( SNUG 00 Item 21 ) -------------------------------------------- [ 4/05/00 ]

 FAT, DUMB, & HAPPY (FOR NOW):  The SNUG'00 user tool survey numbers look
 good for Synopsys in the equivalence checking (formal verification) biz:

           Synopsys Formality  ############ 24%
    Avanti Chrysalis Verifyer  ######### 18%

 That is, until you read Gary Smith's quote below:

   "Verplex is eating everyone's lunch right now in the equivalence
    checking market.  It basically can compare more gates and its
    speed is much faster than Formality or Chrysalis.  I can't say
    market share numbers yet, but they're winning all the technical
    benchmarks everywhere right now."

        - Gary Smith, Dataquest EDA Analyst

 Now the pressure is on for Synopsys to technically improve Formality or to
 go on a little acquisition shopping spree in the not too distant future.


   "When will you get ECO Compiler out of its hibernation state?"

        - a customer question to Aart de Geus, CEO of Synopsys, during
          the Q&A part of the SNUG'00 keynote address

   "Now that PhysOpt exists, we'll have to see how ECO Compiler endures.
    It all depends on what customers want."

        - Aart's answer.