Synopsys, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNPS), a world leader in semiconductor design software, today announced it is expanding its presence in electronic system level (ESL) design by acquiring Virtio Corporation, creator of virtual platforms for embedded software development. The combination of Synopsys' System Studio solution with Virtio's virtual prototyping technology will help accelerate systems to market by giving software developers the ability to begin code development much earlier than with prevailing methods. The acquisition also puts Synopsys in a unique position to provide an integrated implementation, verification and IP solution to speed up hardware and software development.

Software content in systems continues to grow exponentially, creating a high level of complexity that has increased the need to validate the hardware and software of electronic systems as a whole. Waiting for the availability of prototype hardware in order to begin software development is delaying product delivery. A virtual platform solves this problem by providing a software model that allows developers to run and debug actual code at near real-time speeds, thus allowing development of drivers, operating systems and applications without the need for prototype hardware.

"System designers know they can get their products to market much earlier and with more confidence if embedded software development could begin without having to wait for the completion of the physical board and SoCs," said John Chilton, senior vice president and general manager of the Solutions Group at Synopsys. "Mutual Synopsys and Virtio customers are telling us that by using Virtio's virtual platform technology they've been able to avoid this delay and start software development nine to 12 months earlier. This acquisition gives Synopsys the opportunity to build on these successes and, by integrating Virtio's technology with our industry-leading IP and tools, help address designers' key ESL challenges."

About Synopsys

Synopsys, Inc. is a world leader in EDA software for semiconductor design. The company delivers technology-leading semiconductor design and verification platforms and IC manufacturing software products to the global electronics market, enabling the development and production of complex systems-on-chips (SoCs). Synopsys also provides intellectual property and design services to simplify the design process and accelerate time-to-market for its customers. Synopsys is headquartered in Mountain View, California and has offices in more than 60 locations throughout North America, Europe, Japan and Asia. Visit Synopsys online at http:/www.synopsys.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements regarding the expected benefits of Synopsys' acquisition of Virtio Corporation. These statements are based on Synopsys' current expectations and beliefs. Actual results could differ materially from these statements as a result of unforeseen difficulties in integrating Virtio's technology into Synopsys' product portfolio and certain statements contained in the section of Synopsys' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2006 entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Factors That May Affect Future Results."

NOTE: Synopsys is a registered trademark of Synopsys, Inc. Any other trademarks mentioned in this release are the intellectual property of their respective owners.

   Editorial Contact:
   Yvette Huygen
   Synopsys, Inc.
   650-584-4547
   yvetteh@synopsys.com

   Investor Contact:
   Lisa L. Ewbank
   Synopsys, Inc.
   650-584-1901

SOURCE: Synopsys, Inc.

CONTACT: media, Yvette Huygen, +1-650-584-4547, or yvetteh@synopsys.com,
or investors, Lisa L. Ewbank, +1-650-584-1901, both of Synopsys, Inc.

Web site: http://www.synopsys.com/