UUNET SA, a WorldCom company, has partnered with Intelleca to offer SpeechMail to its employees and customers. The service provides remote, voice-enabled e-mail access, allowing users to listen and reply to e-mail messages over the phone.
"The introduction of SpeechMail means that our users and clients no longer have to set up a portable computer and log onto the Internet to check mail when they are out of the office. Apart from access to a telephone, no other special equipment is needed to use the service, so SpeechMail enables cost-effective and efficient remote management of your mailbox," says Thabang Makwetla, of UUNET product marketing.
UUNET will use SpeechMail internally to allow staff to manage e-mail in between customer calls rather than having to return to the office. This will enable constant contact with clients and colleagues anywhere, anytime.
"SpeechMail offers a significant opportunity to increase efficiency and productivity," adds Makwetla. "The fact that we are able to stay in touch at all times with the office and our customers gives us a competitive-edge by providing access to business-critical information, allowing us to meet and exceed customer expectations at all times."
Makwetla says SpeechMail was selected because it uses the latest advances in speech recognition and text-to-speech technology. Also, unlike other similar services, it is easy to implement and requires no additional resources. "Communication is vital to the success of an ISP`s business. SpeechMail cuts down on customer turnaround time and allows UUNET to deliver on service agreements to internal and external users on time and without the delays experienced by other service providers," he adds.
SpeechMail interfaces with existing e-mail systems and does not require system modifications. This means the service can be set up quickly. Administration is conducted via a Web-based tool, and the system uses speech recognition for easy interaction. End-users can personalise SpeechMail according to specific preferences.
Companies that sign up with UUNET to use the SpeechMail service will have all end-user details registered and individual end-users will receive an e-mail notifying them of the access telephone number to call, as well as a unique account number and secure PIN.
To access e-mail messages, users simply call an access number and enter the account number and PIN, either verbally, or by using a touch-tone keypad. Alternatively SpeechMail will recognise their cellphone CLI. Calls are charged at the standard cellular rate. A UUNET SpeechMail demonstration is available on 082 245 9134.
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