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
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