<Page> EXHIBIT 12.1 RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS AMOUNTS IN $'000 <Table> <Caption> YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SIX MONTHS ENDED ---------------------------------------------------- JUNE 30, 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------------- Loss from continuing operations.............. $(18,114) $(12,628) $(15,709) $(11,125) $(3,446) $(5,868) Combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends.................................. 490 577 435 859 1,228 1,029 -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- Earnings (as defined)........................ $(17,624) $(12,051) $(15,274) $(10,266) $(2,218) $(4,839) -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS: Interest expense............................. $ 438 $ 472 $ 335 $ 273 $ 246 $ 118 Estimated interest within rent expense....... 52 105 100 105 238 106 Preferred stock dividends **................. 0 0 0 481 744 805 -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- Total combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends............................ 490 577 435 859 1,228 1,029 -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- Deficiency of earnings available to cover combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends.................................. $(18,114) $(12,628) $(15,709) $(11,125) $(3,446) $(5,868) -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends *............ N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A </Table> - -------------------------- * Our earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges in each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2001 and for the six-month period ended June 30, 2002 and accordingly ratios are not presented. ** The preferred stock dividend amount includes the amount relating to accretion relative to convertible preferred stock which is madatorily redeemable and dividends on preferred stock.