SEATTLE — (company press release) — GoAhead Software, a leading provider of management software for Internet infrastructure devices and appliances, and Xilinx Inc., the leader in complete programmable logic solutions, today announced the development of an end-to-end field upgrading solution for Xilinx programmable logic.

To build the enhanced programmable logic upgrade capability, the companies integrated Xilinx Internet Reconfigurable Logic (IRL) technology with GoAhead FieldUpgrader, a management software solution that enables manufacturers to automatically and remotely update and upgrade devices in the field. The result is a simple, convenient method for manufacturersof embedded devices to remotely upgrade their Xilinx FPGAs, for example, over the Internet. The companies will jointly market the programmable logic upgrading solution.

“We greatly value our relationship with GoAhead because it accelerates the ability for our customers to design Xilinx Online upgradable systems,” said Rich Sevcik, senior vice president and general manager of software, cores and support at Xilinx. “In addition, GoAhead FieldUpgrader provides a secure means of transmitting upgrades by using the Digital Signature Standard (DSS) which provides a strong security option for these network-based applications.”

The GoAhead/Xilinx upgrading solution has several advantages over the current methods for upgrading embedded systems. In addition to reducing service costs by eliminating the need to send service personnel to perform manual upgrades, the GoAhead/Xilinx method also reduces risk by allowing bugs to be automatically fixed in the field, transparent to the user. The new solution also enables devices to stay in the field for a longer time period, ensures that devices receive the correct upgrades, and improves end user satisfaction.

“Partnering with Xilinx expands GoAhead's reach to all Xilinx customers,” said Jim Airy, vice president of Marketing at GoAhead. “By extending GoAhead FieldUpgrader's capabilities to include programmable logic hardware upgrades, customers can now remotely upgrade not only the software and firmware in their devices, but also the hardware.”

The GoAhead/Xilinx upgrading solution is a client-initiated, automatic upgrade made possible through a target-based Agent. The Agent calls for the upgrade, which is then transmitted to the device over the Internet utilizing DSS security methods to provide authentication and data verification. Once the upgrade is in Flash memory, a simple JavaScript invokes the Xilinx IRL technology, which in turn upgrades an FPGA.

By integrating Xilinx IRL technology with GoAhead FieldUpgrader, the companies created a complete system-level solution. The use of off-the-shelf tools eliminates the need for the customer to develop a proprietary communication architecture. The cross-platform solution is compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Linux.

About GoAhead FieldUpgrader

GoAhead FieldUpgrader consists of three parts: DeviceStudio, UpgradeAgent and UpgradeServer. DeviceStudio is the development environment used to configure the UpgradeAgent. Once configured, the UpgradeAgent is embedded in the target device. UpgradeServer is used to publish and manage upgrades and is located on a server at the manufacturer's or end-user's site. When the need for an upgrade arises, the manufacturer publishes the upgrade on the UpgradeServer. The target device polls the UpgradeServer at regular pre-determined intervals to look for upgrades. When an upgrade is available and authorized, the device downloads the software and applies it as specified by the manufacturer.

About Xilinx Online

The Xilinx Online program enables, identifies, and promotes field upgradable applications based upon the award winning Internet Reconfigurable Logic (IRL) technology from Xilinx. These field upgradable applications are defined as those connected to a private or public network with the ability to be updated, fixed, or modified after they have been deployed in the field. Xilinx Online field upgradable applications are currently being used in network equipment, such as ATM switches, cellular base stations, and satellite communications systems. Additionally the program targets emerging markets such as network appliances, multi-use set top boxes, and mobile network devices.

About GoAhead Software, Inc. (www.goahead.com)

GoAhead Software is a leading provider of off-the-shelf management software for Internet infrastructure devices and appliances. GoAhead provides solutions that accelerate time-to-market, increase customer satisfaction and reduce support costs. GoAhead delivers these benefits by making Internet infrastructure devices self-reliant — dependable, available, and easy to manage. The privately held company was formed in 1995 and is headquartered in Bellevue, Wash.

About Xilinx (www.xilinx.com)

Xilinx is a leading innovator of complete programmable logic solutions, including advanced integrated circuits, software design tools, predefined system functions delivered as cores, and unparalleled field engineering support. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Xilinx invented the field programmable gate array (FPGA) and fulfills more than half of the world demand for these devices today. Xilinx solutions enable customers to reduce significantly the time required to develop products for the computer, peripheral, telecommunications, networking, industrial control, instrumentation, high-reliability/military, and consumer markets.

 
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