Applied Voice Technology Announces Desktop Message Manager for Outlook; New Unified Messaging Application Manages Voice and Fax Messages from Microsoft Outlook Interface.

KIRKLAND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 17, 1998--Applied Voice Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVTC), a premier provider of enterprise computer telephony solutions, today announced the newest addition to its family of unified messaging applications, Desktop Message Manager(tm) for Outlook(tm), further solidifying AVT's leadership role in the area of unified messaging.

Desktop Message Manager for Outlook allows AVT's CallXpress(r) users to conveniently manage voice, fax and email messages, all from within the Microsoft Outlook interface.

Desktop Message Manager for Outlook builds upon the strengths of the CallXpress unified messaging applications which AVT pioneered more than five years ago. Desktop Message Manager for Outlook brings all of the powerful unified messaging controls of an intuitive graphical interface to the popular Microsoft Outlook interface, allowing users to manage all three message types from a single list using a single set of management commands.

"Our design team conducted extensive research into what users are looking for in a unified messaging interface, and this application hits a home run. We are absolutely overwhelmed by the response we have received from our users on Desktop Message Manager for Outlook," said Richard J. LaPorte, CEO and chairman for AVT. "What makes Desktop Message Manager for Outlook unique is its ability to integrate with Outlook no matter what email system is used. Because Microsoft Outlook can be used as the client interface for a number of email servers, Desktop Message Manager for Outlook gives AVT a tremendous opportunity to bring unified messaging to the masses."

AVT's Desktop Message Manager for Outlook allows CallXpress voice and fax messages to be managed in the same convenient interface, using all of the same message management commands and tools used for managing email. From within the main Outlook Inbox, users can instantly see all voice, fax and email messages. With the help of special icons, users can easily identify message type. All of the drag-and-drop capabilities, folders, sorting, and other functionality native to Outlook are supported for all three types of messages.

Users also have all message recording and playback controls located in custom voice and fax message forms. These forms allow users to play and record messages, adjust the speed and volume, and reply to and forward voice and fax messages to other CallXpress subscribers. Using the Outlook Reply and Forward features, users can reply to voice and fax messages with email messages, or forward voice and fax messages as email attachments via the email interface. Plus, all mailbox management tools are available through Outlook. From the Outlook "Tools" menu, users can record their names and personal greetings, change their security codes, set record and playback preferences, and control features such as Call Blocking, Call Screening, and Extension Specific Processing.

Desktop Message Manager for Outlook also supports a number of native Outlook features including the Outlook Journal for tracking important information contained in voice and fax messages, and Message Flags for highlighting specific voice and fax messages which require action, such as a callback.

Desktop Message Manager for Outlook is a client-based application which stores new messages on the CallXpress server until the user logs on to Outlook. Once the user is logged on to Outlook, CallXpress transports new voice and fax messages to the user's personal message store, either on the Exchange Server, or the personal store on the client workstation if an email system other than Exchange is used. Once these messages have been transported to the user's personal message store, these messages are accessible through both the Outlook interface and the telephone. This implementation improves reliability and ensures that in the event of a local area network failure, messages are still accessible via the telephone user interface.

Desktop Message Manager for Outlook will be available in the first quarter of 1998. It is supported by both CallXpress3(r) and CallXpress for Windows NT(r), AVT's Windows NT-based unified messaging server. For more information, contact AVT at 425/820-6000, by fax at 425/820-4040, or by email at [e-mail].

Applied Voice Technology, Inc. develops and markets a broad line of open systems-based advanced computer telephony products, specializing in fax and call processing, unified messaging, and call center productivity and customer service, sold worldwide through affiliated distributors and dealers. Headquartered in Kirkland, Wash., USA, AVT has offices in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Hong Kong and Dubai. In addition, AVT has two wholly-owned subsidiaries -- RightFAX, Inc., based in Tucson, Ariz. and CommercePath, Inc. based in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1982, AVT is publicly traded under the symbol "AVTC" on the NASDAQ National Market.

NOTE TO EDITORS: News releases are available from AVT's Newsroom fax server. Call 206/820-4089 and follow the prompts. This document is number 77085. -0-

CallXpress and CallXpress3 are registered trademarks and Desktop Message Manager is a trademark of Applied Voice Technology, Inc. Windows NT is a registered trademark and Outlook is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other products mentioned are trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Network Associates

Sherri Walkenhorst, 801/373-7888

[e-mail]

WORLD WIDE WEB: www.appliedvoice.com