Hsinchu, Taiwan, February 22, 2001 - United Microelectronics Corporation (NYSE: UMC) announced today the successful implementation of RosettaNet 3D8 and 3D9 "Product Configuration" standards using software developed by ecom Software to link to UMC's backend supply chain partner, Siliconware Precision Industries Ltd (SPIL). By utilizing RosettaNet PIP (Partner Interface Process), UMC and SPIL can easily retrieve engineering data and track their wafers through the backend. UMC is the first semiconductor foundry to use these standards.

"By implementing industry standards for eBusiness, UMC will be able to integrate production monitoring systems among our backend partners, and provide our customers with real-time trouble-free access to our foundry services. Regardless if it is to view wafer manufacturing, testing and packaging progress, or yield and quality reports, the availability of this information through UMC allows our customers to adjust their production accordingly," said Ker Wen Teng, Vice President of Product and Testing Services at UMC.

RosettaNet is a non-profit consortium of more than 350 of the world's leading Information Technology, Electronic Components and Semiconductor Manufacturing companies that aims to create and implement industry-wide, open eBusiness process standards. RosettaNet Partner Interface Processes (PIPs) define business processes between supply-chain companies, providing the models and documents for the implementation of standards. Implementing RosettaNet industry standards, companies such as UMC may enjoy more efficient and trouble-free data exchange. The establishment of a common language and standard process for electronic sharing of business information thus significantly minimizes any potential for system errors.

UMC was one of the founding members of the RosettaNet Semiconductor Manufacturing Managing Board (SM Board), which includes other members such as Amkor, Intel, and Lucent Technologies.

"Through the RosettaNet industry standard, not only can customers, foundries, test and packaging providers, and suppliers share information using the same system, they also benefit from better customer service and improved operational efficiency," said Robert Chin, IT Director of UMC. "We look forward to continuing this model with other partners to implement and further develop RosettaNet standards in the semiconductor industry."

In 2000, UMC invited SPIL to join the RosettaNet SM Board. The two companies later worked with ecom Software to integrate RosettaNet standards into their communication systems to improve their data sharing methods.

"Being a packaging and test provider, our customers receive production-related data. SPIL therefore considers information services to be as important as production quality and capability. As the product life cycle of semiconductor products shortens, the partners in the global supply chain can only meet the market needs by adequately integrating the production process. The implementation of RosettaNet standards is another effort that SPIL makes to give its customers more visibility on information services and to achieve shorter delivery times," said Jason Huang, MIS Director of SPIL.

ecom Software assisted UMC to establish an XML based business-to-business e-Service portal in 2000 that strengthened UMC's total eService competitiveness by integrating UMC's procurement, inventory management, production and delivery processes among its suppliers, buyers, and partners of the semiconductor supply chain.

"We look forward to working with other RosettaNet members like UMC and SPIL to provide related solutions and professional consulting implementing eBusiness standards," said Peter Hsu, CEO of ecom Software.

Located in Taichung, Taiwan, Siliconware Precision Industries Ltd (SPIL) offers three IC packaging plants and one testing plant, with total plant floor space exceeding 935,000 sq. ft. Siliconware is a broad based comprehensive A/T company that can meet all of its customers IC packaging and testing requirements. For more information, http://www.spil.com.tw

ecom Software founded in 1999 and headquarter in Taipei, Taiwan. Ecom Software is the leading Application Service Provider (ASP) and B2B e-commerce solution provider in Taiwan. For more information, please visit our web site: http://www.ecomsoft.com.tw/