OTTAWA and RAANANA, Israel, Dec. 20 -- QNX Software Systems, the leading operating system provider for the in-car infotainment market, and 3DVU, a leading global provider of 3D digital visualization of imagery, map data and other geographic content, today announced a strategic alliance to enhance drivers' navigation experience with advanced virtual reality with imagery, terrain elevation, and 3D landmarks and buildings.

The combined technologies enable Tier One suppliers and automakers around the world to deliver cutting-edge 3D navigation solutions to market faster.

The collaboration between QNX and 3DVU addresses the inevitable trend in navigation systems towards 3D reality that will be prevalent in the next generation of car navigation systems. The first such system is being developed by Daewoo Precision, serving the preinstalled OEM and dealer options' markets in Korea.

"The broad adoption of the QNX(R) Neutrino(R) operating system by the premier Tier One car navigation system suppliers addressed by 3DVU made our alliance strategically significant to 3DVU," noted Isaac Levanon, 3DVU Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "QNX Neutrino offers a perfect platform for integrating 3DVU technology to deliver robust 3D navigation solutions. We are excited to work with QNX. Our goal is to port our technology and create a set of tools for quick, seamless, and painless integration," added Levanon.

"By coupling an extremely efficient operating system with an extensible graphics framework, QNX allows Tier One auto suppliers to build user interfaces that are feature rich, yet cost effective," said Andrew Poliak, automotive segment manager, QNX Software Systems. "With its leading-edge technology, 3DVU adds compelling value to this foundation, allowing Tier One auto suppliers to build state-of-the-art 3D navigation systems quickly and at a low price point. We're pleased to welcome 3DVU to the QNX automotive ecosystem."

About 3DVU

3DVU was established in the year 2000 to revolutionize the way our world is viewed, navigated and interacted with. The vision remains to allow users to view the source of mapping -- imagery. We have developed a unique technology that streams imagery in 3D to any digital device, anywhere.

3DVU's technology presents the most realistic navigation aid available on any digital device, anywhere. The groundbreaking technology enables in-car navigation systems, PDAs, PNDs, mobile handsets and PCs to display realistic, 3D virtual worlds. Using Visual Map(TM), satellite and aerial imagery, as well as mapping data, such as point of interest and route information, can now be streamed over limited-bandwidth communications with realistic 3D views and smooth maneuverability.

3DVU is changing the face of mapping by providing the freedom to look at the world in more realistic and compelling ways. The company is strategically partnered with carmakers, navigation systems and mobile devices and handset developers, major satellite and aerial image-sensing entities, mapping and GIS data providers.

About QNX Software Systems

QNX Software Systems, a Harman International company (NYSE:HAR) , is the industry leader in realtime, embedded OS technology. The component-based architectures of the QNX(R) Neutrino(R) RTOS and QNX Momentics(R) development suite together provide the industry's most reliable and scalable framework for building innovative, high-performance embedded systems. Global leaders such as Cisco, DaimlerChrysler, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, and Siemens depend on QNX technology for network routers, medical instruments, vehicle telematics units, security and defense systems, industrial robotics, and other mission- or life-critical applications. Founded in 1980, QNX Software Systems is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and distributes products in over 100 countries worldwide.