News release |
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Zi Services extends VoIP development with customized IP PBX interface solution
Calgary, AB (March 14, 2001) - Zi Corporation (NASDAQ: ZICA) (TSE: ZIC) has signed a development and licensing agreement to deliver components for an Internet Protocol PBX to BTL Systems (HK) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hong Kong Communications Co. Ltd. This is Zi Corporation's second contract to provide VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) engineering services for BTL Systems.
"Under the first agreement, BTL licensed Zi Services' reference design to use in the development of an IP phone," says Tomson Lee, Zi Services general manager, Zi Corporation. "This contract extends into a new product line, with Zi developing a customized interface solution for BTL's PBX system."
BTL has experience in manufacturing PBX systems for small and medium size enterprises. An IP PBX offers all of the services of a traditional PBX system such as internal call management and calling features such as caller ID, call forwarding and conference calling. In addition to these services, an IP PBX allows a company to have a unified voice-and-data network, which permits enhanced features such as unified messaging and collaborative multi-media capabilities.
"By providing a reference design for the IP interface, Zi Services brings a value-added feature to our existing product line," said Mr. Hubert Chan, director, BTL Systems. "Zi's customized engineering solutions have helped us to expand our technologies to penetrate new market spaces."
BTL is a manufacturer of communication products such as key telephone systems, DECT wireless PBX systems, voice mail and auto attendant systems. BTL distributes products under the BTL brand and also manufactures products for companies such as Alcatel. From its factory in Shenzhen, China, BTL manufactures over 30,000 telephones per month.
Zi Corporation is a market-driven technology company focused on developing and delivering intelligent interface solutions and services for the wireless and consumer electronics sectors. The company's core technology product, eZiText™ connects people to short messaging, e-mail, e-commerce, Web browsing and similar applications in almost any written language.
The company's service division provides market-leading engineering design in Bluetooth, VoIP and man-machine interface. Zi supports its strategic partners from offices in Calgary, Beijing, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Shenzhen, Stockholm and Tokyo. A publicly traded company, Zi Corporation is listed on the NASDAQ National Market (ZICA) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (ZIC).
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For further information, please contact:
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David Hunt Zi Corporation Vice President, Finance 403 231 4580 investor@zicorp.com www.zicorp.com |
Mr. Hubert Chan BTL System (HK) Limited Director 852 2865 6110 hubert@hkc.net www.btlhk.com |