BROOKTROUT, SPEECHWORKS PARTNER TO DELIVER SPEECH-ENABLED E-BIZ SOLUTIONS.

Deal Will Enable Users To Deploy Speech-Enabled Solutions That Blend Telephone, Fax, Email, Web

Communications software and services provider Brooktrout Software is teaming up with SpeechWorks International Inc., a provider of conversational speech recognition solutions for e-Business, to offer customers of both firms a variety of speech-enabled communication solutions. Initially, Brooktrout plans to offer technology from SpeechWorks to enhance its own e-Business solutions, replacing touch-tone capabilities with speech-enabled functionality.

Under the partnership, Brooktrout will recommend to its customers that they package Show N Tel and ActiveCall development platforms with SpeechWorks automated speech recognition (ASR) software. Show N Tel is a leading NT-based rapid application development platform for communication solutions. The ActiveCall rapid application development platform extends Show N Tel features by offering contact management capabilities such as CTI links, intelligent routing and screen-pops. SpeechWorks will recommend Brooktrout Software's development platforms. The combination of products will enable Brooktrout and SpeechWorks customers to build and deploy speech-enabled communication solutions that blend telephone, fax, email and the Internet.

"We partnered with SpeechWorks because our customers are demanding scalable communication solutions that will provide them with an advanced speech recognition interface rather than touch-tone," says mark Flanagan, CEO of Brooktrout Software. "We are very impressed with SpeechWorks' ability to deliver state-of-the-art, user-friendly speech systems for the e-Business market."

The ability to access information via the Internet is prompting customers to request alternative ways to get mission-critical information when they are not in front of their computer. The Brooktrout Software/SpeechWorks solutions complement the Internet by giving callers an alternate way to access critical information and complete business transactions without a PC - simply by speaking into a standard or cellular phone.

"The growth of e-Business and the constant push to improve customer service are driving demand for speech-activated, anytime, anywhere access to corporate data," says Stuart Patterson, CEO of SpeechWorks. "To meet these needs, we have teamed with Brooktrout Software to deliver communication solutions that will improve customer satisfaction, retention and loyalty through a natural and friendly interface that is always 'open for business.' We are delighted that Brooktrout Software has chosen to work closely with SpeechWorks to provide enterprise and e-Business customers with these next generation communication solutions."

The deal will enable Brooktrout Software and SpeechWorks customers to develop speech-enabled communication solutions rapidly, using the integrated Show N Tel, ActiveCall and SpeechWorks product set. The range of solutions that can now be created using this product set include:

* Voice Browser: allows customers to access Web information and perform transactions without a PC by using voice over a telephone or cellular phone;

Contact Center Workflow: provide IVR (interactive voice response) menu navigation and caller identification/authentication using voice rather than touch-tone;

* Voice Dialing: allows callers to reach an individual by telephone using a speech-enabled directory;

* Unified Messaging: provides direct voice over telephone access to all voice, fax or email messages;

* Self-Service: speech-enabled traditional IVR applications such as telephone banking and order entry-status.

A Show N Tel developer's license starts at $4,995. An ActiveCall developer's license is $20,000; the server license if $30,000. SpeechWorks licenses start at $500 per port.