ScanSoft Selected As Microsoft Gold Certified Partner

Designation Follows Microsoft's Selection of ScanSoft as the OCR and Image Compression Technology Supplier for Windows® XP and Office

PEABODY, Mass., February 12, 2002 - ScanSoft, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSFT), a leading supplier of imaging, speech and language solutions, today announced that Microsoft has named ScanSoft a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for Software Products. ScanSoft joins a small number of software organizations to gain Gold Certified Partner status, which is the highest partnership level available within Microsoft's certified partner program. Microsoft previously selected ScanSoft as its technology supplier for OCR and image compression technology, which is currently used within Microsoft Windows XP and Office.

"Gold Certified Partners must meet our highest standard for integration and product excellence," said Rosa Garcia, general manager for Worldwide Partner Programs at Microsoft. "We welcome ScanSoft to the program and we believe that customers will benefit greatly from ScanSoft's innovative productivity applications."

As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, ScanSoft's award-winning productivity applications are now designated as preferred products for distribution through Microsoft channel partners. ScanSoft® desktop applications include OmniPage®, the leading solution for converting paper and static PDF files into editable Microsoft Word documents; OmniForm®, the de facto standard eForm design and routing system; PaperPort®, the most popular desktop image and document management solution; and Dragon NaturallySpeaking®, the most accurate way to dictate into Microsoft Office and voice-enable Microsoft Windows XP.

"Microsoft leads the industry in part because they know how to leverage application partners, and they make real investments in their partner program," said Robert Weideman, vice president of worldwide marketing for ScanSoft. "We will maximize our Gold partnership status to increase the size of our value-added reseller community and to expand the reach of our marketing efforts."

About Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Program

The Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Program identifies companies that have proven a commitment and expertise in one or more specialized areas when delivering Microsoft® technologies. The benefits of the Microsoft Gold Certified Partner program include those of the Microsoft Certified Partner Program, including elite top-tier brand recognition, incremental licenses from the base program for internal use and demos, technical and marketing information, and prioritized referrals.

To become a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner companies must complete a rigorous certification process, have existing Microsoft Certified Partner credentials, provide successful customer references, and have a staff with advanced Microsoft certifications. The Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Program provides a way for customers to identify companies that have proven their commitment and expertise in one or more specialized areas when delivering Microsoft technologies. Microsoft Certified Partners who meet the highest set of criteria, including advanced certification and a portfolio of real-world customer references, are identified as Gold Certified - the most skilled partners in specific solution areas.

About ScanSoft, Inc.

ScanSoft, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSFT) is the leading supplier of imaging, speech and language solutions that are used to automate a wide range of manual processes - saving time, increasing worker productivity and improving customer service. For more information regarding ScanSoft products and technologies, please visit www.scansoft.com.

Trademark reference: ScanSoft, OmniPage, PaperPort, OmniForm and Dragon NaturallySpeaking are registered trademarks of ScanSoft, Inc., in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks and trade names mentioned are hereby recognized and may be registered to their respective holders.