AFFX Affymetrix, Inc.

Affymetrix Inc. (Nasdaq:AFFX) announced today that a beta version of its next-generation instrument control software is now available for download on the Affymetrix website. Affymetrix GeneChip(R) Command Console(TM) (AGCC) software will replace the GeneChip Operating Software (GCOS) and will support all cartridge-based GeneChip arrays with a file-based system designed for easy data sharing, a streamlined workflow, and ease of use. AGCC, scheduled to launch commercially in early 2007, will offer features for sample and array registration, data management, fluidics and scanning instrument control, as well as automatic and manual image gridding. AGCC will also produce Probe Cell intensity data (.CEL file generation). "Affymetrix developed the GeneChip Command Console software in direct response to customer needs and feedback," said Greg Fisher, senior product manager of informatics at Affymetrix. "With a streamlined and flexible workflow that will scale with our customers' current and future needs, Command Console software works the way our users want. Customers will soon see the benefits of this effort as we introduce the next-generation instrument control software for GeneChip-brand arrays." To read the Affymetrix UserForum interview with Greg Fisher, please visit: http://www.affymetrix.com/userForum/news/newProducts/GC_CommandControl .uf (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.) The new software also offers integrated data management with extensive search capabilities, desktop and Web interface versions, integrated instrument control, as well as easy customization and integration with in-house and third-party software tools. Affymetrix will continue to support GCOS into 2008. To download the beta version of Command Console software or to read more about it, please visit: http://www.affymetrix.com/products/software/specific/command_console_s oftware.affx (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.) About Affymetrix Affymetrix scientists invented the world's first high-density microarray in 1989 and began selling the first commercial microarray in 1994. Since then, Affymetrix GeneChip(R) technology has become the industry standard in molecular biology research. Affymetrix technology is used by the world's top pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotechnology companies as well as leading academic, government and not-for-profit research institutes. More than 1,400 systems have been installed around the world and nearly 4,000 peer-reviewed papers have been published using the technology. Affymetrix' patented photolithographic manufacturing process provides the most information capacity available today on an array, enabling researchers to use a whole-genome approach to analyzing the relationship between genetics and health. Affymetrix is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., with manufacturing facilities in Sacramento, Calif., and Bedford, Mass. The company maintains important sales and marketing operations in Europe and Asia and has about 1,100 employees worldwide. For more information about Affymetrix, please visit the company's website at www.affymetrix.com. All statements in this press release that are not historical are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act as amended, including statements regarding Affymetrix' "expectations," "beliefs," "hopes," "intentions," "strategies," or the like. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially for Affymetrix from those projected, including, but not limited to: risks and uncertainties associated with the beta launch of the Affymetrix GeneChip(R) Command Console discussed in this press release; risks of the Company's ability to achieve and sustain higher levels of revenue, higher gross margins, reduced operating expenses; uncertainties relating to technological approaches, manufacturing, product development; personnel retention; uncertainties related to cost and pricing of Affymetrix products; dependence on collaborative partners; uncertainties relating to sole source suppliers; uncertainties relating to FDA and other regulatory approvals; competition; risks relating to intellectual property of others and the uncertainties of patent protection and litigation. These and other risk factors are discussed in Affymetrix' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, and other SEC reports, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for subsequent quarterly periods. Affymetrix expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Affymetrix' expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based. NOTE: Affymetrix, the Affymetrix logo, and GeneChip are registered trademarks owned or used by Affymetrix Inc.