Voice Application using Speech, VoiceXML and Web Produces Overwhelming Response Rate

Elix, Nü Echo and CONCEPT S2i announce an overwhelming response to their www.talktosantaclaus.com voice application launched on December 8th for the holiday season. The application-which combined speech, VoiceXML and the web-provided children with an opportunity to have a personalized 'chat with Santa and his automated elf, Pixel. The web site received over 130,000 visits within 2 weeks, and more than 72,000 people had a chat with Santa. According to Jonathan Engelsma the Editor-in-Chief of the official online publication of VoiceXML Forum, The VoiceXML Review: Upon visiting the website and getting a better understanding of the application, I must say this is one of the more unique and novel applications of VoiceXML and speech technology that Ive encountered." A survey conducted following the launch revealed that 96% of respondents were very satisfied or satisfied with their interaction with Santa.

Montreal, Quebec (PRWEB) January 22, 2004 --

For immediate release

Voice Application using Speech, VoiceXML and Web Produces Overwhelming Response Rate

The Talk to Santa" Application: A New Way to Showcase VoiceXML

Montreal, Quebec, January 20, 2004 -- Elix, Nü Echo and CONCEPT S2i are proud to announce the results following the launch of their Santa voice application at www.talktosantaclaus.com. Launched December 8th, the web site received over 130,000 visits within 2 weeks, and more than 72,000 people had a chat with Santa. The follow up survey revealed that 96% of respondents were very satisfied or satisfied with their Santa interaction. Some parents wrote back stating that the speech application was so realistic that their children, especially the younger ones, really believed they were speaking with Santa.

The voice application, available in English and French, allowed anyone to invite a child or a child at heart to have a personalized interaction with Santa and his automated elf, Pixel. To personalize the chat, parents or other adults used the Web to provide some general information about the child". The entire project, from conceptualization through to design, development, testing, and execution was accomplished in only one month.

The positive feedback poured in from worldwide users of the application such as Jonathan Engelsma the Editor-in-Chief of the official online publication of VoiceXML Forum, The VoiceXML Review: Upon visiting the website and getting a better understanding of the application, I must say this is one of the more unique and novel applications of VoiceXML and speech technology that Ive encountered."

The Talk to Santa Application ran on Elixs IVS, an interactive voice response platform that supports the VoiceXML and CCXML standards and uses voice technologies like speech recognition and text-to-speech. Nü Echo designed and implemented the dialog with Santa, and CONCEPT S2i created the interactive Web site used to personalize the dialog for each caller, and managed the users feedback. A demo version of the application is now available at www.elixonline.com/products.asp

About Elix
Elix, specialist in contact center solutions, offers a complete suite of products and services for the development and optimization of contact centers. Elixs expertise is used by renowned corporations such as VISA, Duke Power, ABN-AMRO, IKEA, and Air Canada. From traditional to advanced contact center solutions and technologies including computer telephony integration, interactive voice response, speech recognition, text-to-speech, VoiceXML, fax, and Web integration, Elix uses its expertise to help evaluate, design, implement, and educate organizations when managing and integrating effective solutions that handle their most important asset, customers. Elixs mission is supported by Intel Communications Funds, Fondaction, GTI Capital, and Bell Mobility Investment. More information about the company is available at www.elixonline.com.

About Nü Echo
Nü Echo provides expert advice, services, and solutions that allow organizations to efficiently deploy speech enabled applications offering great user experience and fast return on investment. It provides a full range of professional services related to speech technologies and dialog design, from strategic or technical advices to turnkey development projects. It also provides tailored solutions using a best-of-breed approach.
Nü Echos strengths are its independence from vendors and service providers, its unique breadth and depth of speech expertise, and the teams track record developing and deploying speech technologies, applications, and application development tools for over a decade.
www.nuecho.com

About CONCEPT S2i
CONCEPT S2i is a leader in Quebec in the design and development of personalized and evolutionary Web business solutions. Since its founding in 1995, its expert consultants have guided and accompanied large- and medium-sized organizations in the strategic positioning, creation, development, promotion and evolution of electronic business solutions. For CONCEPT S2i, the development of a Web business solution is more than just technology. CONCEPT S2i's distinctive approach is based on its ability to specify innovative solutions that rely on a well thought-out business position, marketing and clearly stated communications strategies, original design, and integration with existing processes and systems. The goal of CONCEPT S2i's team of specialists is to deploy integrated Web business solutions that create value both for the enterprise and its clients, while offering an excellent return on investment. CONCEPT S2i, Succeeding in e-business.
www.s2i.com

All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
###

Information:

Elix
Rita Azrak
Director, Marketing and Communications
rita.azrak@elixonline.com
Tel.: +1.514.768.1000, ext. 2323
Fax: +1.514.768.7680

Agency Contact :
Marlene Kovac
Verrecchia Group Communications Inc
marlene@vergroup.com
Tel: +1.514.935.0166 Ext. 148
Fax: +1.514.935.0162