ManiaBarco�s Ucam with Validated Valor ODB++ Input

Yavne (Israel) � 23 January 2002 - Valor Computerized Systems (Neuer Markt: VCR), has announced that ManiaBarco has completed development of a proven ODB++ interface between Valor's Enterprise 3000 DFM system for PCB designers, and ManiaBarco's Ucam CAM system for PCB fabrication. Valor and ManiaBarco have worked closely together, within the framework of Valor's "Open Systems Alliance" partnership program, to define the necessary development, testing and information exchanges, to ensure that a well-engineered solution is produced. The project was initiated and hosted by Invotec, a leading UK-based PCB manufacturer, who place strategic emphasis on optimizing engineering interfaces with their customers. The scope of the project was to use ODB++ as a transfer format for the PCB graphical and drilling data. During the validation phase of the project, the obtained image was compared against the original Gerber image.

Frank Van den Bossche, Software Product Manager at ManiaBarco said, "We now have a robust ODB++ interface, both input and output from Ucam. By policy, we support new data exchange formats, according to market needs and we are pleased to have worked on this project under the motivation of Invotec. Our experience with implementing ODB++ has been particularly efficient because of the good teamwork we have encountered with Invotec and Valor.�

A key element in the project was the end-user customer need and motivation to work with ODB++. Invotec acted as overseeing project management, to ensure that the resulting CAD/CAM data exchange solution met the mainstream needs of the PCB manufacturer. The overall goal for Invotec was to implement an engineering data exchange process between a group of leading OEM design customers, and Invotec's pre-production engineering operations, to reduce overall costs and cycle times in the outsourcing phase.

"We believe that the exchange of validated ODB++ data between the PCB CAD/DFM stage and the CAM/tooling phase of manufacturing offers significant opportunities for cycle time and cost reductions, for all participants in the design-to-manufacturing workflow,� said Steve Kerr, Pre-Production Manager at Invotec. He continued, �The introduction of the ODB++ interface enables us to get away from the inefficiencies of having to reverse-engineer Gerber, Excellon etc., and at the same time it enables our customers to validate their designs against our manufacturing constraints, using Enterprise 3000, before they release the data to us for manufacturing.�

Julian Coates, Vice President, Corporate Marketing for Valor commented, �This Open Systems Alliance project proves the success that can be achieved by addressing all the issues of the CAD/DFM/CAM interface in a way that involves all players in the engineering chain: the PCB designers who generate the validated manufacturing data from their DFM systems; the PCB fabricator who will streamline his engineering processes to gain maximum value from better-integrated data; and the suppliers of the systems, such as ManiaBarco and Valor, who have a shared responsibility to their customers to make the

implementation a success. In the future we will be glad to work with ManiaBarco to extend the validation of the ODB++ interface, to cover aspects of ODB++ beyond the graphical and drilling data, such as the z-axis build-structure information and the extensive object-attributes.�

The ODB++ interface between Enterprise 3000 and Ucam was developed and tested against version 5.3 (and later versions) of Enterprise 3000 and version 6.2-3 (and later versions) of Ucam.

About ManiaBarco

Barco ETS and part of MANIA have become ManiaBarco. The ManiaBarco joint venture is entirely focused on the PCB market and offers PCB Design, Manufacturing and Assembly products and services. ManiaBarco�s product portfolio comprises:

� AOI

� Exposure systems

� LDI

� Photoplotters

� Software

ManiaBarco has operational facilities in Belgium, Germany and North America with local R&D, manufacturing, sales and service. MANIA holds 47% in the Joint Venture, and Barco 33%. The remaining 20% is in the hands of a financial investor.

About Valor

Valor Computerized Systems [Neuer Markt: VCR] is a global leader in providing engineering solutions throughout the design-through-manufacturing electronics supply chain. Valor is a public company listed on the Neuer Markt of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The company's powerful software tools, based on ODB++, the Valor-funded data format which has quickly become the format of choice for high-level data exchange, ensure the rapid transfer of optimized data from design through manufacturing. Enterprise 3000 DFx system for physical design verification, Trilogy 5000 for assembly and test engineering, and the unique Valor Parts Library on-line data service are utilized by designers and engineers to deliver enhanced productivity, higher yields, shorter cycle times and increased product quality. All Valor products are sold and supported by a worldwide network that includes global subsidiary offices, VARs and OEM channels. More information about the company can be found at http://www.valor.com.

For more information please contact:

Valor Corporate

Cathryn Hage

Pentacom Public Relations

Tel: +44 (0)1242 525205

cathryn.hage@pentacomagency.com

Valor Europe

Sharon Graves

PentaCom Public Relations

Tel: +44 (0)1242 525205

sharon.graves@ pentacomagency.com

Valor North America

Chris Hyder

Valor Computerized Systems, Inc.

Tel: +1 (949) 586 5969

chris.hyder@valor-us.com

Valor Far East

Ofer Shofman

Valor Computerized Systems

Tel: +(852) 2-731 6108

ofer@valor.com ManiaBarco

Jo Casier

Marketing Manager

Tel: + 32 9 216 90 44

jo.casier@barco.com