Press Release

Onward Technologies brings state-of-the-art CAE Simulation and Analysis Centre to Pune Pune, August 5, 2006 – Onward Technologies Limited, a global leader in software-based engineering design services, today unveiled a state-of-the-art CAE Simulation and Analysis centre, the first of its kind with an engineering services company in Pune.

The high-end 12 CPU (central processing unit) Altix 350 SGI server was inaugurated by Mr. Harish Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director Onward Technologies Limited.

With this, Onward has become one of the very few players in the engineering design services space to adopt such a high-end processor to cater to the needs of its clients from across verticals, Automotive, Aerospace, Off-highway.

Mr. Harish Mehta said, “The server is a multiprocessor which will enable high-end computing of very complex analytical queries with the speed and accuracy that our customers require. This will subsequently result in considerable saving of manpower and optimum utilisation of existing resources.”

With the installation of the CPU Altix 350 SGI server and various dual CPU workstations supporting it, Onward has created one of few Multi-CPU environments in India for high speed processing of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) activities such as analysis, static and dynamic simulations, CFD, Crash test analysis etc. The machine comes with a 1.5GHzw/4MB L3 cache Itanium processor with a 36 GB RAM, 500 GB Internal Storage and 2.8 TB of External Storage in RAID.

Mr. Hitendra Kale, Chief Financial Officer, Onward Technologies said, “The Server has 12 CPUs. It is like 12 machines working together at very high processing speeds. With this installation Onward Technologies will be one of the very few players to install such a high-end machine. This will significantly boost the company’s gross margins.”

Earlier during the day, to commemorate the company’s 15th Foundation Day, the existing Pune facility--spanning 25000 sq ft area and employing around 300 people--at the Krishnakewal commercial complex, was renamed as ‘Onward House’.

The Pune office houses Onward’s engineering design services and provides high end CAD, CAM and CAE work for both local and international customers. The division has a turnover of over 10 million dollars.

About the Altix350 SGI Server:

• Delivers production-ready, scalable 64-bit Linux to mid-range customers and developers. Offers leading price/performance and “expand on demand” flexibility in an industry-standard architecture. • This 64-bit powerhouse delivers more real-world performance than any other mid-range system, and provides breakthrough capabilities for technical database and traditional cluster applications. • Altix 350 is an industry-standard solution based on Intel processors and a robust, scalable Linux operating environment.

About Onward Technologies A company with a global footprint, OTL has offices in USA, UK, Germany, Japan and Singapore. Its development centres are located in Mumbai and Pune. The company employs over 600 people with 2000 man-years of experience, most of them specialists in mechanical engineering design, testing and simulation. Onward Technologies is an ISO 9001:2000 certified firm using the latest CAD, CAE tools such as CATIA, UG, Pro-E, I-DEAS, ANSYS and NASTRAN to provide engineering services that reduce time to market. OTL’s clients include global engineering companies in the Automotive, Agricultural, Heavy Engineering, Electrical Equipments, and Aerospace Industry.

OTL offers end-to-end solutions to its clients, right from the design and simulation to testing and prototyping. Apart from up to a 50% reduction in development costs, other benefits to clients include on time, on budget deliveries, Shortened lead times for project start-up, near 24-hour work cycles, ability to structure and assemble teams with diverse, multiple skill-sets, scalability and minimized management and administration costs.