SAN FRANCISCO, California and TORINO, Italy, April 4, 2000 –
VocalPoint Technologies, a voice technology company developing solutions to access Internet content via the telephone, announced today that CSELT, the R&D company of Telecom Italia Group, has licensed its voice browser for a pilot test and subsequent applications in Italy. VocalPoint's innovative technology lets callers browse the Web over the phone using spoken commands, when integrated with the appropriate voice recognition and synthesis technologies. This unique solution allows high quality voice browsing of standard HTML-based Web sites. By avoiding expensive re-coding of existing content, VocalPoint's browser provides convenient Web access to millions of phone users at low cost. "VocalPoint clearly is one the most advanced companies in this field," said Dr. Silvano Giorcelli, Senior Vice-President, Services and Applications, at CSELT. "We believe that voice-enabled Web browsing has tremendous potential, and VocalPoint technology will bring substantial value to our world class voice recognition and synthesis modules."

CSELT is the research lab of Telecom Italia, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world. CSELT provides research and technology support for the whole Group, operating as an independent facility for study, research, experimentation and qualification in the field of telecommunications and information technology.

"This agreement with the Telecom Italia Group is our first major international partnership, and will play a key role in bringing voice-enabled Web technology to the European audience," said Ron Benson, founder and President of VocalPoint. "Being one of the most technologically savvy telecom companies in the world, Telecom Italia is well positioned to take full advantage of VocalPoint's industry leading technology and integrate it with their own technology and service."

VocalPoint's voice browser makes it possible to navigate, browse, and read standard HTML or XML Web page using a voice interface. For example, users can check their current bids on online auction items, obtain their "MyPortal" information, or locate restaurants using any phone at any time.

About VocalPoint Technologies
VocalPoint Technologies provides middleware, infrastructure and services for businesses to rapidly voice-enable HTML and XML content, making it possible to access internet and intranet applications using natural speech over any phone. Its voice-based browser allows businesses to build customized, private-label voice portals and services by integrating VocalPoint's proprietary technology into their network infrastructure, or by utilizing VocalPoint's fully outsourced ASP (application service provider) solution. Incorporated in 1997, the company has leveraged its speech technology research expertise to create attractive voice-based solutions for businesses worldwide. Headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., VocalPoint Technologies can be reached at www.vocalpoint.com, or by calling 415.615.0600