TrekMail Launches First-Ever MP3-Based Voice to E-mail Service; Unique Point Solution Offered Through ASP Model to Complement Existing Web and Telecommunication Services.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 2000

TrekMail, Inc. today announced the general release of TrekMail 1.0, a unique service that allows mobile users to send MP3-encoded voice messages from any mobile or landline phone to any e-mail address in the world.

TrekMail increases the usefulness of WAP phones, pagers and other mobile communications devices by enabling professionals to quickly and easily return e-mail messages they receive while they are on the road and to send compelling and persistent messages to colleagues and business prospects. TrekMail is designed as a point solution, which can be used on a stand alone basis or integrated into existing Web and telecommunication services. It utilizes a hybrid ASP model to distribute its service to a wide variety of communication service providers and Web portals.

"TrekMail is a back-to-basics messaging application that mobile users can appreciate, as it naturally fills the chasm between phone and e-mail communication," said Chris Brookins, CTO of Artisoft, Inc. "Just like Web-based e-mail, instant messaging, call waiting, chat and voice mail, TrekMail allows users to communicate better, faster and cheaper. It's an intuitive application that fills basic communication needs."

TrekMail is provided as a value-added service through partnerships and licensing agreements with telecommunications service providers and online portals. In addition, TrekMail is offered as a free, global service directly from http://www.trekmail.com, generating revenue through advertising and Web sales commission.

"TrekMail was designed to overcome the obstacles faced when replying to e-mails from portable communication devices. While these devices offer a useful way to receive incoming text messages, they are typically cumbersome to use when attempting to author and send a text message," said Brian McConnell, CIO, TrekMail. "Through TrekMail's easy-to-use interface, a user can send an MP3-based voice message via e-mail in seconds."

TrekMail is accessible to all computer platforms, and enables users to capitalize on the fact that many business users have come to rely more heavily on email than they currently do on voice mail. TrekMails help users get noticed; even though TrekMail messages are less intrusive then a phone call, they are at the same time more visible and persistent and less likely to be buried in voice mail and missed by the recipient. In addition, TrekMails are easier for recipients to store, forward or file than a regular telephone system voice mail; more readily available than regular telephone system voice mail; and encourage quick response from recipient. Using TrekMail, a user can respond by voice at about 100 words per minute versus, at best, 25 words per minute for the most agile users of handheld devices. Furthermore, TrekMail complements existing Web and telecom services such as unified messaging, telephony, paging and e-mail.

How it Works:

Using TrekMail is virtually identical to the process one uses to send a voice mail through an office system. TrekMail can be accessed through either a local number, an 800-number or a *xxx feature code, similar to *69. For example, when the service is offered through a cellular carrier, callers may dial an established feature code such as *EMAIL, while paging companies may opt to have their users dial an 800-number.

The core of the service is a Web-based address book, which can be accessed at http://www.trekmail.com. Users can enter the e-mail addresses of recipients into the address book. Each address book entry can contain up to 10 e-mail addresses; speed dial codes are associated with each entry. TrekMail also provides a dial-by-name option modeled after automated attendant systems. The user dials a phone number, records a message and then enters a 1 to 10 digit speed-dial code or nickname that identifies the recipient.

TrekMail converts the recording to a compact MP3 file (a one-minute recording is about 100KB), and sends the message as an attachment to the recipient's (up to 100 recipients in a single e-mail) e-mail box. The recipient simply clicks on the attached MP3 file to play the message using whatever MP3 player is installed on his or her machine. To reply to the voicemail, the recipient simply replies using the exact procedure he/she would use to respond to a standard e-mail. The recipient can then store, forward or delete the message. If the media player is not working for some reason, the recipient can access the message by dialing a telephone number and entering in the message code.

In addition to voice messages, users can also attach pre-set custom text messages. This is a good way to send frequently used text, such as directions to an office or URLs to documents on the Web. Similar to the address book entries, the text messages are managed via the Web site and when a user calls in, he/she can select a text message through a speed dial code. Users also have the option of setting a default on TrekMail to send a copy of a message for record keeping.

Usage Scenarios:

-- General business user -- Send a message when away from computer or unable to
tap Internet access through a laptop due to travel barriers, for example while
flying in an airplane.

-- Travel-intensive professional -- Communicate to an individual or work group
regarding a breaking contract or other matter; Respond to respond to a pager or
remote e-mail message without speaking with the sender; Reply or initiate
contact without incurring long distance expenses; Send a memo to self or
co-worker for later review.

-- Overseas professional -- Send a message to colleague, family or friend
without the expense of a long distance call.

-- WAP phone/two-way pager user -- Reply quickly by e-mail without using a
cumbersome miniature keyboard.

"TrekMail adds yet another communications convenience for the traveling businessperson," said Patrick Martin, a manager at alternative energy company KMS Energy, Inc. which has more than 17 offices and power generation projects scattered around the United States and Canada. "Our executives are constantly collaborating on contracts and routine business matters as they travel among our 17 locations. With TrekMail they can dictate a list of contract changes or the results of a meeting while they are driving to the airport and send them to all the parties involved, all without having to sit down and set up their notebook computers."

Features:

The feature set is designed to suit frequent users, especially mobile users with limited mobile Internet connectivity. The majority of the interaction with TrekMail is through the phone-based interface.

-- Standards-based voice mail

-- Caller ID support for automatic login

-- Ability to blind copy TrekMail messages for voice message

record keeping

-- Users are allowed 100 address book entries, each with up to 10

e-mail addresses, and 100 text message entries

-- Dial-by-name address book lookup; dial-in for messages

-- Support for sending preset text-only message (with no voice

attachment)

-- Message pick-up by phone for those without access to

attachments due to a corporate filter or mobile device

constraints

-- Service level differentiation in the database and voice apps

to support basic vs. premium services

-- Custom signature included within message

TrekMail engineers are developing features such as automatic speech recognition, wireless Web interface, WML/HDML integration toolkit, human-mediated operator transcription as well as the ability to attach voice, text files, business files (contracts, NDAs, product literature), greeting cards, music clips from a pre-defined library of files.

About TrekMail

Founded in February 2000, TrekMail has rapidly developed its MP3-encoded voice to e-mail product using industry standard technology that is reliable, inexpensive and scalable. The TrekMail service is offered globally through http://www.trekmail.com as well as partners and licensees. TrekMail is headquartered in San Francisco.