Metaphor Solutions and XO Interactive Deliver Automated Phone-Based Customer Service Solutions to the Leading Network Security Software Company.

WELLESLEY, Mass. -- Metaphor's Packaged Speech Applications Combine with XO Interactive's Reliable and Scalable Speech Hosting Teleservices to Provide High Quality, Low Cost Speech IVR Solutions

Metaphor Solutions and XO Interactive (XOI) announced a reseller agreement for XOI to deploy Metaphor's speech IVR applications on XOI's hosting infrastructure. This partnership enables XOI to offer all 30 packaged and configurable Metaphor applications and use its life-cycle management tools as part of XOI's Teleservices offering. Metaphor's Support Entitlement application has now been deployed at the leading provider of network security and availability software with 4 more ordered in the current customer agreement. This joint customer now enjoys deflection of calls from human agents to the automated speech IVR system while providing callers with a high quality of service without putting them on hold.

"Metaphor provides us with a competitive advantage in offering cost-effective speech IVR solutions that can be quickly implemented for our customers. Packaged applications designed for and targeted at specific vertical industries are clearly what our customers require today," said Andrea Jadwin, Director of Sales and Business Development at XO's Interactive Division.

"With its highly reliable, flexible and scalable hosting infrastructure, XO Interactive provides a world class platform for our packaged speech applications. And as one of the largest providers of hosted speech IVR solutions, XOI will be contributing to our mission of enabling adoption of speech applications at every enterprise," said Michael Kuperstein, CEO of Metaphor Solutions, Inc.

Metaphor provides more than 30 packaged speech IVR applications in markets that include Financial Services, Retail, Healthcare, and the Enterprise. Examples of speech applications include Telephone Banking, Bill Collection, Prescription Refill, Location Finder, Inventory and Pricing Request, Customer Surveys, Password Reset, and Literature Request, as well as SpeechOutlook(TM), which allows travelers to name-dial any one of thousands of Outlook contacts by calling just one number.

These applications allow companies to deploy speech solutions on leading IVR platforms quickly and at a low total cost of ownership, while still maintaining the highest quality of automated service using speech. In addition, Metaphor offers customers and partners a suite of Web-based, application life-cycle management tools that include Application Configuration, Report Generation and Application Monitoring, as well as a development environment based on C# and .NET technologies, enabling millions of IT developers to easily customize and deploy speech applications.

XOI has over 10 years of expertise in designing and hosting IVR user interfaces for some of the most recognized companies in the world. It has a complete network infrastructure solution that can use just about any language or protocol to connect into customer data sources. XOI provides customers a high degree of application control and, with its highly flexible platform, is capable of scaling to handle large spikes in seasonal call volumes or spikes during the day.

About XOI

Based on state-of-the-art technologies, XOI designs and hosts both XO-Managed Hosted IVR and packaged IVR solutions that give callers access to world-class user interfaces and applications. XO owns and operates its own IVR Application Service Provider (ASP) and has been developing, hosting and servicing IVR applications for more than ten years. With an expertise in evaluating customer needs and utilizing best-in-class technology, XO has built IVR solutions for a vast array of companies and industries. Everyday applications include: locating a local retailer via a toll-free number; obtaining bank balance information from a bank; or renewing a driver's license from the state department of motor vehicles.

About Metaphor Solutions

Metaphor Solutions, Inc. is a leading provider of packaged speech IVR applications and tools, offering the largest portfolio of packaged applications and the fastest tools to develop, customize and deploy speech IVR applications to enterprises. Metaphor tools and applications are available on the company website for download. The company's packaged speech IVR applications run on standard voice gateways based on VoiceXML and SALT. Metaphor markets its applications through a network of partners and resellers as well as direct. Deployments can be hosted or installed on-site. Callers can dial into Metaphor's inventory of speech applications and experience them live using the published numbers on the company web site at www.metaphorsol.com.

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