News Details

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 4, 2000--

         New Research Group in Beijing Will Develop Tools to
        Design Next-Generation Optical Communications Devices

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A), a leading provider of innovative technologies for communications and life sciences, today announced plans to extend its central research organization, Agilent Laboratories, into Beijing, China. The new research group, Agilent Labs China, will develop tools to design and model the next generation of optical communications devices, such as photonic integrated circuits. The research is expected to enable fundamental advances in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) for high-speed optical communications. This investment ensures that Agilent will continue to lead the way in providing device solutions for the next generation of networks.

Agilent Labs China will reside within the existing Agilent Technologies site in Beijing, in close proximity to Agilent's China Software Design Center, which designs software for communications and measurement applications. It will be staffed by some of the top research scientists in the field of optics. They will report into Agilent Labs' Communications and Optics Research Laboratory (CORL), based in Palo Alto, Calif., and will work closely with other CORL researchers in Fort Collins, Colo.

According to Tom Saponas, senior vice president and chief technology officer of Agilent Technologies, and director of Agilent Laboratories, "The decision to locate the research group in Beijing was strongly influenced by the presence of the existing Agilent development team focused on communications and, most importantly, the availability of high-caliber optical scientists and engineers. There are more than 15 universities in China with excellent graduate programs in optics and it is our goal to secure the best talent, worldwide."

Agilent recognizes that China will become one of the world's largest economies and looks forward to participating in its technological development.

About Agilent Laboratories

Agilent Laboratories, formerly part of Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, is one of the leading technological research centers in the world. Based in Palo Alto, Calif., Agilent Labs draws on the talents of more than 450 researchers and support staff. The Labs conduct applied research in communications, measurement, health care, and bioscience; fundamental research in materials, microelectronics, optoelectronics, fiber optics, and micromechanical systems; and basic research. Agilent Labs is focused on driving growth and profit for the company's businesses through technology innovation.

Information about Agilent Laboratories can be found at www.labs.agilent.com.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a diversified technology company with approximately 47,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries. Agilent is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. In fiscal year 2000, Agilent had net revenue of $10.8 billion. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare.

Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.

--30--jp/sf*