iMessaging News
For Immediate Release
iVoice™ 2.01.0 Release Provides Enhanced Speech Recognition and Speech Synthesis Support, Along with Other Operation Improvements
Merrimack, NH — June 17, 2002 — iMessaging Systems, Inc. today announced the release of iVoice™ Version 2.01.0, for interactive voice response with the iSeries (AS/400). Version 2.01.0 provides significant improvements with respect to the interaction capabilities of iVoice™, including the Automatic Speech Recognition and Text-to-Speech capabilities of the system.
The voice quality of iVoice™'s Text-to-Speech (TTS) has been significantly enhanced with a new natural language TTS engine from SpeechWorks International, our speech technology partner. The SpeechWorks TTS engine has been built on AT&T Research Lab's latest breakthrough in computer-generated speech. iVoice™'s TTS now provides the most natural-sounding speech engine in the market. TTS allows iVoice™ to convert any textual information from the AS/400 into realistic computer-generated speech. TTS is extremely powerful where prerecorded speech segments are impractical, such as with names, addresses, part descriptions, or other dynamic comments.
Improvements in recognition reliability and accuracy strengthen the iVoice™ Automated Speech Recognition (ASR) module. iMessaging has worked closely with the SpeechWorks team over the past year to evaluate and incorporate several upgrades to SpeechWorks' ASR services. With iVoice™'s ASR, callers can now converse with the system in a truly interactive manner by speaking responses and commands, rather than using their touch-tone keypad. For example, iVoice™'s ASR provides the ability to recognize yes/no responses, spoken digits, such as telephone numbers or credit card entries, and list keywords, such as "arrivals," "departures," or "flight schedules." iVoice™'s controller operations have been simplified with the addition of a "configurable option" which allows the upload, storage, and synchronization of iVoice™ voice files to the AS/400. This eliminates the need for voice file backup and improves the speed in which a new or replacement iVoice™ server can be brought online.
For statistical reporting, iVoice™ now offers a comprehensive "Call Log Report" available on the AS/400. With this feature, call tracking and iVoice™ usage can be easily monitored through any authorized AS/400 workstation.
Another operational improvement to iVoice™ is Automated Redundant System Take-Over (ARSTO). This feature allows a backup or redundant iVoice™ system to automatically begin answering calls in the event that the primary iVoice™ system fails. Automated Redundant System Take-Over, coupled with iVoice™'s enhanced reliability configurations, further strengthens the stability and reliability of the iVoice™ platform. Click here for more information on iVoice™.
Our iVoice™ 2.01.0 update has received press in the following online publications:
Midrange Server's June 11, 2002 Midrange Stuff Newsletter.
iMessaging Improves Text-to-Speech in Voice Response System by Alex Woodie. You might have heard the clunky, unnatural voices when dialing an 800 number to get information about your checking account or an airline flight, It's no big secret in the industry that...READ MORE
MCPressOnline Web Site.
iMessaging Systems, Inc. Announces iVoice™ V2.01.0 For Interactive Voice Response With The iSeries (AS/400) iVoice™ 2.01.0 Release Provides Enhanced Speech Recognition and Speech Synthesis Support, Along with Other Operation Improvements...READ MORE