MESSAGEmanager Solutions Enters Speech Recognition with SpeechWorks Solutions from ScanSoft

MESSAGEmanager Solutions, a leading developer and provider of communication and messaging systems has announced a partnership with the SpeechWorks Division of ScanSoft, a global leader in speech and imaging solutions.

The agreement enables MESSAGEmanager Solutions to incorporate ScanSoft's SpeechWorks Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and Text-to-Speech (TTS) products into its MESSAGEmanager VoiceXML server to provide a speech-driven telephone interface for corporate websites.

Businesses that currently provide Web "self service" facilities for customers will be able to generate speech application pages in VoiceXML from the same Web services used to generate Web pages. VoiceXML makes the speech platform a browser that can communicate with a Web application over HTTP.

"With the integration of SpeechWorks Automatic Speech Recognition into MESSAGEmanager, we will be able to help businesses provide more efficient access to information, and deliver outstanding customer service," said Ivor Livingston, Chief Executive, MESSAGEmanager Solutions.

"Speech recognition and text-to-speech have made the automation of telephone applications a caller-friendly option by providing an engaging, helpful, natural interface that serves customers quickly, efficiently and consistently," Mr Livingston added.

Peter Chidiac, SpeechWorks Division's Regional Director said, "We are pleased to enter into this agreement with MESSAGEmanager Solutions. By embedding SpeechWorks technology into MESSAGEmanager, MESSAGEmanager Solutions can offer businesses sophisticated and innovative speech solutions."

SpeechWorks OpenSpeech Recognizer enables users to interact with any wireless and wireline phone and many mobile devices to get information or conduct transactions instantly -- simply by speaking naturally. Speech recognition services replace cumbersome touch-tone interfaces that confuse and frustrate callers, and enable new categories of applications such as speech portals and telematics. Speech recognition provides an engaging, helpful, natural interface that serves callers quickly, efficiently and consistently.

SpeechWorks RealSpeak Text-To-Speech (TTS) technology uses a sophisticated software engine to convert text into a natural sounding voice or speech. TTS software reduces costs and speeds development by supplanting human recordings in a number of commercial applications. In addition, TTS software can enhance the customer's experience by providing dynamic, detailed, personalised information in a real-time in a near-human automated voice.

MESSAGEmanager Solutions MESSAGEmanager product is a Standards-based communications and messaging platform based on Voice XML that delivers powerful Voice Messaging, Presence, Speech, IVR, Fax, Telex, Mail and SMS services.

MESSAGEmanager Solutions VoIP-enabled products include MESSAGEmanager Interactive Voice Response(tm), MESSAGEmanager Voice Mail(tm) and MESSAGEmanager Exchange(tm) and MESSAGEmanager Domino Voice Messaging(tm).

MESSAGEmanager is available through a global network of licensees, distributors and resellers.