NMS Communications, Nuance, Sun, and Avnet Applied Computing Solutions Team to Bring Telecom Developers Standards-Based Platforms for Speech-Driven CRM and VoIP Applications

Business Wire, Oct 5, 2004

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Competitive Pricing for New Sun SPARC/Solaris and AMD/Linux Platforms Includes Technical Support for Nuance, NMS Products

NMS Communications (NASDAQ: NMSS), Nuance (NASDAQ: NUAN), and Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUNW) have joined forces with Avnet Applied Computing Solutions, a division of global technology distribution leader Avnet Inc. (NYSE: AVT), to deliver the telecom industry's first complete platforms for developers and ISVs creating scalable next-generation contact center solutions and VoIP applications. The platforms, available in Sun SPARC/Solaris and AMD/Linux versions, are comprised of integrated and tested Open Access(TM) building blocks (www.nmscommunications.com/OpenAccess) and automated speech recognition (ASR) and text-to-speech (TTS) software from Nuance, all of which are compatible with the new Media Resource Control Protocol, or MRCP, standard. The platforms include technical support for both the NMS and Nuance products and are available in a range of configurations at prices ranging from US$4K to $15K.

Available exclusively through Avnet Applied Computing Solutions (http://eustarterplatform.avnet.com), the new developer platforms eliminate the lengthy and tedious cycle of hardware and software purchase, integration and testing, so that application development can begin immediately. Avnet Applied Computing Solutions develops joint solutions together with leading suppliers by combining the best of breed technologies, according to Dieter Lott, Vice President, Avnet Applied Computing Solutions in Europe.

With MRCP support, sophisticated contact center or VoIP applications that include ASR and TTS features can now quickly be developed in flexible client/server architectures. The combination of Sun and NMS technologies ensures the resulting application will be highly reliable and deliver high availability, a requirement for solutions that will be deployed in the public networks and, increasingly, for enterprise applications.

"These complete, rock-solid packages will allow Sun developers to quickly and easily add speech capabilities to their existing applications or invent new speech-based applications that expand their market opportunities," said Nigel Ross, OEM Sales Manager, Sun Microsystems. "We applaud Avnet Applied Computing Solutions' vision in bringing together proven, powerful telecom technology from NMS and Nuance's renowned speech expertise, on both Sun's carrier-grade Solaris and Linux/AMD platforms."

About Sun Microsystems

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision -- "The Network Is The Computer(TM)" -- has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUNW) to its position as a leading provider of industrial-strength hardware, software and services that make the Net work. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries and on the worldwide web at http://sun.com

About Nuance

In markets around the world, leading enterprises and telecommunications carriers -- including Avon, British Airways, Expedia, Nomura Securities, OnStar, Sprint PCS, United Parcel Service, Vodafone and Wells Fargo -- have worked with Nuance to ensure the best possible results from their investment in voice. Nuance leads the voice automation market providing software and solutions to more than 1,000 companies worldwide. Nuance (NASDAQ: NUAN) is headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., and has offices around the world. For more information, visit www.nuance.com or call 1-888-NUANCE-8.

About Avnet Applied Computing Solutions

Avnet Applied Computing Solutions integrates computing and display components to provide customized solutions and services to OEMs and embedded system manufacturers. Avnet Applied Computing Solutions focuses on providing design support, integration, end of life management, marketing and account management teams. Avnet Applied Computing Solutions is a division of Avnet Technology Solutions, a global organization that markets enterprise and embedded technology products from the world's premier computer manufacturers and software suppliers. Avnet Technology Solutions is an operating group of Avnet Inc. (NYSE: AVT), a $10 billion technology marketing and services provider and one of the world's largest distributors of electronic components and computer products. For more information, please visit http://www.acs.avnet.com/europe/home/.> About NMS Communications

NMS Communications (NASDAQ: NMSS) is a leading provider of communications technologies and solutions, enabling new enhanced services and efficient networks that help our customers grow their revenues and profits. Visit www.nmscommunications.com for more information.

Statements in this document expressing the beliefs and expectations of management regarding future performance are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's expectations as of the date of this document and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, a continued slowdown in communications spending, the implementation of the Company's strategic repositioning and market acceptance of the Company's new solutions strategy, quarterly fluctuations in financial results, the Company's ability to exploit fully the value of its technology and its strategic partnerships and alliances, the availability of products from the Company's contract manufacturer and product component vendors and other risks. These and other risks are detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. In addition, while management may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, management specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, even if its estimates change. Any reference to our website in this press release is not intended to incorporate the contents thereof into this press release or any other public announcement.