For Immediate Release (Calgary, AB Canada)
December 7, 1999
 

Amsterdam (Dec. 7, 1999) – Zi Corporation (TSE: ZIC; NASDAQ: ZICA), a leading developer of text input software, and Dejima, Inc., a leading developer of natural language interface technology, today announced a partnership that enables their worldwide licensees to combine the power of Dejima’s AASAP™ natural language technology and Zi Corporation’s eZiTEXT™ input method to dramatically simplify the use of wireless devices and services.

“Zi’s eZiTEXT™ technology solves the problem of how you get text into a device simply, quickly and accurately,” says Christopher Savoie, chairman and CEO of Dejima, Inc.  “Dejima’s AASAP™ technology makes a device easy to use for non-technical people, freeing them from structured technical interfaces.  It’s a natural integration of technologies and because Zi and Dejima both work with European and Asian languages, we can provide global solutions.” 

Dejima’s AASAP™ technology allows users to control electronic devices and applications in plain language, rather than using computer language or fixed menu structures.  AASAP™ greatly improves ease-of-use, while reducing a new user’s learning time. AASAP™ learns and remembers the way a user does things, customizing itself to match the user and significantly increasing product loyalty.

“Dejima’s technology provides the missing piece of the puzzle,” said Antoine Blondeau, senior vice president, Marketing & Sales at Zi Corporation.  “Zi’s eZiTEXT™ quickly converts keypad keystrokes into characters and then into words.  Before Dejima, users were limited to words and patterns a computer could understand.  With AASAP™, users can address machines naturally – using ‘people speak’ rather than ‘computer speak.’ ”

Dejima, Inc. is a leader in natural language recognition and interpretation technologies.  Dejima licensees include device manufacturers, wireless carriers, and software developers worldwide.  The company is privately held and headquartered in Mountain View, California.

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™ input software is licensed in several languages for devices such as mobile phones, PDAs and 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, Stockholm, San Francisco and Calgary. 
Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The information in this press release is based on Zi Corporation’s current expectation and assumptions, and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.  Such risks include, among others, general business and economic conditions and competitive actions as well as the risks and uncertainties referred to in Zi Corporation’s 20-F for the most recent calendar year.

Karen Attwell
Zi Corporation
Manager, Investor/Media Relations
Phone:  (403) 233-8875
Email: mailto:investor@zicorp.com
Web site:  http://www.zicorp.com/

Madeline Duva
Dejima Corporation
CFO and COO
Phone: (650) 404-0330
Email: Madeline@dejima.com
Web site: www.dejima.com