News release |
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Zi anticipates record 4th quarter revenue
CALGARY, AB (December 31, 2001) - Zi Corporation (NASDAQ: ZICA) (TSE: ZIC), a leading provider of intelligent interface solutions, announced today that it anticipates reporting record revenue and improved operating performance for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2001.
Preliminary indications from Zi's licensees suggest a strong fourth quarter in 2001 from the sale of mobile handsets embedded with Zi's eZiText™ technology. Zi's outlook for its fourth quarter is supported by reports of higher than anticipated seasonal sales in the consumer electronics market sector.
"In 2001, Zi focused on implementations of its technology, the development of next generation technology and its drive toward profitability," said Michael E. Lobsinger, chairman and chief executive officer of Zi Corporation. "We are pleased that the number of products incorporating Zi's eZiText™ technology have increased from 7 to 49 over last year, and we are looking forward to the launch of our new generation technology in early 2002."
During the fourth quarter, Zi anticipates revenue from 17 of its 48 licensees compared with the 11 licensees who contributed to the company's revenue in the third quarter. The company also estimates that by the end of fiscal 2002, it will have 40 customers contributing to revenue, and that its technology will be implemented on 120 different models and more than 40 million individual devices.
During the fourth quarter of 2001, Oztime, a recognized leader in China's e-learning sector wholly owned by Zi Corporation, completed the development of its Learning Management System (LMS). The company has agreements in place to provide its LMS and e-content in the Chinese marketplace. Zi Corporation intends to monetize its investment in Oztime based on the strength of Oztime's recent advancements.
The company's Zi Services business unit continues to develop products and services relating to Bluetooth™ and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). The market for Bluetooth™ enabled devices, particularly wireless headsets, has begun its emergence. With strong prospects in both the Bluetooth™ and VoIP markets in 2002, Zi feels that this will be an opportune time to evaluate a listing or other means of unlocking shareholder value that the company believes has not yet been recognized in Zi Services.
About Zi Corporation
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).
Unless otherwise stated, all funds are in Canadian currency.
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For more information:
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Media Inquiries: Shawn Kelly Zi Corporation Corporate Communications Manager Phone: 403 537 9770 E-mail: skelly@zicorp.com Website: www.zicorp.com |
Investor Inquiries: Dale Kearns Zi Corporation Chief Financial Officer Phone: 403 233 8875 E-mail: investor@zicorp.com Website: www.zicorp.com |