Christchurch software company signs international deal

Educational software company Visual Pronunciation Software, based in Christchurch, has just announced a seven-figure contract with mind mapping software company Buzan Online.

Buzan Online indicted interest in using speech recognition technology as part of a new language software the company is developing and approached Visual Pronunciation’s Managing Director Thor Russell earlier this year.

“Buzan Online wanted to license our technology for use in software products teaching up to 35 different languages,” Russell said. “By securing this contract, we have further enhanced our international reputation and expect to see accelerated growth offshore as a result.”

The contract will be worth seven figures over the lifetime of the agreement if the project goes according to plan.

Established in 2003, Visual Pronunciation Software has developed online programs for learning English that improve both the listening and speaking skills of learners. The core speech recognition technology analyses user speech and provides feedback to help the learner progress. Known as EyeSpeak, the software is also available for learning Maori.