News release |
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Zi solidifies lead in mobile browser space with AU-System contract
Calgary, AB (October 3, 2001) - Zi Corporation (NASDAQ: ZICA) (TSE: ZIC) and AU-System (SSE: AUS) will work together to integrate eZiText™ with the AUS WAP Browser, a customizable platform that is currently licensed to more than 40 companies around the world. Today's marketing agreement solidifies eZiText™ as the leading input solution for mobile browsing applications.
Current and prospective AU-System customers will be offered the enhanced AUS WAP Browser with eZiText™ predictive input capabilities. eZiText™ is a software input solution that enables people to interact with applications such as short messaging, e-mail, e-commerce - with ease from a limited keypad. When integrated with a mobile browser, eZiText™ enhances the mobile experience by allowing users to access rich content through a minimum of key presses.
"As connection technologies advance to GPRS, almost every handset will have a mobile browser," said Jonas Brandén, Vice President, Mobile Technologies, AU-System. "Mobile users will soon be able to connect at improved speeds and they will need an advanced input system like eZiText™ combined with the AUS WAP Browser for a complete mobile Internet experience."
AU-System is an active member in the WAP Forum and has participated in the development of the WAP browser used by Ericsson in its terminals. The AUS WAP Browser has also been licensed to other suppliers of communication devices and the client list includes companies like Motorola, Samsung, Compaq and LG Electronics. Continuing to advance in the mobile browser space, AU-System has recently shown a preview version of their new mobile Internet browser, AUS WAP Browser 2.0. The new browser is compatible with both existing and future WAP protocols, including fixed Internet protocols, HTTP and TCP/IP. The browser is also capable of running existing WAP applications as well as next generation WAP, i-mode and Internet applications. The browser complies with the "M-Services Guidelines", a new recommendation recently issued by the GSM Association.
"Zi is forming alliances with industry leaders like AU-System to extend the marketing leadership for eZiText™, becoming the preferred input solution for leading mobile Internet browsers,"
says Gary Mendel, vice president, Sales and Marketing, Zi Corporation. "Soon, all phones will have a mobile browser – and eZiText™ as the preferred input system."
AU-System is a leading Mobile Internet consultancy. Through the subsidiary SandbergTrygg, the company also offers integrated services for marketing communications. Major clients include Ericsson, Telia, Volvo, Nordea Nordbanken and Motorola. AU-System was established in 1974 and currently employs more than 1,000 staff in offices in Sweden, the U.K., Italy, U.S.A., Thailand and Singapore. AU-System is listed on Attract40 of the Stockholm Exchange, under the symbol AUS. For more information, please visit www.ausystem.com.
Zi Corporation is a market-driven technology company delivering intelligent interface solutions to enhance the user experience of wireless and consumer technologies. 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. Zi Services 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 more information:
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Dale Kearns Zi Corporation Chief Financial Officer Phone: 403 233 8875 investor@zicorp.com www.zicorp.com |
Jonas Brandén AU-System AB Vice President Mobile Technologies Phone: +46 70 269 3299 jonas.branden@ausystem.com www.ausystem.com |