CELESTICA collaborates with MICROSOFT on the development of the BEE3 platform prototypes

Platform that Enables Emulation of a Multi-Core Processor Environment with at least 1000 Cores to be Demonstrated at Microsoft’s Techfest in Redmond, WA on

TORONTO, Ontario - Celestica Inc. (NYSE, TSX: CLS), a global provider of innovative electronics manufacturing services (EMS), today announced it has collaborated with Microsoft on the design of the BEE3, Berkeley Emulation Engine 3rd version, to improve the ability of Microsoft and other companies to conduct computer architecture research.

Microsoft’s BEE3 development platform enables emulation of a multi-core processor environment with at least 1000 cores. This is accomplished by four interconnected field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) linked to a variety of high-speed interfaces. The platform can scale smoothly from a single board to 64 boards or 256 FPGAs. The BEE3 platform enables large-scale architectural research in areas such as ECAD tool acceleration, scientific computing and computer architecture emulation.

“We are dedicated to developing new and innovative technologies that will shape the future computing experience,” said Chuck Thacker, Microsoft Technical Fellow. “The production of the BEE3 platform required a deep understanding of complex high speed design and production. Based on our experience with Celestica, we knew their engineering talent, experience and CoreSimTM design tools would ensure successful development of this innovative platform.”

Celestica collaborated with Microsoft on the design and manufacturing of the prototypes. Specifically, Celestica was responsible for the detailed hardware specification, schematic capture, layout, signal integrity analysis, static timing analysis, schematic modeling, design for test and manufacturing.

““We are delighted Microsoft chose to utilize our expertise in design to develop this innovative technology that could contribute to the future of computing,” said Brian Lau, Vice President, Microsoft Global Customer Business Unit, Celestica. “We have a strong track record supporting Microsoft and are proud of our ability to provide a broad range of services to meet their needs including engineering, design, manufacturing, fulfillment and after-market services.”