ScanSoft and Microsoft Sign Expanded Global Speech Technology Licensing Agreement

PEABODY, Mass., and REDMOND, Wash. - ScanSoft, Inc. and Microsoft Corp. announced an expanded worldwide agreement that authorizes Microsoft to deploy ScanSoft text-to-speech (TTS) technology in Microsoft® server application product lines, beginning with Microsoft Speech Server 2004. This global agreement covers the full portfolio of ScanSoft's network text-to-speech offerings, access to ScanSoft's premier professional services organization and ScanSoft's Virtuoso™ custom voice program. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Microsoft has licensed ScanSoft TTS software as the flagship TTS solution for a range of Microsoft server applications, including Microsoft Speech Server 2004. The TTS software converts textual information such as account balances, store locations, stock quotes and billing addresses into natural-sounding speech, and is included in Microsoft Speech Server 2004 as part of the standard product offering, in addition to being licensed for Microsoft's inclusion in future offerings of other Microsoft servers.