SpeechWorks' Speech Recognition Solution and NetCentrex's Media Server Provide Credit Lyonnais' Customers With Real-time Access to Financial Information Services

Business Wire, June 25, 2001

Business/Technology Editors

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 25, 2001

SpeechWorks International, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPWX), a global leader in network-based speech recognition and text-to-speech (TTS) technologies and services, and NetCentrex, (www.netcentrex.net) a leading enabler of next-generation VoIP networks and services, have deployed the first French speech-enabled brokerage service in France for Credit Lyonnais, the third largest French banking group.

Customers of Credit Lyonnais Interactif's multimedia option service in France can now call 0 820 800 850(a) to access the speech-enabled service. After identification via their branch, account number and pass code, callers can obtain real-time, customized information on their stock portfolios.

By means of a series of simple voice commands, Credit Lyonnais customers can obtain information on the outcome of stock transactions, the real-time value of their five favorite stocks, other stock quotes, placement offers and the settlement values of mutual funds and investment trusts. The speech-enabled service also provides a `visitors space', giving the general public access to information on a wide variety of Credit Lyonnais mutual funds.

Launched by Credit Lyonnais on June 7, 2001, this new telephone service complements Credit Lyonnais' interactive Internet brokerage service - launched simultaneously - thus providing Credit Lyonnais Interactif customers with instant access to portfolio information at their convenience, from any phone, including wireless.

"Our customers now have access to the latest information on share prices for mutual funds and investment trusts at any time of the day, from any location, whether it's from their home or while they are traveling in a wireless environment," says Pierre-Louis Boissiere, Director of Customer and Channel Strategy, Credit Lyonnais. "With this solution, SpeechWorks and NetCentrex have enabled us to implement France's most sophisticated speech application, using speech as a new channel to extend access to information on stocks and transactions."

The integrated solution chosen by Credit Lyonnais is based on the strong collaboration between SpeechWorks and NetCentrex: SpeechWorks(R) speech recognition engine and DialogModules(TM), SpeechWorks' patented application building blocks, together with NetCentrex's SVI(TM) Media Server, a platform already used for the development and deployment of speech services.

SpeechWorks has a rich history developing and deploying speech solutions to more than 40 businesses in the financial services market. SpeechWorks' customers include Ameritrade, Hyundai Securities Korea, TD Waterhouse Australia, Bank of America and E*Trade.

About NetCentrex

NetCentrex delivers next-generation networking products and network-based applications for Voice-over-IP (VoIP) and standard PSTN networks. These products enable service providers to build converged networks and to offer network-based multi-media services for the eCRM, consumer and enterprise markets. Products include a multi-protocol softswitch, an intelligent media router, an application development and execution platform, and applications for multi-media contact centers, Virtual Private Networks, IP Centrex services, and residential telephony. With NetCentrex, Service Providers can build next-generation networks and drive network demand through innovative new services.

Founded in 1998, NetCentrex has over 100 customers across North America and Europe, including France Telecom, GlobalOne, Telecom Italia, Telefonica, and Tiscali. Worldwide partners include Cisco, Compaq, Nortel Networks and Pagoo. The privately held company is backed by leading US and European venture capital firms. For more information, please visit www.netcentrex.NET.

About SpeechWorks

Through the power of SpeechWorks technologies, the human voice is all a caller needs to access instant information and conduct transactions from any landline or wireless phone. Around the world, customer service innovators such as Credit Suisse First Boston, Energis, E*Trade, E Plus and United Airlines are realizing returns on SpeechWorks applications that consistently delight and serve customers 24 hours a day. With over 100 partners, SpeechWorks delivers natural language speech recognition and text-to-speech (TTS) to leading corporations, telecommunications providers and government organizations worldwide. For a description of our products, services and unique customer programs such as the SpeechWorks Here(TM) Guarantee, call 617.428.4444 or visit www.speechworks.com.

SpeechWorks is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts and has offices in eight countries and six established Centers of Excellence. SpeechWorks European headquarters is in Woking, UK with offices in France and Germany. SpeechWorks has support for 18 languages in speech recognition and 13 in text-to-speech, with more than 50 users of its technology across five continents. To reach a SpeechWorks representative in Paris, France, call +33 1 55 68 11 47.