Anaheim Chamber of Commerce Selects Sound Advantage's Speech Enabled Solutions to Strengthen Its Internal and External Communications.

Business Editors

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 13, 2003

Leveraging the latest in speech recognition technology, the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce has selected Sound Advantage, a leading developer of next generation communications applications, to speech-enable its office communications. With Sound Advantage's speech-enabled unified office solution, employees can now access their contacts, voicemail, faxes and emails utilizing simple speech commands.

In an effort to enhance customer service and increase connectivity between Chamber members and staff members, the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce sought a solution that could provide the best in speech-enabled technology, easily integrate with their existing phone system and streamline their daily communications. Using the Sound Advantage technology, members calling the Chamber can now reach staff regardless of their physical location. Staff members have the flexibility to redirect incoming calls to their current location, enabling them to work remotely, and can route calls transparently to other staff and Chamber members.

"Our Chamber members are extremely important to us," said Michael Neben, president and CEO of the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce. "We wanted to upgrade our existing communications infrastructure by adding a speech interface to our auto-attendant, thereby routing incoming calls to the appropriate staff member more effectively, whether they are working in the office or from a remote location. Sound Advantage has provided us with a flexible, next-generation communications solution that has enabled us to be more responsive to our members. We are in the business of making connections for our members, and the Sound Advantage solution streamlines this critical function."

As a result of the Sound Advantage solution implementation, Chamber staff members have the added advantage of increased communications flexibility while they are mobile or operating from a remote location. Traditionally, remote or mobile employees have been required to check a variety of voicemail systems (office, mobile, etc.) and in many cases contact a receptionist to obtain all of their voicemail messages. The Sound Advantage solution eliminates this cumbersome, time-consuming process by storing all of an employee's voicemail messages, emails and faxes in one central location that can be accessed remotely through a simple to use, speech interface.

"Our technology allows remote and mobile employees to be as accessible to customers and other employees as if he or she was in the office," said Denny Michael, vice president of marketing for Sound Advantage. "Statistics show that up to 7 out of 10 calls into an organization end up in voicemail. The `call completion' functionality of our solutions increases the probability of a customer being connected regardless of an employee's location, resulting in fewer messages and enhancing customer communication. We are pleased to work with organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce who serve as an ideal example of how an organization that has embraced the power of our speech-enabled technology can enhance their communications and customer relations."

About the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce

The Anaheim Chamber of Commerce has been serving the business community for over 100 years. Located in the 10th largest city in California, the Chamber was established in 1895 and has over 850 member companies representing over 100,000 employees. As the voice of the business community the Anaheim Chamber provides connectivity between member companies, between members and their legislators, and between the public and member businesses. The Chamber operates as an independent not-for-profit corporation, generating revenue from member dues and from events such as the annual "Taste of Anaheim"; the Gene Autry High School Humanitarian Awards; the Teachers Welcome Breakfast; and the annual "Awards Gala," recognizing the large and small business of the year, the Anaheim Man and Woman of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement. The Chamber handles thousands of tourist and relocation calls and requests for business referrals every month. For more information, visit the Chamber website at www.anaheimchamber.org.

About Sound Advantage

Established in 1997, Sound Advantage is a leading developer of speech-enabled communications solutions for the small to medium enterprise market. The company's applications facilitate call completion and provide speech-enabled features and functionality to meet the emerging mobility requirements of today's workforce. Access the company's website at www.soundadvantage.com.