TuVox Certifies Its Speech Applications on IBM's WebSphere Voice Server

Business Wire, August 1, 2005

CUPERTINO, Calif. -- TuVox, the leader in enterprise speech applications, announced today the certification of IBM (NYSE:IBM) WebSphere Voice Server and IBM WebSphere Application Server for TuVox conversational speech applications. This announcement reinforces the companies' mutual commitment to provide high-quality voice self-service that achieves high levels of caller adoption and automation in the speech industry.

As companies recognize the cost savings and customer service benefits of replacing frustrating touch-tone IVR systems with open standards speech solutions, they are typically faced with a project that requires custom-coding, up to millions of dollars, and months to years to deploy. The TuVox and IBM solution is designed to surpass other approaches by providing industry-changing flexibility, configurability, quick time-to-market, high user acceptance and low total ownership cost.

"This announcement is an example of how we are partnering with market leaders like TuVox to deliver superior customer self-service solutions, which leverage the strengths of IBM WebSphere Voice Server and IBM WebSphere Application Server to today's contact centers," said Bruce Morse, vice president of Contact Center Solutions for the IBM Software Group. "Together, we are able to provide customers with a greatly expanded range of customer-facing applications, enhancing callers' overall self-service experience."

The combined solution will include applications such as Perfect Router, an award-winning natural language call routing application, Voice-Enabled Knowledge Base and over 30 speech application modules. These applications provide callers with an open-ended conversational experience, allowing them to simply state a request and be directed to the appropriate destination in seconds. The TuVox CVR Lifecycle Management Suite runs on the IBM WebSphere Voice Server and IBM WebSphere Application Server and allows rapid customization and deployment of sophisticated speech applications. With TuVox CVR, enterprises can easily update applications using internal IT resources. In addition, the IBM WebSphere Application Server enables TuVox speech applications to easily integrate with a wide variety of legacy systems and Web service-enabled back-end systems.

"With TuVox running on IBM's proven and scalable technology, we're excited about accelerating the market adoption of speech applications for customer service and support," said Larry Miller, president and CEO, TuVox. "It is our goal to help companies fully realize the cost benefits and customer service benefits offered by sophisticated voice self-service."

About TuVox

TuVox is the leading provider of enterprise speech applications. TuVox speech applications achieve some of the industry's highest levels of caller adoption and call automation. Based on patented natural language technology, TuVox speech applications are highly conversational and provide a personalized and efficient caller experience. TuVox speech applications automate virtually any type of call, including natural language call routing, self-service transactions and product support. TuVox combines built-in speech application best practices with award winning lifecycle management software to make voice automation so cost-effective that any enterprise can deploy and maintain it. Compared with typical "custom applications," TuVox provides a superior ROI and ownership experience.

TuVox customers include companies such as Activision, AvMed, Columbia House, Netflix, Oriental Trading Company, Roxio, TiVo, TV Guide and the United States Postal Service.

TuVox is a trademark of TuVox Incorporated. All other company or product names mentioned may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

About IBM

IBM is the world's largest information technology company with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key business partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable companies to take full advantage of the on-demand era. Please visit www.ibm.com on the World Wide Web.