Metrowerks Ships CodeWarrior Professional 4 for Windows 95/98, Windows NT and Mac OS

The Original Press Release

Metrowerks Ships CodeWarrior Professional 4 for Windows 95/98, Windows NT and Mac OS

AUSTIN, Texas — September 17, 1998 — Metrowerks Inc. (NASDAQ:MTWKF) (TSE:MWK) (ME:MWK) announces the company will begin shipping CodeWarrior Professional 4 this week.

Professional 4 is the latest release of CodeWarrior software development tools for the Windows and Macintosh platforms.

This release includes an improved version of Metrowerks' Integrated Development Environment (IDE), added processor-specific code generation support for PowerPC and Pentium-class processors, enhanced support for C++ programming and updated support for Java development.

Updated IDE

The updated CodeWarrior Integrated Development Environment provides developers key benefits including:

— New support for "Multiple Document Interface," providing developers with the more familiar Windows user interface.

— A new resource editor, enabling programmers to develop Windows resources such as icons and bitmaps.

— Improved breakpoint management, making editing and debugging easier and more efficient.

— Support for external editors, allowing developers to "plug in" an editor of their choice.

— New Macintosh-based interactive GUI-building tools that simplify creating, modifying and saving a variety of resources within the Mac environment.

C++ Enhancements

CodeWarrior Professional 4 also includes the most extensive C++ support available for desktop programmers. The new C++ features include partial template specialization, member templates, and partial template function ordering. These features enable desktop developers to create powerful applications more efficiently, like those for simulation, which have traditionally been limited to less user-friendly development environments on workstations.

Processor-Specific Code Generation

Metrowerks has greatly enhanced support for both general and processor-specific compiler optimizations enabling developers to take advantage of the most powerful capabilities within today's leading 32-bit processors. These enhancements include:

— Automatic vectorization of loops for AMD-K6(R)-2 3DNow! and Intel MMX(tm) technology, allowing developers to produce advanced multimedia applications.

— A new easy-to-use interface for controlling optimization levels of compilation, allowing developers to produce code and set desired compiling time.

— Support for Microsoft compatible C++ exceptions, enabling developers to port code written in Microsoft C++ to the CodeWarrior environment.

Java

Additionally, the Professional 4 version includes up-to-date support for Java developers, including:

— Support for compiling on the current JDK 1.2 Java Language Specification.

— Support for running and debugging on Sun Java 1.1.6 JDK, Apple 2.0 MRJ and Microsoft Virtual Machines.

Other CodeWarrior features aimed to improve the developer's productivity include a seamlessly integrated debugger which allows them to step through each line of code and set breakpoints directly in the source editor. Professional 4 also includes a file comparison tool enabling developers to graphically compare individual source files or entire folders containing multiple source files without the help of version control software.

"Our commitment is to the software developers," said Greg Galanos, chief technical officer, Metrowerks. "In this release, we focused our development efforts on improving code generation and adding features to increase productivity so that developers can meet today's time-to-market requirements. The result is that we have created an enormously powerful multi-hosted desktop development environment that rivals the power and capability normally associated with workstation programming tools. Combining these tools with our strong commitment to customer relations and technical support, developers get the most comprehensive and user-friendly software development solution in the market."

CodeWarrior Professional also includes online books, documentation, and reference materials, as well as tutorials and sample code. Metrowerks also provides support for development efforts through one free update and free world-class technical support for a year with registration.

Pricing and Availability

CodeWarrior Professional 4 begins shipping this week, priced at US$ 449, and is available from Metrowerks and Metrowerks authorized resellers. Academic pricing is US$ 119. All purchases include one free update and technical support for a year from Metrowerks. Site license pricing is also available by contacting Metrowerks at 800/377-5416, or by sending a request to: [email protected]. For pricing and availability outside the United States, contact a local international distributor or call 512.873-4700.

About Metrowerks

Founded in 1985, Metrowerks develops, markets and supports CodeWarrior software development solutions for a number of operating systems targeting the most popular microprocessors. Intended for use for embedded systems or desktop computers, the cross-platform compilers support C, C++, Java and Pascal, and allow programmers to build applications from one unique Integrated Development Environment (IDE). CodeWarrior's cross-platform functionality was designed to provide companies with a high-performance development tool set to improve productivity and decrease customer's time-to-market. Metrowerks' CodeWarrior products are used by more than 100,000 registered users in 75 countries. For more information, please visit the Metrowerks Web site at www.metrowerks.com.

Metrowerks, the Metrowerks logo and CodeWarrior are registered trademarks of Metrowerks Inc. All other company and product names may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies/holders, and are hereby recognized.

Statements in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including successful and timely development of the product and customer acceptance of the product.

CONTACT:
Metrowerks Inc., Austin
Press
CONTACT:
Tabitha Ethridge, 512/873-6549
[email protected]
http://www.metrowerks.com