Altera Joins the Metro Ethernet Forum

Programmable Logic Solutions to Bring Innovative Edge to Ethernet Products

San Jose, Calif., April 25, 2005—Altera Corporation (NASDAQ:ALTR) today became the newest member of the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF). As a member of the MEF, Altera joins leading companies from around the world who are working to deliver carrier class Ethernet networks and services to equipment manufacturers and their customers. Altera’s programmable logic solutions are already driving the adoption of many emerging metro Ethernet technologies by enabling the rapid development of new systems targeting metro Ethernet networks.

“The semiconductor industry, as a whole, is a valued component of the MEF’s membership,” said Nan Chen, president of the Metro Ethernet Forum. “Altera will be an asset to the forum, given their knowledge of the programmable logic market.”

Establishing membership in the MEF formalizes Altera’s ongoing commitment to driving further innovation in the metro Ethernet market. Altera currently offers Ethernet solutions that include complex functions like traffic management, universal front end (framers and media access controllers in FPGAs), and fabric interface solutions. In addition, Altera’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio includes comprehensive memory controllers that support high-speed datapaths, protocol bridges, and applications using Nios^® II, Altera’s newest family of embedded processors.

“Participation in the MEF enables Altera to gain early insight into the system requirements for metro Ethernet networks,” said John Sakamoto, senior director of Altera’s Wireline Business Unit. “Understanding these requirements will drive Altera’s silicon and IP development, and will enable equipment manufacturers to deliver highly-innovative products to its customers.”

To learn more about Altera’s communications solutions, please visit
www.altera.com/solutions/comm/com-index.html.

About Altera

Altera Corporation (NASDAQ: ALTR) is the world’s pioneer in system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) solutions. Combining programmable logic technology with software tools, intellectual property, and technical services, Altera provides high-value programmable solutions to approximately 14,000 customers worldwide. More information is available at www.altera.com.

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Altera, The Programmable Solutions Company, the stylized Altera logo, specific device designations, and all other words that are identified as trademarks and/or service marks are, unless noted otherwise, the trademarks and service marks of Altera Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. All other product or service names are the property of their respective holder.