NEW YORK, September 13, 2004 — SpeechTEK — Vail Systems, a leading provider of enhanced telephony and voice hosting solutions, announced today the availability of the Vail SIP Telephony Interface Manager (TIM). Designed to Microsoft specifications, the Vail SIP TIM connects Microsoft Speech Server 2004 to SIP-based IP telephony networks. With this release, companies can now combine the business value of open standards speech and the flexibility and cost savings of next generation VoIP technology in a highly integrated Windows Server System platform.

A total software solution, the Vail SIP TIM does not require any additional specialized telephony hardware, thus greatly simplifying server installation and management. All telephony configuration is managed through built-in management interfaces in Windows Server 2003 like the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and the Microsoft Management Console (MMC). Moreover, SALT speech applications written for Microsoft Speech Server can easily migrate between Vail SIP TIM and other TIM deployments.

"We are excited that Vail is enabling the connection of Microsoft Speech Server to SIP-based IP telephony networks with its technology," said James Mastan, Director of Marketing in the Speech Server product group at Microsoft Corp. "The Vail SIP TIM will provide a new level of choice and flexibility for enterprise customers deploying speech-enabled applications on Microsoft Speech Server."

Based on Vail's proven, carrier-grade SIP telephony platform technology, the Vail SIP TIM includes advanced media and call control and CTI support. Features such as highly scalable audio conferencing and call queuing and call transfer without port restrictions further extend the flexibility and scalability of Microsoft Speech Server.

"As a Microsoft partner, Vail is pleased to offer a VoIP alternative to Microsoft Speech Server customers," said James Whiteley, President and CEO of Vail Systems. "The Vail SIP TIM underscores our shared commitment to industry standards and to extending the economies of the web to speech."

The Vail SIP TIM is available in two configurations - a 2-port Developer Edition and a 24-port Standard Edition. A 96-port version designed for Microsoft Speech Server 2004 Enterprise Edition is planned for roll-out in the fourth quarter 2004. For more information on the Vail SIP TIM and other Vail solutions for Microsoft Speech Server, please visit http://www.vailsys.com/mss.

Vail Systems delivers flexible speech application development and hosting solutions that significantly lower the cost of contact center automation and other interactive phone-based services. With Vail packaged applications, companies have the tools to jump-start their speech strategy and realize compelling results quickly and affordably. Our voice hosting services are powered by a proven carrier-grade SIP VoIP platform and include 24/7 monitoring and real-time application reporting. Providing next generation IVR solutions for over 10 years, Vail is the reliable choice in speech. For additional information, call (800) 360-VAIL (8245) or visit: http://www.vailsys.com.