ScanSoft Releases OpenSpeech Recognizer 2.0

PEABODY, MA - ScanSoft Inc. (Nasdaq: SSFT) announced the availability of OpenSpeech Recognizer™ version 2.0 speech recognition software, a member of the SpeechWorks® Suite of Network Speech Solutions. The latest version includes features to deliver the highest levels of accuracy even in wireless and VoIP networks. The latest OpenSpeech Recognizer release builds on the advanced capabilities of OpenSpeech Recognizer 1.0, including patented, Finite State Transducer technology, to provide memory and CPU savings and support for application vocabularies containing millions of words. "The latest generational release of OpenSpeech Recognizer is packaged with breakthroughs in accuracy and advanced features," said Steve Chambers, senior vice president and general manager of Network Speech Solutions at ScanSoft. "The technical innovation and performance optimization gains in this release will power the most successful speech applications in the industry." Enhanced features and additional capabilities include the following: improved out-of-the-box accuracy for wireless and noisy environments; added support for VoIP environments; bundled SpeakFreely™ capabilities for open-ended dialogs; WorldAware™ capabilities for global speech deployments; support of Distributed Speech Recognition (DSR); smart text handling for large databases; improved support for open standards. OpenSpeech Recognizer software will be available through ScanSoft's extensive network of platform providers worldwide. "VoiceGenie is proud to be one of the first to offer OpenSpeech Recognizer 2.0, which is now available on the SpeechGenie platform and our public developer's site," said Adrian Lee Kwen, vice president of Engineering, VoiceGenie Technologies. "We are impressed by the quality and performance OpenSpeech Recognizer delivers, and welcome the innovative features that will support more advanced speech solutions for our customers worldwide." "Microsoft is working closely with ScanSoft to provide enterprise organizations with a greater choice of deployment options for their speech services," James Mastan, director of marketing for the Speech Technologies group at Microsoft. "With OpenSpeech Recognizer 2.0 now optimized for SALT, our customers will be able to leverage its unique functions and features through the Microsoft Speech Server." "We look forward to making the advanced capabilities of OpenSpeech Recognizer 2.0 available to our customers worldwide," said Henrik Thomé, CEO of Envox Worldwide. "We're particularly excited about bringing new call automation options to our service providers who have developed voice-enhanced communications solutions such as directory assistance and alerts and notifications on Envox 5, our open, standards-based communications development platform."