John McCallum, high tech industry manager for Microsoft Corporation, said, "Asyst was among the first to recognize the technical advantages of implementing Interface A using the Microsoft .NET architecture, which enables web-based applications and XML web services. We are working with Asyst and other partners to help facilitate the adoption of Interface A in the semiconductor industry. By building on the Microsoft platform, partners like Asyst are able to deliver mission-critical solutions to improve operational efficiency and resource utilization in the chip manufacturing process."

"Asyst currently has more than 55% market share in equipment connectivity solutions, reflecting our ability to offer intelligent, user-oriented, standards-based products that deliver significant benefits to our customers," said Jim Holliday, vice president of software product marketing for Asyst. "With Asyst EIB and Asyst NexEDA, we are positioned to extend that lead by offering a suite of products that will enable both chip manufacturers and equipment companies to swiftly embrace Interface A and effectively implement economically important analysis and automation applications. It has completed successful evaluations with multiple large semiconductor manufacturers for multiple fab projects that automate and streamline back-end processes and tool clusters."

Asyst EIB technology can be implemented on-tool or off-tool, depending on the user's needs, and gives fabs, discrete process manufacturers, and software application developers unprecedented access to in-process data directly from manufacturing equipment. This secure access is available to multiple clients, such as APC and SPC applications, from individual or multiple tools, and through multiple standard communication protocols. All Asyst Interface A solutions are fully compliant with the complete set of SEMI EDA requirements, including E121, E128, E120.1, E132.1, E125.1, and E134.1.

The one-month Expanded Beta Site Program permits approved sites to become familiar with EIB technology via in-house, hands-on usage. For more information on the EIB Beta program, contact Asyst’s Connectivity & Automation Software Solutions Group at EDAdeveloper@asyst.com

About Asyst

Asyst Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated automation solutions that enable semiconductor and flat panel display (FPD) manufacturers to increase their manufacturing productivity and protect their investments in materials during the manufacturing process. Encompassing isolation systems, work-in-process materials management, substrate-handling robotics, automated transport and loading systems, and connectivity automation software, Asyst's modular, interoperable solutions allow chip and FPD manufacturers, as well as original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, to select and employ the value-assured, hands-off manufacturing capabilities that best suit their needs. Asyst's homepage is http://www.asyst.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Except for statements of historical fact, the statements in this press release are forward-looking. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. These factors include, but are not limited to: Asyst’s ability to provide targeted customer benefits and product efficiencies and performance, to integrate its systems effectively with those of OEM customers, to deliver and support its products in a timely manner, and other factors more fully detailed in Asyst’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 27, 2004, and quarterly reports on Forms 10-Q and 10-Q/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. "Asyst" is a registered trademark of Asyst Technologies, Inc.

"Asyst EIB" and "Asyst NexEDA" are trademarks of Asyst Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.