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ScanSoft Introduces X/mode Multimodal System for Interactive Wireless
Applications X/mode Simplifies the Development and Delivery of Interactive
Services and Applications for Mobile Phones, Microsoft Tablet PCs and Other
Wiredal technologies to its portfolio, ScanSoft is better positioned to meet
service providers' needs for innovative new services, and help shape the future
of this emerging market."
PEABODY, Mass., May 28, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- ScanSoft X/mode enables a new generation of interactive applications, such as multimodal information services using the new Nokia 3650 cellular phone. For example, callers accessing a "Starbucks Finder Service" would request the location of the nearest Starbucks Coffee shop by voice, and while listening to details spoken back to them, would see an interactive map showing the precise location displayed on the color screen of the Nokia handset. At any point in time the user would have the option to speak or use the keypad to input information into the Nokia device and then view the response in text and graphics. Natural-sounding synthesized speech can be used to communicate additional information related to the graphical display, maximizing the effectiveness of the overall application.
"Multimodal applications will help mobile phone manufacturers and wireless service providers reach even greater potential, accelerating their offerings beyond simple voice services and games towards highly interactive services," said Paul Ricci, CEO at ScanSoft. "The addition of the X/mode Multimodal System to our portfolio further strengthens ScanSoft's position as a leading provider of telephony applications and development tools."
X/mode is based on technology gained through ScanSoft's acquisition of Lobby7 during the first quarter of 2003. Lobby7, a Boston-based speech provider, developed carrier-grade wireless and multimodal technologies and applications.
Combining robust speech technologies with the latest in mobile Internet technology, X/mode supports important standards used by the speech and telephony industry, including VoiceXML and SALT, and provides developers with a simplified way to add multimodal capabilities to a wide range of wireless applications and services. The X/mode Multimodal System utilizes a thin-client/server model that includes the following components:


-- The X/mode Multimodal Server - A highly scalable multimodal application server designed to meet the needs of large commercial deployments, and operate in existing and next-generation wireless network infrastructures (e.g. GPRS, CDMA 1xRTT, EDGE and W-CDMA). Utilizing ScanSoft's innovative state and modality management architecture to seamlessly integrate voice and data infrastructures at the application server level, the server allows both channels to be used simultaneously. -- The X/mode Multimodal Client - A small-footprint software plug-in that manages multimodal interactions between devices and the X/mode Server; can be easily downloaded into the handset by the end user or pre-installed by the device manufacturer. Supported environments include Symbian 6.1/7.0, Nokia Series 60, UIQ, Microsoft Pocket PC and Smartphone, J2ME, BREW, and Windows CE/NT/2000/XP. -- The X/mode Multimodal SDK - An XML-based authoring suite that simplifies multimodal application development and maximizes time-to-market of multimodal offerings.
ScanSoft's X/mode Multimodal System can be used to enhance a wide range of commercial and in-house applications. ScanSoft has developed a number of reference applications, including:


-- Directory Assistance - With X/mode, traditional directory assistance is more interactive and easy to use than ever before. With X/mode DirectoryAssistance, users can simply speak the requested listing and receive graphical and text-based results, eliminating the need to quickly write down or memorize long listings or phone numbers. -- VoiceMap Navigation - Using X/mode's VoiceMap, users can ask their phones location-based questions such as the nearest coffee shop or gas station - and receive a visual map with detailed step-by-step directions read to them in a natural-sounding human voice. -- Sales Force Automation - X/mode CRM enables field sales people to interact with their customer and product information, even allowing them to enter sales reports and orders by voice. -- Customer Self-Service - X/mode enables the delivery of applications that can improve customer service - from anywhere and at any time. Multimodal applications simplify the search for information, from account balance and stock transactions to reservations and purchases. Speech enhances the experience by saving time, while graphical information provides assurance that the information is correct. Pricing and Availability
Mobile phone manufacturers, service providers, carriers, telephony application developers and enterprise organizations can purchase the X/mode Multimodal System directly from ScanSoft. For additional information and pricing, please visit www.ScanSoft.com/xmode or call 781.684.4861.
About ScanSoft, Inc.
ScanSoft, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSFT) is a leading supplier of imaging, speech and language solutions that are used to automate a wide range of manual processes - saving time, increasing worker productivity and improving customer service. For more information regarding ScanSoft(R) products and technologies, please visit www.ScanSoft.com.
Trademark reference: ScanSoft and X/mode are registered trademarks or trademarks of ScanSoft Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other company names or product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
The statements in this press release that relate to future plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with market trends, competitive factors, and other risks identified in ScanSoft's SEC filings. Actual results, events and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof.
NOTE TO EDITORS: In the product name X/mode noted in this news release, there is a pipe symbol between X and mode. This symbol may not appear properly in some systems.
SOURCE: ScanSoft, Inc.


CONTACT: ScanSoft, Inc. Jonna Schuyler, 978/977-2038 Email: [e-mail] or FitzGerald Communications Deborah Figlioli, 617/585-2249 [e-mail]: http://www.businesswire.comToday's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internetwith Hyperlinks to your home page.
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