Concord Technologies Introduces eReceive, Voice- and Fax-to-Email Messaging For Mobile Professionals - Company Business and Marketing

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Dec 13, 1999

Concord Technologies, a leading provider of unified messaging and Internet fax services, Tuesday announced the launch of eReceive, its new unified messaging service which delivers users' voice and fax messages instantly to their existing email accounts. With eReceive, Concord provides mobile professionals with an enhanced messaging solution that allows them to manage voice and fax messages with the ease and convenience of email messaging.

By bringing all of a user's messages to the one location they use most -- their email inbox -- eReceive simplifies total message management for email-centric users, enabling them to also retrieve their voice and fax messages each time they check their email. It is designed for business travelers who frequently check messages from airports, hotels and other remote locations. eReceive offers advanced features such as email notification to wireless devices such as a Palm VII or a cell phone or pager. These features combined with its web and cell phone browser-based configuration make it an ideal communications tool for those who require hassle-free messaging solutions.

"eReceive makes it easier than ever for frequent travelers like myself to keep in touch with their messages while on the road," said Chris Moore, president of Concord Technologies. "With the email notification feature, I know how many voice and fax messages I've received as soon as I arrive at an airport or hotel, simply by checking my cell phone display. Then I can retrieve those messages at the same time I check my email."

Subcribers of eReceive are given a personal toll-free number to which their colleagues and associates can send voice and fax messages. Each message received at this number is automatically forwarded by Concord as an audio file or image attachment to an email address specified by the user. Customers can then listen to voice messages on their computer and view faxes using standard operating systems' image viewers and media players. To minimize download time, users may also choose RealPlayer as a file format for voice messages. As with standard email messages, users have the ability to save their voice and fax messages as well as forward them to other email users.

The convenience of eReceive is also extended to the users' colleagues, allowing them to use the personal toll-free number to easily leave voice messages from an airport or hotel without incurring calling card or expensive hotel phone charges. An optional international access number can also be issued in addition to the user's toll-free number if needed.

Through eReceive's web-based account configuration, users can quickly and easily configure their options and make changes to their account at any time. In addition, eReceive offers support for Wireless Application Protocol, allowing users to configure their account from any cell phone that supports HDML (Handheld Device Markup Language).

eReceive is part of Concord's strategy to address the varying needs of unified messaging customers with a diverse offering of services. Concord's previously released unified messaging service, Concord Universal Mailbox, provides a one-stop messaging solution with several methods of retrieval such as by telephone, fax machine, the Concord Message Center on the Web, or by downloading them into Symantec's WinFax PRO.

With the release of eReceive, Concord adds another feature-rich product to its offering of wholesale IP telephony services. By offering eReceive to their customers, carriers and resellers can differentiate themselves from the competition by offering a more diverse product line, increase customer retention and create new sources of revenue, all without capital expense or risk.

eReceive is available immediately through Concord's real-time Web sign-up at www.concordfax.com or by contacting 800-670-8777 or info@concordfax.com.

Concord Technologies is a computer telephony company that provides leading-edge IP-based messaging services to clients ranging in size from small office/home offices (SOHOs) to Fortune 500 companies. Concord's services have been market leaders in enhanced messaging since 1994 and are embraced by more than one quarter of the Fortune 500 companies. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with software development offices in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit www.concordfax.com.