OTTAWA, CANADA, May 29, 2001 - Mitel Corporation, operating as a sharply focused semiconductor company, is introducing today a new global identity - Zarlink Semiconductor - under which it will deliver communications connectivity solutions to the world’s leaders in voice and data networking.
Zarlink brings together proven dimensions of an established global leader with the zeal and focus of a startup company. Zarlink delivers wired, wireless and optical connectivity solutions that bring together networks and people, and it provides highly specialized ultra low-power chipsets for use in medical applications. Zarlink’s solutions marry engineering excellence and innovative use of advanced technologies as well as design flexibility and functionality to provide customers with a competitive edge.
"Welcome to a new company you may already know," said Patrick J. Brockett, president and CEO, Zarlink Semiconductor. "We have excellent people, great technologies, and we listen to our customers and their needs. Our competitive edge is a renewed intensity to win by delivering compelling products to market ahead of the competition."
The Zarlink brand is the latest step in recent months to build a new competitive force in communications ICs. In the last six months, the company has zeroed in on semiconductor opportunities by shedding its operations in enterprise communications systems. It has brought aboard a new CEO who is a veteran of the industry and respected by customers and competitors alike. And it has stepped up efforts to fuel its product pipeline. Despite a sudden and severe downturn in the industry, Zarlink is consistently maintaining high levels of research and development spending.
Next Steps
Zarlink embodies speed, focus, and execution. Going forward, the company will leverage its considerable expertise in analog, digital, and mixed-signal technologies to deliver products with compelling cost, performance, and innovation advantages for customers.
The company is going to build on its leadership positions in such areas as TDM switching, timing, and packet switching, and carve out new territory for future successes. In the weeks and months ahead, Zarlink will be introducing a series of products that underscore this point.
Here are some examples. Zarlink is now ramping up volume production on new 12-channel transceiver modules for very short reach, parallel fiber optic applications. Four- and eight-channel versions are in the pipeline. In the digital television market, the company has announced a new family of System-On-a-Chip solutions that will provide a commanding position in the market for integrated digital TVs and digital video broadcasting services.
In cellular radios, Zarlink has already scored major design wins for a new highly integrated single chip radio, code name Tiger Shark. It is also developing a new family of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) products. And in its medical business, Zarlink is working on new chips for pacemakers and hearing aids based on a new low voltage, ultra low-power process.
About the Name
Zarlink means "leader in connectivity". It derives from the latin word "Caesar" meaning "one having great power or authority" and the word "link" which means "to connect or be connected".
About Zarlink
Zarlink employs its formidable analog, digital and mixed-signal capabilities to offer the most compelling products for wired, wireless and optical connectivity markets and ultra low power medical applications. For more information, visit www.zarlink.com
Zarlink will continue to report and file financial information as Mitel Corporation and trade on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol - MLT- until the new legal name of the company - Zarlink Semiconductor Inc. - is approved by shareholders. This is expected to occur at the company’s Annual Shareholders Meeting in July.
Forward-Looking Statements are omitted