Harman International

    Business Editors/High-Tech Editors

    OTTAWA & WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 27, 2004--QNX Software Systems today announced it has accepted an offer of purchase from Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR). As the newest subsidiary in Harman International's family of premium brands, including Harman Kardon, JBL, and Becker, QNX will now be well-positioned to accelerate its growth toward becoming the preferred operating system for advanced embedded applications.
    Of key value to Harman International is the QNX(R) Neutrino(R) realtime operating system (RTOS), the company's flagship product. QNX Neutrino is widely held as the world's most advanced operating system and is ideally suited for the next generation of complex computing devices in many markets. Both QNX and Harman see an expanding role for the RTOS, and within the automotive market in particular, share a vision for establishing QNX Neutrino as the de facto standard for the industry. By bringing QNX under the Harman umbrella, both companies will be able to contribute to this process, speeding the pace of innovation in the industry.
    The agreement comes at a time when sophisticated software systems are becoming the cornerstone of a steadily increasing number of integrated devices, ranging from infotainment systems to smart phones to networking gear. Maintaining leadership in operating system technology requires a continued commitment to innovation, strategic partnerships, industry standards, and intensive customer support. With Harman as a parent company, QNX will continue its leadership in all of these critical areas, pushing the industry forward as a whole and ensuring that its entire customer base benefits from its new resources and influence.
    Under the terms of the agreement, QNX will operate as a separate division led by its existing management team, including co-founder and CEO Dan Dodge. All of QNX's offices and operations will stay in place and continue to be dedicated to serving and growing QNX's target markets, including automotive, networking, medical instrumentation, and industrial control. As is the established practice in other Harman International subsidiaries, QNX will continue to provide advanced software and engineering services to all of its existing customers, including Harman's competitors.
    "My vision for QNX remains steadfast. We will remain the top brand for OS reliability, the proving ground for innovation, and a fiercely customer-centric organization," said Dan Dodge, CEO of QNX. "Together with Harman, we will continue our leadership, setting new standards for performance and reliability that will benefit embedded developers, OEMs, and consumers across all industries."
    "With its deep experience in the automotive, networking, medical, and general embedded markets, QNX brings a rich portfolio of technology and expertise to the Harman family, creating new synergies and market opportunities," said Bernard Girod, CEO of Harman International, Inc. "We are excited to contribute to QNX's ongoing growth and success, at a time when the need -- and demand -- for its operating system technology is accelerating worldwide, from North America to Europe to the Pacific Rim."

    About QNX Software Systems

    With millions of installations worldwide, QNX Software Systems is the global leader in realtime, microkernel operating system technology. Companies like Cisco, DaimlerChrysler, Harris, Panasonic, Siemens, and General Electric rely on QNX technology to build ultra-reliable systems for the networking, automotive, medical, military, and industrial automation markets. Founded in 1980, QNX Software Systems maintains offices throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Visit http://www.qnx.com.

    About Harman International

    Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the consumer and professional markets. The company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: HAR.

    QNX and Neutrino are registered trademarks of QNX Software Systems Ltd. in certain jurisdictions.
    All other trademarks and trade names belong to their respective owners.

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CONTACT: Editorial Contacts Schwartz Communications Bill Keeler or Chantal Yang, 781-684-0770 qnx@schwartz-pr.com or QNX Software Systems Paul Leroux, 613-591-0931 paull@qnx.com or Reader Information www.qnx.com info@qnx.com

KEYWORD: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS HARDWARE NETWORKING SOFTWARE MERGERS/ACQ SOURCE: QNX Software Systems

Copyright Business Wire 2004