ACD Systems and Sanyo Release New Panoramic Imaging Software: ACD Photostitcher Plug-In.

Business Editors

VICTORIA, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 20, 2002

Another example of the proven success of ACD's Software

Development Kit (SDK) program

ACD Systems International Inc. (TSX:ASA), the digital imaging company, today announced the release of ACD Photostitcher Plug-in, a software product that enables users to automatically take a series of digital images and stitch them into a single panoramic image.

ACD Photostitcher Plug-in was built by Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd. and Sanyo Electric Software Co. Ltd., using ACD's Software Development Kit (SDK). Sanyo Electric Software Co. Ltd. has also signed an agreement with ACD Systems to enable distribution of the product through ACD Systems' powerful Electronic Sales and Distribution (ESD) channel as well as ACD's other proven marketing vehicles.

This SDK agreement is the latest in a number of agreements entered into by ACD Systems' SDK Partner Program with leading global technology companies including HP, Canon, Sony, Electronic Arts, Future Shop, Intel, Kodak's Ofoto, and RealView 3D.

ACD Photostitcher Plug-in streamlines the users' image management workflow as it is easily accessed from within ACDSee(TM) by selecting the program from the "Extras" menu. ACD Photostitcher Plug-in creates panoramic photographs from two or more digital photos and automatically aligns the photographs into one panoramic image. Users can easily adjust the alignments, stitch the image into a flat panel or a 360-degrees cylindrical form, and trim the final picture. ACD Photostitcher Plug-in appeals to a variety of users from the individual who wants to create panoramic images of scenery or travel to commercial applications such as real estate agents or web designers who may use the product to turn a series of photographs into seamless, zoomable panoramas to individualize the look of a web site.

Kazuhiko Shiono, General Manager of Sanyo Electric Software Company said, "Sanyo recognizes the quality of ACD Systems software products and the value of ACD's powerful ESD channel as well as their other proven marketing programs. In addition, by using ACD Systems' SDK for the initial design, we were able to save significant time and decrease the costs associated with the software and market development."

Chair & CEO of ACD Systems, Doug Vandekerkhove said, "Sanyo is one of the world's largest electronics manufacturers. Using ACD's SDK, Sanyo has created an excellent product that complements ACD's existing product line by extending the core capabilities of our award-winning image management software, ACDSee. Our SDK Partner Program is succeeding in placing ACD Systems at the hub of digital imaging and this agreement is another testimonial to the success and benefits that the program provides."

About Sanyo Electric Software Co. Ltd.

Incorporated in 1950, SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. manufactures a broad range of electronic products grouped into six categories: AV/Information and Communications Equipment, Home Appliances, Industrial and Commercial

Equipment, Electronic Devices, and Batteries as well as others. A particular focus and strength of SANYO is the development of technologies that minimize the burden on the environment, such as those for clean-energy generation, rechargeable batteries, and air-conditioning methods that do not require the use of harmful chlorofluorocarbons. For further details, please visit Sanyo's corporate web site: www.sanyo.com

About ACD Systems International Inc.

Headquartered in British Columbia since 1993, ACD Systems International (TSX:ASA) is one of the world's leading developers and marketers of digital imaging software. ACD has penetrated the global marketplace through advanced Internet distribution and strategic partnerships with manufacturers and developers. ACD has millions of consumer users and over 33,000 corporate customers including many Fortune 500 companies. The company has a history of solid revenue growth. For further details, please visit us at our corporate web site: www.ACDSYSTEMS.com

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on the estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements were made and the company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if conditions or opinions should change.