point-of-sale (POS) terminals or in-store multimedia kiosks that require instant information access to the Internet and the Intranet.
About Epson
Epson offers an extensive array of image capture and image output products for the consumer, business and graphic arts markets. The company is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) solutions for the retail and banking markets. Founded in 1975, Epson America, Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson America, Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, California. For more information on Epson products, call 562.981.3840 or visit Epson's website at http://pos.epson.com.
About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor is the premier analog company driving the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of-the-art digital technology, the company is focused on the fast growing markets for wireless handsets; information appliances; information infrastructure; and display, imaging and human interface technologies. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2.1 billion for fiscal year 2001 and employs about 9,700 people worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com.
