Talkway Communications Seamlessly Integrates Video E-Mail Within Microsoft Outlook Version 2000 and Microsoft Outlook Express

Business Wire, Dec 11, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 11, 2001

New Talkway(R) VmailTalk Pro(TM) Selected by Hitachi(R) Data Systems

and CAT Technology to Enhance Internal and External Communications

Talkway Communications, (www.talkway.com) a leading Multimedia Content Delivery Service Provider, announces the release of VmailTalk Pro(TM), a new high-performance audio/video streaming solution for Microsoft(R) Outlook(R) Version 2000, and VmailTalk Express(TM), for use with Microsoft(R) Outlook Express(TM). The Talkway(R) VmailTalk(TM) products offer all Outlook users a powerful all-in-one solution for sending and receiving streaming audio and video email directly from the Outlook program interface.

Talkway's new approach makes video messaging easy for all users while conserving system resources and easing storage requirements on the user's PC or network. Nearly every PC user can view messages created with either program, as the system does not require a pre-installed player, and is compatible with both dial-up and broadband ISP connections. Both VmailTalk Pro, and VmailTalk Express are currently shipping, and each is available as a complete solution that includes system software, a high-resolution Web camera/microphone combo and a desktop lighting system.

Fabrice Hamaide, CEO of Talkway Communications said, "Hitachi Data Systems and CAT Technology are just two of the many companies that are using Talkway solutions to increase sales, improve customer service, and expand their internal and external communications efforts. Our customers can create compelling, interactive communications with extraordinary reach, quickly and cost effectively. These new VmailTalk products bring these advantages to the hundreds of thousands of enterprises and individuals that rely on Microsoft Outlook as their primary e-mail client."

John Romuk, District Manager of Hitachi Data Systems, said, "E-mail is such an integral part of corporate America it can be difficult to make an important message stand out. Hitachi's experience with Talkway's VmailTalk Pro product proves that a face and a voice are the most powerful marketing and communications tools in our arsenal. We are sure that Talkway's sophisticated solutions will increase our customer acquisition and retention rates, while keeping our existing customers informed on the latest Hitachi data storage solutions."

Once installed on a user's system, the "compose" mail screen used to create new messages and also reply to or forward a message are appended with the video controls and a live feed from the user's camera. Once users record a message, it is immediately streamed to Talkway's own Content servers, eliminating local storage requirements and speeding the delivery of the finished message. Recipients with Microsoft Outlook Version 2000 or Microsoft Outlook Express will automatically see the video play within the received E-mail, while other mail software users can instantly link to the Talkway servers for playback.

The servers in Talkway's advanced Data Center automatically download a compact yet powerful playback applet if needed, so recipients do not need any special software to view video content. With Talkway`s VmailTalk product, individuals and enterprises are now able to personalize communications with compelling messages without the hindrance of complex plug-ins or cumbersome software installation.

David Wallace, Enterprise Account Manager of CAT Technology, said, "Since integrating Talkway technology, we have been very impressed by the exceptional response from our sales and corporate team, as well as the flood of positive feedback from our customers and partners. We have been able to streamline costs and increase productivity while improving our level of service. There are not many investments that offer that kind of return."

While VmailTalk Pro and VmailTalk Express are powerful and sophisticated solutions, they do not require a state of the art PC to operate. Processors from a mere 266MHz can be used, running virtually any Microsoft operating system, including Windows(R) '98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows NT(R) Version 4.0 (With service pack 3.0 or later) and even the new Windows XP(R). Memory requirements are just 64MB of RAM (32 for Windows '98), and 50MB of available HD space. An open USB port is required for video recording, and users must configure Outlook 2000 or Outlook Express as their default E-Mail client. Add virtually any Internet Service Provider connection, dialup or broadband, and you are ready to go.

Both VmailTalk products are backed by comprehensive technology and a complete support infrastructure, which includes an advanced 24/7 data center built from the ground up for video applications. Expert customer service is also at your fingertips 24/7 via a carefully trained technical support staff available online or over the phone. And since the Video content is always stored on Talkway's sophisticated servers, senders and recipients are assured of fast, reliable video streams over any type of connection.