Speechworks' Speechify Powers AVAYA Unified Communication Center; SpeechWorks and Frank Solutions to Provide Speech Solution

BOSTON, MA - SpeechWorks International Inc. (Nasdaq:SPWX), a developer of speech recognition and text-to-speech (TTS) technologies and services, announced that the company's Speechify TTS engine is now available through the Avaya Unified Communication Center solution from Avaya Inc. (NYSE: AV), a provider of voice and data networks and applications to businesses. Speechify software allows users to retrieve email, access calendar information, and information from corporate databases for immediate response to customer inquires anytime, anywhere. Speechify relays information in a natural-sounding voice, delivering speech and performance in multiple languages and both male and female voices. Avaya Unified Communication Center is an integrated solution suite that delivers wireless, Web and speech-enabled access to applications including messaging, communications and collaboration tools. From phones, cellular phones, PCs or wireless handheld devices, workers can manage email, voicemail and fax messages, in addition to accessing business communications applications, such as calling, conferencing, company directories, desktop calendar and task functions. "We're excited to make Speechify TTS capability available to the growing mobile workforce through Avaya's Unified Communication Center," said Steve Chambers, vice president of worldwide marketing at SpeechWorks. "Unified communication solutions can deliver exceptional value to businesses from communications and personal information management tools all through leveraging the value of their existing network investments." Frank Solutions and SpeechWorks to Provide Speech Solution ENGLEWOOD, CO and BOSTON, MA - SpeechWorks International Inc. (Nasdaq: SPWX), a developer of speech recognition and text-to-speech (TTS) technologies and services, and Frank Solutions Inc. (FSI), an interactive voice response (IVR) and computer telephony (CTI) provider, announced that they will deliver a complete speech-enabled call center solution for York County's Department of Building and Land Development in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The speech-enabled FSI TelePathTM solution will handle all inspection-related calls made to the Building and Land Development Department using SpeechWorks speech recognition technology, helping York County promote business development, enhance service delivery and improve field communication. York County has seen significant demand for building inspections in recent years due to the extensive growth of Virginia's Peninsula region. York County's Building and Land Development Department expects to offload up to 50 percent of incoming calls to the speech service. Using the speech-enabled TelePath solution, county inspectors will be able to update inspection results from the field real time, by calling in from any telephone. The new speech system will improve the County's ability to report inspection information, resulting in faster and more accurate information delivery to citizens and contractors. In addition, citizens and contractors will be able to schedule and check the status of inspections without having to wait on hold to speak with a call center representative. "We conducted extensive research and found that the TelePath solution provides the most technically advanced, cost-effective solution for The Department of Building and Land Development within York County," said Randy Yokum, engineering specialist, York County. "We chose Frank Solutions and SpeechWorks because they have demonstrated success in the municipal marketplace through the delivery of mission-critical applications that are similar to the requirements of York County. In addition, the incorporation of the speech recognition technology makes TelePath a viable communications platform for many years to come." "We are very excited about working with York County," said Bruce Frank, president and CEO of Frank Solutions. "We were one of many vendors vying for this contract and were chosen over the competition because of our depth of experience within the government arena and the technical advantages provided by the TelePath solution." "SpeechWorks is excited to continue our strong partnership with Frank Solutions to extend the power of speech to municipalities, such as York County," said Mike AtLee, director of SpeechWorks' government systems group. "Speech continues to reduce costs within government agencies by streamlining processes while simultaneously improving customer service and extending the self-service capabilities that citizens demand." SpeechWorks and Frank Solutions are currently working on over fifteen speech solutions for government agencies at the federal, state and local levels.