Inspiration Software's Visual Learning Products Earn Finalist Honors in Two Software & Information Industry Association's 2006 Codie Award Categories

Kidspiration® 2.1 and Inspiration® for Pocket PC Recognized by "Oscars of the Software Industry"

PORTLAND, OR – March 2, 2006
Inspiration Software® announced today that two of its visual learning software products are finalists in the Software & Information Industry Association's (SIIA) 21st Annual Codie Awards. Kidspiration® 2.1 is honored in the "Best Instructional Solution: Non-core Content Areas" category and Inspiration® for Pocket PC was named in the "Best Mobile or Handheld Education Solution" category.

This year, Codie Awards judges selected finalists from a record 1,026 nominations from more than 500 companies. Established in 1986, the Codie Awards recognize outstanding achievement and vision in the software, digital content and education technology industries. The Codie Awards are renowned as the "Oscars of the software industry."

"The 21st Annual Codie Awards continue the tradition of honoring the best of the software, information and education technology industries," said Ken Wasch, president, SIIA. "When one considers the number of outstanding companies that competed this year, being named a Codie Awards Finalist is a significant achievement."

Created for K-5 learners, Kidspiration provides an easy way to apply the proven principles of visual learning. Students build graphic organizers by combining pictures, text and spoken words to represent thoughts and information. Younger learners develop early literacy skills and more advanced students improve comprehension skills and organize their ideas for writing. The newest version, Kidspiration 2.1, allows students and teachers to use the leading visual learning tools to develop and organize thinking on today's emerging technologies, including interactive whiteboards, Tablet PCs, Wacom Tablets and Palm Powered™ handhelds including Dana by AlphaSmart®.

Combining the power of visual learning with the ease of handhelds, Inspiration for Pocket PC helps students and teachers create graphic organizers and organize thoughts for writing directly on Windows Mobile devices. Inspiration for Pocket PC includes many of the popular capabilities of the desktop version of Inspiration®, including RapidFire® and ready-to-use templates.

"At Inspiration Software, we are committed to ensuring that teachers and students have access to the power of visual learning at any grade level, across the curriculum and on whatever device they are using," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "Both Kidspiration 2.1 and Inspiration for Pocket PC were developed in support of that commitment and it is exciting to have them recognized by the software industry."

The Codie Awards is the only peer-recognition awards program of its kind in the industry, providing a unique opportunity for companies to earn the praise of their competitors. The 2006 Codie Awards will be presented at a gala event on May 16, 2006, at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, Calif.

About the Software & Information Industry Association
The Software & Information Industry Association is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to the leading companies that are setting the pace for the digital age. Go to www.siia.net for further information.

About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education — inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.