BENCHMARK ADDS SOFTWARE CONSULTING TO ITS STRATEGIC MARKET FOCUS

PALO ALTO, Calif., JANUARY 18, 1995--Benchmark Strategies, Inc., which
provides strategic market analysis and technology assessment services to
the semiconductor and advanced electronic industries, announced today that
it is adding a new major focus to its portfolio of technology consulting
services-software operating and control platforms.

BENCHMARK STRATEGIES

According to Benchmark President Chris Billat, the progress of the software
used to control semiconductor manufacturing systems has not kept pace with
the advancement of the tools it supports. "Software systems have a
dramatic impact on cost of ownership, uptime, operator overhead and
process control performance, all crucial variables in controlling the cost
and quality of integrated circuits. Yet historically, this area has not
received the attention it deserves," noted Billat.

Several Benchmark software studies currently under way for leading
equipment manufacturers reveal that many equipment providers perceive
software as less important than process technology and related hardware.
As a result, vital. development issues, such as intuitive operation,
multi-tasking, self-paced operator and service training, on-line
diagnostics, ease of customization, analytical process monitoring and
remote access provisions are often overlooked.

Billat reports that several factors are driving the demand for dramatically
improved software systems such as the trend toward increasingly automated
fabs and the sophistication of newer generation equipment being developed
to address larger diameter substrates and emerging technology
requirements. The global nature of the semiconductor industry is another
major consideration impacting software requirements. Finally, chipmakers
are demanding both ease of use and ability to customize--mandating new
development approaches such as object-oriented software.

Since software developers are rarely fab experts, equipment makers require
an in-depth understanding of customers' requirements to address the need
for improved software systems. Benchmark has developed strategic
consulting services designed to fill this gap, including customized
research and assessment studies to ascertain customers' unique application
requirements, and the expertise to validate software operating systems,
including customer testing of key software concepts. Competitive analysis
is also available to ensure that software solutions match or exceed the
performance of competitive offerings.

This new consulting service rounds out Benchmark's existing portfolio of
strategic market analysis and technology assessment services, which
includes custom market research studies, strategic planning, technology
assessment studies, technical seminar planning and development, expert
testimony and business plan generation and analysis. For information on
any of these services and Benchmark's new software consulting programs,
semiconductor device and equipment manufacturers can contact Chris Billat
at 415/328 6400 (phone) or 415/326-6519 (fax).

Benchmark Strategies was co-founded by Billat in 1990 to help integrated
circuit, semiconductor equipment and disk drive manufacturers worldwide
achieve yield enhancements and increased levels of process control. The
company's defect reduction and process control strategies span all
disciplines within a fab environment.

Benchmark Strategies
503 Seaport Court, Suite 104
Port of Redwood City, CA 94063
415-367-1400,  fax 415-367-1401

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