SGI Delivers True Cross-Platform 3D Visualization for the Visual Simulation Community

OpenGL Performer 3.0 Provides Enhanced Performance and Quality for a Write Once, Deploy Anywhere Application

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Dec. 20, 2002 -- SGI (NYSE: SGI) today announced the OpenGL Performer(TM) 3.0 application programming interface (API) upgrade for the IRIX(R), Linux(R) and Windows(R) operating systems.

OpenGL Performer(TM) is a powerful API for creating high-performance 3D graphics applications in visual simulation, styling, analysis and entertainment environments. The software simplifies the creation of high- performance applications by providing sophisticated visual effects, multiprocessor, multipipe and multidisplay management, unsurpassed real-time performance, and a diverse suite of tools and features spanning the spectrum of industries using interactive visualization. A unified interface supports IRIX, Linux and Windows development and run-time environments, delivering true cross-platform power and investment protection for real-time 3D markets.

"SGI is excited to open up its powerful OpenGL Performer 3D graphics visualization technology to the Windows PC world," said Susan Tellep, director of product marketing at SGI. "Now, applications based on OpenGL Performer can be written and developed on one platform and deployed on IRIX, Linux or Windows systems. The amazing power, scalability and realism provided by OpenGL Performer for real-time 3D graphics in visual simulation and other 3D performance-oriented applications like virtual reality, interactive entertainment, broadcast video and computer-aided design can help these applications improve their customers' capabilities and choices."

With the release of version 3.0, OpenGL Performer extends its lead in the high-performance 3D graphics industry with a variety of new capabilities and advanced features. Some of these include:

-- Development and run-time support for Microsoft(R) Windows NT(R), Windows(R) 2000 and Windows(R) XP in addition to existing support for the IRIX and Linux operating systems

-- Direct support of the OpenGL Shader(TM) software development kit, which simplifies the creation and use of complex multipass rendering techniques that allow real-time 3D graphics to accurately depict real- world materials ranging from skin to cloth, water, dust and smoke, as well as advanced special effects

-- Major improvements in Image Based Rendering (IBR) that increase realism and application performance by converting organic forms and complex models into simple geometry with high-quality aspect-angle-dependent images

-- Support of the scalable graphics compositor in InfinitePerformance(TM) graphics that maximizes real-time visual performance by combining the results from multiple graphics pipelines into a single display channel

-- An extensible and easy-to-use viewer infrastructure for the rapid construction of new OpenGL Performer applications

-- New culling techniques that accelerate application performance by eliminating unseen or occluded data

-- A reader for the OpenGL Multipipe(TM) SDK graphics software solution configuration files that simplifies moving applications between multipipe environments with different physical configurations

An in-depth white paper is available from the SGI Web site at http://www.sgi.com/software/performer, and free evaluation versions for IRIX, Linux and Windows can be downloaded from that site.

About SGI

Celebrating its 20th year, SGI, also known as Silicon Graphics, Inc., is the world's leader in high-performance computing, visualization and the management of complex data. SGI(R) products, services and solutions enable its technical and creative customers to gain strategic and competitive advantages in their core businesses. Whether being used to design and build safer cars and airplanes, discover new medications and oil reserves, predict the weather, entertain us with thrilling movie special effects or provide mission-critical support for government and defense, SGI systems and expertise are empowering a world of innovation and discovery. The company, located on the Web at http://www.sgi.com, is headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., and has offices worldwide.

NOTE: Silicon Graphics, SGI, OpenGL, IRIX and the SGI logo are registered trademarks and OpenGL Performer, OpenGL Shader, OpenGL Multipipe and InfinitePerformance are trademarks of Silicon Graphics, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries worldwide. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Microsoft, Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation, in the United States or other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

     Media Contact:
     Marla Robinson
     marlar@sgi.com
     256-864-3426