ScanSoft and SpeechWorks Shareholders Approve Merger

PEABODY, Mass., August 11, 2003 - ScanSoft, Inc. (NASDAQ: SSFT) and SpeechWorks International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPWX) today announced that their respective shareholders have voted in favor of ScanSoft's proposed acquisition of SpeechWorks. At today's special meetings, ScanSoft shareholders voted approximately 37.7 million in favor and 1.2 million against the acquisition, and SpeechWorks shareholders voted approximately 24.0 million in favor and 0.1 million against the acquisition.

As consideration, SpeechWorks shareholders will receive 0.860 shares of ScanSoft common stock for each share of SpeechWorks stock that they own. The transaction is expected to close later today.

About SpeechWorks

SpeechWorks helps companies create and implement unique Speech Strategies that ensure maximum financial return and the highest levels of caller satisfaction. The company provides speech recognition, text-to-speech (TTS) and speaker verification for network and embedded environments. For more information, please call 617-428-4444 or visit www.scansoft.com.

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.

ScanSoft and the ScanSoft logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of ScanSoft, Inc. in the United States and other countries. SpeechWorks is a registered trademark or trademark of SpeechWorks International, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other company or product names may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Safe Harbor Statement
The statements in this press release that relate to future plans, events or performances are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with market trends, competitive factors, and other risks identified in the Company's SEC filings. Actual results, event 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. The forward-looking statements herein include statements regarding the closing of the SpeechWorks acquisition.

Contact Information