Zi licenses eZiTEXT(TM) to Legend Computer Systems Ltd.
BEIJING, PRC, Nov. 9 /CNW/ - Zi Corporation (TSE: ZIC) (NASDAQ: ZICA) is
pleased to announce that it has entered into a licensing and royalty agreement
for its eZiTEXT(TM) language processing technology, with China's Legend
Computer Systems Ltd. (Legend). eZiTEXT(TM) will be integrated into a range of
Legend products, including set-top boxes and personal computers, beginning
with the Venus set-top box series.
Legend was established in 1994, as part of the Legend Group. It is the
largest and most successful producer and developer of computer products in
China. Legend's major product line is their popular personal and business
computer series, which sell over one million units per year. Legend controls
17 per cent of the Chinese PC market and aims to move two million units per
year internationally by the end of 2000. Legend's other technology series
include notebook computers, set-top box products, network servers, PC software
and motherboards. The Legend Group is also a major licensee of the Microsoft
Venus project, designed to put millions of Chinese on the Internet.
``eZiTEXT(TM) will be implemented on the Legend set-top box which uses
the Microsoft Venus Operating System,' commented Yuan Shuxin, vice general
manager of the Desktop PC Department at Legend. ``We have put in a lot of R&D
into this Legend Venus product. The company is determined to capture at least
one-third of the Venus set-top box market in China. eZiTEXT(TM) will offer a
killer input technology to set-top box users and will be a standard feature on
all Legend Venus products.'
``The Microsoft Venus project in China will be spearheaded by Legend who
will be among the first to launch Venus products. Legend does not do things
on a small scale,' said Antoine Blondeau, senior vice president, Marketing &
Sales at Zi Corporation. ``Legend's eZiTEXT(TM) powered set-top box will allow
a user to surf the Internet, write e-mail and enter into e-commerce
transactions, all from the remote control of the television. China has 320
million television sets.'
``Speed of implementation and our ability to customize features specific
to Legend's particular requirements were instrumental to this agreement. Zi's
capability of deploying senior development resources in China was also crucial
to gaining Legend's confidence. We look forward to continuing our
participation with Legend on additional platforms.'
Zi Corporation is a software company making modern electronic technology
more accessible to people in a way that is consistent with their language and
culture. The company's eZiTEXT(TM) input software is licensed in numerous
languages for devices ranging from mobile phones to TV set-top boxes. Zi's
common shares trade on both the Toronto Stock Exchange (ZIC) and the NASDAQ
stock market (ZICA). Zi markets its technology through strategic partnerships
worldwide from offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Calgary, San Francisco and
Stockholm.
Certain statements in this press release constitute ``forward-looking
statements' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995 including, without limitation, statements concerning the
anticipated benefits to Zi Corporation of its agreement with the licensee (the
``Licensee') described herein. The expected inclusion of Zi Input technology
in products developed by the Licensee and potential revenue therefrom involve
risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results,
performance or achievements of Zi Corporation to be materially different from
any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Such factors include uncertainties in the ability
to successfully collaborate with the Licensee; the ability of Zi Corporation
to successfully design, develop, and deliver any application that complies
with the Licensee's specifications and is accepted by the Licensee; the
ability of Zi Corporation to successfully meet specific delivery dates set
forth by the Licensee; the ability of Zi Corporation to successfully integrate
and maintain compatibility with the licensee's technology; possible failure to
continue to be selected as the text input enabling technology by the Licensee;
the ability of the Licensee to successfully market and distribute any of its
products incorporating Zi technology; economic conditions in Asia; the risks
of doing business in foreign countries including China; and the risks and
uncertainties referred to in Zi Corporation's Form 20-F for the most recent
calendar year end as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
There can be no assurance that Zi Corporation will achieve commercial success
through the agreement described herein.
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For further information: Karen Attwell, Zi Corporation, Manager,
Investor/Media Relations, Phone: (403) 233-8875, Email:
investor@zicorp.com, Web site: zicorp.com, Legend Computer
Systems, Phone: 86-10-6298-8888, Web site: legend.com.cn
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