ARMONK, NY and SEATTLE, WA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 03/30/07 -- At the upcoming "Workshop on Solving Computational Challenges in Medical Imaging," IBM (NYSE: IBM) and the University of Washington will show how next-generation technology currently featured in computer entertainment and video-processing platforms is driving advancements in medical imaging.

Demonstrating the Cell Broadband Engine(TM) (Cell/B.E) processor in medical imaging applications, IBM Global Engineering Solutions and the University of Washington will reveal performance results utilizing Cell/B.E. for several compute-intensive image/signal processing algorithms including ultrasound improvements. With the higher image quality and faster results achieved through the Cell/B.E., there is great potential for new, clinically beneficial applications not previously possible.

In addition to highlighting ultrasound applications, the workshop will focus on other computational challenges in medical imaging that can now be addressed through this new class of microprocessors.

The revolutionary Cell/B.E. is a breakthrough design featuring a central processing core based on IBM's industry-leading Power Architecture(TM) technology and eight synergistic processing elements (SPE). Cell/B.E. "supercharges" compute-intensive applications, offering fast performance for computer entertainment and handhelds, virtual reality, wireless downloads, real-time video chat, interactive TV shows and other "image-hungry" computing environments. The groundbreaking Cell/B.E. processor appears in products such as Sony Computer Entertainment's PLAYSTATION®3 and Toshiba's Cell/B.E. Reference Set, a development tool for Cell/B.E. products, as well as the IBM BladeCenter QS20. It is also embedded in custom Cell/B.E. based offerings from IBM Global Engineering Solutions.

IBM is also currently hosting a first of its kind programming contest on Cell/B.E -- the Cell University Challenge -- for college and university students in 25 different countries, offering cash prizes and awards for the most innovative applications of the breakthrough Cell/B.E. All information on eligibility, rules and requirements, and entry applications can be found at: http://www-304.ibm.com/jct09002c/university/students/contests/cell/index...

The IBM - University of Washington workshop will take place July 23-24 on the University of Washington campus in the Foege Auditorium. For more information and to register, please visit http://icsl.washington.edu/miworkshop/index.html.

IBM, Power Architecture are trademarks of IBM Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

"PLAYSTATION" is a registered trademark and "Cell Broadband Engine" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.

Other company, product or service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.

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Contact:
Charles Zinkowski
IBM Global Media Relations
917-472-3415
charlesz@us.ibm.com

Anita Wahler
University of Washington Bioengineering Public Information Specialist
206-685-2001
awahler@u.washington.edu