Zi CORPORATION
NEWS RELEASEFor immediate release (Calgary, AB Canada)
June 29, 2000
Data collection terminals to use Zi technology
Calgary, AB (June 29, 2000) - Zi Corporation (NASDAQ: ZICA) (TSE: ZIC) has demonstrated the broad possibilities for its language processing technology with a new implementation on a data collection terminal. Zi’s eZiText technology will be embedded into Casio’s handy terminal products (DT-900 series) to be distributed in China by Beijing Vision Technology Development Co. Ltd. The licensing agreement with Visiontech covers the use of eZiText in English and Simplified Chinese.
"We chose Zi to customize our user interface because of their proven expertise in language software for data applications such as short messaging," said Li ChangJun, CEO, Visiontech. "Data collection terminals require the same language functionality as the most advanced cell phones because of the large amount of data interaction that is required on a limited keypad. Zi’s superior user interface allows us to expand the handy terminal’s application in China."
Data collection terminals are small form mobile devices that are used to manage and process information over a network. Small systems use LAN networks, while more advanced systems are using GSM/GPS networks. Data collection terminals are primarily used for inventory management and delivery tracking systems, and can be used in retail, warehousing or courier applications.
"This agreement with Visiontech illustrates the broad range of applications for Zi’s eZiText technology," says Kam Ching director of Sales and Business Development, Zi Corporation. "Zi is eager to work with Visiontech to demonstrate our intelligent interface in a new market application."
Visiontech is a value-added reseller of supply chain and transportation management technology. The company is involved in the sales, distribution and customization of laser bar code readers, magnetic card scanners, IC memory cards and OCR terminals. Currently, Visiontech is working with Casio, Star, Videx, Dallas Semiconductor and Unitech to bring their products to the Chinese market. Visiontech has subsidiaries in Beijing, Shenyang, Wuhan and over 30 distributors across China.
Zi Corporation is a leading provider of embedded software technology and educational products and services. The company’s core product, eZiText connects people to short messaging, email, e-commerce, web browsing, and similar applications in almost any written language. Zi’s wholly owned subsidiary, Oztime.com, is China’s first Web-based education service provider. Zi supports its strategic partners from offices in Calgary, Beijing, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Shenzhen and Stockholm. A publicly traded company, Zi Corporation is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (ZICA) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (ZIC).-30-
For further information, please contact:
Karen Attwell
Manager, Investor/Media Relations
Phone: (403) 233-8875
Email: investor@zicorp.com
Web site: www.zicorp.com
Zhang GeJun
Beijing Vision Technology Development Co. Ltd.
Phone: 86-10-68225516
Email: zhang@visiontech.com.cn
Website: www.visiontech.com.cn