Peabody, Mass., November 13, 2003 - ScanSoft, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSFT), the leading supplier of speech and imaging solutions, today announced ScanSoft® OmniPage® Pro 14 Office, a new version of the world's most popular optical character recognition (OCR) and document conversion application for Microsoft Windows. OmniPage Pro 14 Office is a powerful productivity application that delivers highly accurate document and PDF conversion, replacing the need to manually re-create paper and image-based documents with an automated, electronic process. The software helps businesses save time and money by instantly turning paper and PDF files--such as letters, contracts, spreadsheets, magazine articles, research reports, manuals and more--into editable documents.

Building on its legacy of superior OCR accuracy, OmniPage Pro 14 Office provides enhanced workgroup and output capabilities that virtually eliminate the need for time-consuming paper-based processes, saving significant time and money. With this new version, users also have the ability to output any of their scanned and existing documents directly into PDF, .lit or XML files, adding full PDF conversion and output functionality. Advanced workflow capabilities enable users within workgroups to streamline complex network scanning and batch-processing tasks to one simple, automated action, saving more time than ever before.

In addition to a host of new functionality, ScanSoft has enhanced the features that continue to matter most to OCR users - increasing overall accuracy by more than 35 percent and significantly improving format retention - virtually eliminating time spent proofing and "cleaning up" a scanned document. With the integration of advanced voice features, users now have the option to leverage ScanSoft's industry-leading RealSpeak™ text-to-speech software to read aloud entire documents, creating an audio e-book of any document, or simply listening for natural, accurate proofing. With OmniPage Pro 14 Office, it is now easier than ever to re-create and re-purpose electronic and paper documents - even those with formatted text, columns, graphics, tables and spreadsheets.

Full PDF Lifecycle Capabilities

With OmniPage Pro 14 Office, ScanSoft has expanded its PDF capabilities to offer users a unique and comprehensive PDF solution, enabling individuals to convert all types of documents - from paper to PC-based documents in virtually any application - into accurate, searchable PDF files and to efficiently convert them back into editable documents. To ensure security, users can create secure, encrypted PDF documents with the touch of a button. Tightly integrated with Microsoft Word, users can now convert scanned or existing PDF documents back into Microsoft Word documents, offering users the flexibility to get the most out of all of their documents - from PDF to paper.

ScanSoft's unique portfolio of advanced PDF capabilities, include:

PDF Creation - Creates perfectly formatted PDF files from any Microsoft Windows application without the need for additional PDF creation, editing or viewing software

Tagged PDF - Turns paper files into tagged PDF documents that improve document layout and ensure that the file formatting looks exactly like the original

Scan-to-Searchable PDF - Provides capabilities to organize, index and search content and properties of PDF files.

PDF-to-Word - Includes ScanSoft® PDF Converter, which automatically and accurately converts PDF files into editable Microsoft Word documents

PDF Security - Automatically adds digital signatures and encryption to PDF files created from a scanner; for added security, users can add encryption to normal PDF files

"We selected OmniPage as our OCR standard because it delivers results that are clearly superior to alternative products and because it delivers powerful new features that are years ahead of the industry," said David Stamps, president DB Stamps Consulting. "With capabilities that can't be matched by purchasing multiple products, and a significant increase in accuracy, OmniPage Pro 14 Office is an incredible value for both new and upgrade users."

Expanded Workflow Functions

As organizations increasingly look to optimize investments in networked digital copiers and multi-function printers (MFPs), OmniPage Pro 14 Office enables users to effectively perform scanning and distribution tasks on shared devices while maintaining control, output and task management from their individual desktops. With this release, OmniPage Pro 14 Office helps information workers streamline complex processes and scanning functions into easy-to-use, automated workflows. Using the software's Workflow Assistant, users can save complex multi-step processes into an automated function that can be initiated with the touch of a button. For example, information workers can scan a document, organize it by department and deliver it to their desktop, network folder, e-mail and shared repository such as Microsoft SharePoint or other ODMA- or FTP-compatible system in any format they need.

"OmniPage Pro 14 Office is the result of extensive customer feedback, as well as collaboration with our network scanning partners," said Robert Weideman, general manager, ScanSoft Productivity Applications. "Its accuracy advances and workflow capabilities underscore our intent to maintain undisputed leadership in OCR and document conversion applications, while its PDF capabilities offer a uniquely comprehensive PDF solution within a single application. We believe that more people and organizations will find that OmniPage is an indispensable tool for eliminating paper and automating the way they capture, share and store their documents."

For more information on OmniPage Pro 14 Office features and benefits, please visit www.ScanSoft.com/OmniPage.

Availability and Pricing

ScanSoft OmniPage Pro 14 Office is available immediately through ScanSoft's global network of reseller partners worldwide. ScanSoft OmniPage Pro 14 Office is $599.99 for individual users, with volume discounts available through the ScanSoft® Open License Program. Upgrade pricing and support products are also available. For additional information on features, pricing and volume licensing programs, please visit www.ScanSoft.com or call (1) 800-443-7077.

About ScanSoft, Inc.

ScanSoft, Inc. is the leading supplier of speech and imaging solutions that are used to automate a wide range of manual processes-saving time, increasing worker productivity and improving customer service. For additional information on the company, please visit www.ScanSoft.com.

Trademark reference: ScanSoft, the ScanSoft logo, OmniPage, and RealSpeak are registered trademarks or trademarks of ScanSoft, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other company names or product names may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

The statements in this press release that relate to future plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with market trends, competitive factors, and other risks identified in ScanSoft's SEC filings. Actual results, events and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof.

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