Mentor Graphics Selects 6WINDGate Packet Processing Software for Optimized Multicore Development

WILSONVILLE, Ore., January 5, 2011 - Mentor Graphics Corporation (NASDAQ: MENT) today announced it has selected 6WIND, the leading commercial supplier of packet processing software for networking and telecommunications products, to integrate its 6WINDGate™ software with the Mentor® Embedded Linux® platform. The integration provides embedded developers, using Freescale and NetLogic processors, the means to maximize packet processing performance and scalability across multiple cores without the need to rewrite or re-verify their application software.

“Multicore processors are the only viable technology that meets the performance requirements of next-generation telecom, networking and security equipment,” said Linley Gwennap, principal analyst with The Linley Group. “OEMs need complete, pre-integrated software packages that accelerate their time-to-market while ensuring the maximum reuse of existing application software.”

“Our partnership with 6WIND is an example of Mentor’s commitment to deliver a pre-integrated ecosystem of best-in-class development components for multicore platforms,” said Glenn Perry, general manager, Mentor Graphics Embedded Software Division. “6WIND is the market leader in commercial packet processing software. Their optimized support for key processor partners like Freescale and NetLogic complements our strategy, enabling us to provide our customers with a comprehensive ecosystem that helps them develop innovative and power-efficient products with greater efficiency and lower costs.”

“We are delighted to partner with Mentor to provide high-performance packet processing solutions for multicore Linux-based systems,” said Eric Carmès, CEO of 6WIND. “The combination of Mentor’s comprehensive Linux platform and 6WIND’s award-winning packet processing software will enable our mutual customers to minimize the development time for high-performance systems that fully leverage the capabilities of advanced multicore processors.”

The 6WINDGate software enables multicore system designers to create high-speed packet processing solutions that deliver a 7-10x performance improvement. This enables OEMs to develop products that achieve optimum cost-performance, integration and energy efficiency. Since the 6WINDGate product is fully compatible with standard Linux APIs, developers can migrate standard Linux applications to new platforms without redesigning or rewriting existing software, easing the transition from single to multicore platforms.

The Mentor Embedded Linux platform is the only integrated solution offering runtime, developer tools (CodeSourcery G++™, EDGE™ Developer Suite, and Mentor Embedded JTAG probes) and the 6WINDGate high-performance multicore packet processing technology. By eliminating the complex integration of multiple components, the integrated platform delivers improved performance, cost-efficiencies, and reduced time-to-market.

The Mentor Graphics Embedded Software Division comprises the Mentor Embedded family of products and services, including embedded software intellectual property (IP), tools, and consulting services to help embedded developers and silicon partners optimize their products for design and cost efficiency. More information on Mentor Embedded products and services can be found at the website: www.mentor.com/embedded.

For more information about 6WIND, please visit www.6wind.com.

About Mentor Graphics
Mentor Graphics Corporation (NASDAQ: MENT) is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting services and award-winning support for the world’s most successful electronics and semiconductor companies. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues over the last 12 months of about $850 million. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777. World Wide Web site: http://www.mentor.com/.

(Mentor Graphics and Mentor are registered trademarks and EDGE is a trademark of Mentor Graphics Corporation. All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owner.)

(The registered trademark Linux® is used pursuant to a sublicense from LMI, the exclusive licensee of Linus Torvalds, owner of the mark on a world-wide basis.)

For more information, please contact:

Larry Toda
Mentor Graphics
503.685.1664
larry_toda@mentor.com

Sonia Harrison
Mentor Graphics
503.685.1165
sonia_harrison@mentor.com