AVST's CallXpress Speech Server Named a Top 100 Midmarket Solution by CMP's VARBusiness Magazine

Business Wire, June 13, 2005

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. -- CallXpress(R) Speech Server, an advanced speech-enabled unified communications (UC) solution from Applied Voice & Speech Technologies Inc. (AVST), was named one of the "Top 100 Midmarket Solutions" by CMP's VARBusiness Magazine. Launched in April 2005, CallXpress Speech Server is powered by AVST's sophisticated voice recognition technology, Seneca(R) 4.5, and offers speech-enabled connectivity tools to CallXpress, making AVST's unified communications solutions complete.

VARBusiness recognized CallXpress Speech Server as a top choice for mid-size companies because it offers speech-enabled message access and unified communications without the need to invest in new infrastructure. "AVST is known for having the most PBX integrations in the market," said the company's Vice President of Marketing Denny Michael. "It is a great advantage for businesses to have the ability to upgrade to UC without the financial burden of replacing their existing telephone systems. By implementing AVST's solutions, companies of all sizes can benefit from enterprise-class unified messaging and voice recognition capabilities at an affordable cost."

VARBusiness solicited input from information-technology (IT) vendors and solution providers to determine which products and services were best for midmarket customers - companies with between 100 and 999 employees. Entries were considered and reviewed by VARBusiness editors who selected only 100 of the more than 400 nominated products.

"Traditionally early adopters of cutting-edge technologies, mid-size businesses have been priced out of the unified communications market," added Michael. "AVST sees a nice opportunity to offer solutions that are both appealing and affordable to companies in a broad range of industries that are seeking the most powerful communications technology for their business. That is why we are driving the development of products and applications with the needs of these markets in mind."

AVST has an extensive list of partners that sell and support its unified communications solutions throughout the world. Companies of all sizes in all industries that are interested in experiencing AVST's solutions can request information at http://www.avstgroup.com/contactus/requestinfo.asp. To contact an Authorized AVST Reseller, please visit http://www.avstgroup.com/products/callxpressMessaging/howtobuy.asp.> About VARBusiness Magazine

For the past 18 years, VARBusiness' strategic resources have been the gateway to the solution-provider community. VARBusiness provides unique strategic business and technology insight for solution providers through industry-defining research, in-depth editorial, channel events and innovative Web services, enabling these IT professionals to make educated decisions for their businesses, partnerships and customers. VARBusiness has been the recipient of numerous industry awards for both editorial content and design. Additional information about VARBusiness products, events and services is available on the magazine's Web site at www.varbusiness.com.

About AVST

Applied Voice & Speech Technologies Inc. (AVST) is a leading developer of enterprise communications solutions for businesses of all sizes. Through its world-class unified communications solution platform, CallXpress(R), and its innovative speech applications module, Seneca(R), AVST offers the industry's most powerful suite of enterprise communications solutions. AVST's solutions enable direct access to an enterprise's communications infrastructure including voice mail, e-mail and fax messaging from any voice or data device via a touch-tone, GUI or speech interface. Established in September 2003, AVST was formed from the combined businesses of Sound Advantage (established in 1997) and the CallXpress division (established in 1982) of Captaris Inc.

With headquarters in Foothill Ranch, AVST maintains facilities in Bellevue, Wash., and the United Kingdom, and has remote sales offices across the United States. With over 35,000 systems installed worldwide, AVST's communications solutions are sold and supported internationally by an extensive network of resellers and OEM partners. For more information contact Denny Michael, VP of Marketing at 949-699-2300 or access the company's Web site at www.avstgroup.com.