Lionbridge Announces First Industry-Wide Program For Technology
Accessibility Certification
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05/10/01
PR Newswire
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Abstract
Lionbridge Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: LIOX), a provider of
solutions for worldwide deployment of technology and content,
today announced the first industry-wide program for accessibility
testing of technology products. • The program will launch on June
21, 2001 to coincide with the effective date for the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) Section 508, which requires that
technology purchased by the government be accessible to people
with disabilities. • For more information about Data Dimensions,
or for a free Web site stress test, visit the company's Web site at
http://www.data-dimensions.com/
Full Text
Program Coincides with Government Implementation of Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) Section 508
WALTHAM, Mass., May 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Lionbridge Technologies, Inc.
(Nasdaq: LIOX), a provider of solutions for worldwide deployment of
technology and content, today announced the first industry-wide program for
accessibility testing of technology products. The program will launch on
June 21, 2001 to coincide with the effective date for the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) Section 508, which requires that technology purchased
by the government be accessible to people with disabilities.
The ADA Section 508 certification testing will be conducted by Lionbridge's
VeriTest labs, based on accessibility testing solutions developed by Data
Dimensions, Inc., a Seattle-based testing business. Lionbridge has
previously announced its agreement to acquire Data Dimensions in a
transaction expected to close during the second quarter of 2001.
All certified technology will obtain the "Verified by VeriTest" logo.
VeriTest will offer certification logos for accessible software and hardware
meeting ADA Section 508, as well as for accessible websites and products
that support Accessible Technology (AT). VeriTest will maintain an online
database of compliant products.
"As the world leader in operating software certification programs, VeriTest
is highly qualified to lead in this crucial area of IT product development,"
said Rory Cowan, chairman and CEO of Lionbridge. "Neither the government nor
any other purchaser of software and hardware should have to guess whether
technology is accessible for people with sight or hearing disabilities, or
people who have difficulty working with a mouse. We are embracing ADA 508
and endorsing several other recognized standards for websites, and
accessible technology interfaces."
The U.S. government created the ADA Section 508 standard in order to
guarantee access to information technology across government agencies as new
products are purchased. The regulation focuses primarily on providing
accessible technology for government agency employees with disabilities.
Section 508 covers such areas as access to computer functions for those who
cannot manipulate a mouse, and support for such technologies as an
eye-tracking mouse, high-contrast displays and screen magnifiers.
"Accessibility for people with disabilities is a long-standing issue in
information technology," said Jim Bampos, Lionbridge senior vice president
of worldwide testing. "Section 508 of the ADA has two consequences of
significance to the IT industry. First, it sends a message that the 20%, or
roughly 50 million Americans with disabilities must not be alienated due to
inaccessible technology products. Second, it underscores the government's
commitment to ensure accessibility for all employees of government
agencies."
VeriTest Services from LionbridgeVeriTest is the premium provider of testing
services that enable technology companies to release proven enterprise-scale
applications. With Datacenter-equipped labs in North America and Europe,
VeriTest delivers test consulting, test plan development and test execution
services. The VeriTest labs are the sole authorized facilities for some of
the industry's leading logo-validation programs, including "Certified for
Microsoft Windows 2000," "Ready for Microsoft Pocket PC," "AT&T Wireless
Certified Solutions," "BMC Software Certified," and others. VeriTest is also
authorized to perform Palm OS certification of hardware devices, as well as
Novell Yes! and IBM ServerProven tests. To learn more, visit
http://www.veritest.com/
About Lionbridge
Lionbridge Technologies, Inc. provides solutions for worldwide deployment of
technology and content to the information technology, telecommunications,
life sciences and financial services industries. Lionbridge's integrated
globalization technologies and services enable global businesses to create
and maintain their products and dynamic databases in multiple languages and
cultural formats. Based in Waltham, Mass., Lionbridge maintains facilities
in Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, France, Germany, China, South Korea,
Japan, Taiwan, Brazil and the United States. To learn more, visit
http://www.lionbridge.com/
About Data Dimensions
Data Dimensions, Inc. is an international information technology services
company that delivers quality assurance and testing, as well as application
development and maintenance services to organizations ranging from emerging
companies to the Fortune 100. For more information about Data Dimensions, or
for a free Web site stress test, visit the company's Web site at
http://www.data-dimensions.com/
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties, including statements regarding the timing and effect of
the proposed Data Dimensions acquisition. Lionbridge's actual experience may
differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements.
Factors that might cause such a difference include difficulties Lionbridge
may encounter in the integration of operations of Data Dimensions; market
acceptance of new service offerings; and Lionbridge's ability to attract and
retain key personnel. For a more detailed description of the risk factors
associated with Lionbridge, please refer to Lionbridge's Registration
Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
April 9, 2001, and its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2001.
Contacts: Cathy Maloney Ian Race
Lionbridge Technologies Marenghi Public Relations
(781) 434-6010 (781) 915-5022
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Source: Lionbridge Technologies, Inc.
Contact: Cathy Maloney of Lionbridge
Technologies, 781-434-6010,
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