Comverse Media Server 3.0 Available for Deployment

WOODBURY, NY - Comverse, a unit of Comverse Technology Inc (NASDAQ: CMVT), announced the availability of Comverse Media Server 3.0, a modular, standards-based VoiceXML gateway for delivering voice-controlled and DTMF-driven services in carrier networks. Available for deployment in any wireless or wireline network, the Comverse Media Server incorporates technologies to network service providers with an open platform for hosting best-of-breed voice-controlled applications. The Comverse Media Server 3.0 fully supports VoiceXML 2.0 applications. According to Comverse, as the VoiceXML standard becomes more widely embraced, service providers looking to deploy feature-rich premium services in their networks should have the potential to reap the rewards of standards compliance: new applications can be deployed more quickly and efficiently, platform resources can be shared among multiple network services, and services acquired from various application vendors can be rolled out more easily. William Meisel, industry analyst and editor of Speech Recognition Update newsletter, said "An open-standards platform like the Comverse Media Server offers carriers an engine for growth because applications can be quickly created, packaged, and deployed to target select markets. Carriers have the added flexibility to offer voice-enabled services, creating increased revenues through premium services to subscribers, charges for transaction-based services, and even customized managed services for business." The Comverse Media Server 3.0 was recently certified as compliant with the World Wide Web Consortium VoiceXML 2.0 specification and the most recently published standards. The Comverse Media Server's tight conformance to the internationally adopted standard should simplify the process required to integrate the platform with third party applications, a key driver for the Comverse InSight Total Communications offering that uses open platform technologies, this according to Comverse. The Comverse Media Server is a carrier-grade platform based on field-proven technologies. It supports speech processing solutions from multiple sources, including both Nuance and SpeechWorks (now ScanSoft). "We are delighted to be working with Comverse in developing and deploying speech solutions that are designed for performance, scalability and accuracy in wireless environments," said Steve Chambers, chief marketing officer at SpeechWorks. "SpeechWorks is committed to providing telecommunications carriers with robust speech solutions that leverage the performance capabilities of our standards-based OpenSpeech Recognizer engine, natural sounding Speechify TTS, and the Comverse Media Server platform. Our combined technology and Comverse's technological leadership and customer base of over 400 carriers worldwide brings together exceptional levels of experience, technology innovation, and market presence." "As the demand for speech-driven services continues to rise, we are pleased to extend our partnership with Comverse," said Andy Barbour, senior director of Global Partners and Alliances, Nuance. "The integration of Nuance 8.0, the latest release of our flagship speech recognition software, with the Comverse Media Server enables network service providers to efficiently deploy a multitude of speech driven services - something that wouldn't have been possible with proprietary IVR platform technologies." "The Comverse Media Server is the perfect choice for wireless and wireline carriers looking to rapidly deploy speech and DTMF-driven services," said Benny Einhorn, chief marketing officer, Comverse. "The Comverse Media Server is the answer to carriers' needs for next-generation network access as it can support a virtually limitless number of standards-based speech recognition applications - whether they be revenue generating services or cost saving services that reduce the overhead associated with customer relationship management. From small trials to full scale global deployments, this platform provides the flexibility that can help carriers reach new markets."