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- New "Outdoors" Files Available
American Data Consultants has announced the following files: Canadian Fishing Boat Owners,
consisting of 16,950 names; Foreign Pleasure Boat Owners, consisting of 18,243 names;
Mississippi Outdoors Magazine subscribers file, consisting of 20,665 names; Nevada
Fisherman, consisting of 38,765 names; Canadian Yacht Owners, consisting of 38,765 names;
Wisconsin Hunters list, consisting of 301,385 names; Nevada Hunters list, consisting of
23,484 names; and Mississippi Hunters list, consisting of 238,145 names. For more
information, contact John Kallassy at 203-358-9909, ext. 601.
- New Advertising Agency List
American List Council, Inc. has announced the availability of the Advertising Agencies
list, which includes 3,174 top ad agencies and their 27,897 executives. This list includes
7,457 4A agency executives at 568 agencies. Selections include more than 30 executive
titles, agency annual billing, employee size, headquarter or branch locations, and 95
percent of all records include phone numbers. For more information, contact Susan Brown at
908-874-4300, ext. 702.
- Power Protection & Accessories
American Power Conversion (APC) has announced a number of power-protection products and
their accessories. One is NetShelter(TM), a cabinet for storage of network,
internetworking and power protection equipment. The cabinet provides 73.5 inches (42U) of
storage height for industry standard 19- inch rackmountable equipment which is designed
for out-of-the box user simplicity with minimal installation necessary. Two rackmountable
multiport ProtectNet surge suppression devices, PNET4 and PTEL1-4, are two more products
available from APC. APC has also announced PowerAudit(TM), an on- site consulting program
designed to evaluate a site's power protection strategy, as well as SmartSlot
Measure-UPS(R) II, an integrated UPS accessory for environmental and security management.
For more information, contact Elise Hamann at 401-789-5735, ext. 2158.
- Help Desk Software Package
AnswerSet Corporation has announced Clientele/IS, a software package designed to help
internal support departments (help desks) provide more efficient, high-quality service.
Clientele/IS is a new and separate product that builds on AnswerSet's flagship product,
Clientele, by integrating asset management, user training histories and problem-resolution
facilities with call tracking and management capabilities. For more information, contact
Rob Warmack at 503-598-4500.
- Enhanced Reporting For Nontechnical Users
Aspect Telecommunications has announced the release of CustomView ReportWriter(TM),
ReportRunner(TM) and ReportFolios(TM). These new PC Windows applications enable
nontechnical users to create, customize and distribute call center information in custom
or standard reports. Users can choose the delivery method they prefer - PC, fax, printer
or electronic mail. ReportWriter enables users to select and format data for building
specialized or standard reports; ReportRunner enables PC users anywhere in the
organization to run these reports on an ad hoc or scheduled basis. ReportFolios provides
more than 100 ready-to-use templates for immediate use or customization. For more
information, contact Maribeth Lazich at 408-325-2383.
- Electronic Funds Transfer
Automated Payment Service has announced the installation of its new Electronic Funds
Transfer (EFT) service. This service is now available together with Automated Payment
Service's Check Acceptance Over The Phone program. EFT allows the user to electronically
receive payments from customers at designated intervals and have immediate access to cash
funds. For more information, contact Harvey Chamoff at 800- 248-7297.
- New Voice Dialing Service
Bell Atlantic has announced the Bell Atlantic(R) Easy VoiceSM voice dialing service, which
will utilize Texas Instru-ments' speech recognition technology. The voice dialing services
give users hands-free access to frequently called numbers by directing the phone to dial
the name or place they wish to call. The service works with any touch-tone or rotary
phone. Each customer can build a directory of up to 50 names. For more information,
contact Texas Instruments at 800-TI-TEXAS.
- New Marketing Tool
Brock Control Systems, Inc. has announced TakeControl Marketing(TM) 3.0, a marketing
module designed to allow the user to build simple or complex marketing campaigns
containing multilevel projects. Within this project-building function is the ability to
generate sophisticated scripting utilizing ad-hoc or structured prompts. The application
will also create telemarketing call queues for groups of agents and allow them to view and
record all history and activity connected to a contact, and it will track campaign results
and costs. For more information, contact Elizabeth Clarke at 770-431-1304.
- Customer Profiles Via Phone Number
Claritas Inc. has released Tele-PRIZM(TM), a product that allows companies to analyze
inbound and outbound telephone numbers using PRIZM(R), a lifestyle segmentation system.
Tele-PRIZM eliminates time-consuming address matching. Users need only the area code and
first three digits of the telephone number to obtain a complete PRIZM profile, including
demographics, lifestyle characteristics, spending habits, and media usage. For more
information, contact Kathleen Dugan at 703-812-2834.
- Voice Quality Enhancement Plus Conference Bridge
Coherent Communications Systems Corporation has announced Sculptured Sound(R), a voice
enhancement software solution designed to improve voice quality on wireline and wireless
networks. Sculptured Sound handles the problem of widely varying signal levels across
different networks allowing operators to enhance call quality and service significantly.
Coherent also announced they have acquired the Chameleon Audio Conference Bridge from
Teleconferencing Technologies, Inc. The Chameleon conference bridge has an all-digital
architecture with echo cancellations on every port for duplex conversations. For more
information, contact Diane McClelland at 703-729-6400, ext. 311.
- Headset In-Use Indicator
Crest Industries, Inc. has announced the Headset In-Use Indicator that lets you know at a
glance when someone wearing a headset is actually involved in a conversation. The
Indicator light will be on until the call is terminated. The product was designed for all
headset users to avoid being interrupted during a conversation. The Indicator light is
visible from 100 feet. It is compatible with all headsets and headsets using standard
modular connections. The base unit can be easily mounted on a desk and/or used in
conjunction with the Satellite unit for the top of a cubicle. The package includes two
indicator lights, a 12" modular handset cord, double-backed tape and an A.C. adapter.
For more information, contact customer service at 800-452-7378.
- New Client/Server Application
Data Code, Inc. has announced the Enterprise Series 6.0, a client/server application that
provides multi- database support including Oracle, Informix, SQL Server & DB2. In
addition, Enterprise Series 6.0 supports ODBC. Enterprise Series 6.0 is now available for
Windows, Windows 95 and Mac, offering users an enhanced user interface, upgraded
opportunity management, integrated business graphics, quote system, alarms and improved
list management functions. Data Code also announced the Enterprise Series for Mac, a
client/server, sales and marketing system for the Macintosh Enterprise Series for Mac. For
more information, contact Patricia Broyles at 800-762-1480.
- Import/Export Database Available
Database America (DBA), a supplier of business and consumer marketing information, has
announced the release of Import/Export Database, a new file designed to help mailers,
telemarketers and market researchers reach niche markets. The file can be segmented by
import, export, or both import and export. The Import/Export database contains more than
145,000 businesses that require a wide variety of goods and services. DBA also announced
the Billion Dollar Database, which offers marketers the opportunity to identify and reach
more than 1,800 of the nation's large businesses. For more information, contact Greg
Thistle at 201-476-2307.
- Chair Designed For Phone Work
Delco Office Systems, a division of Delco Associates, Inc., has announced the TelErgonomic
chair for telemarketing and customer service applications. Features include: adjustable
back height and ability of back to swivel; adjustable in and out motion of back relative
to seat; contoured, oversized wide seat with dished-out compound curve center; waterfall
design in front of seat; an extra two inches of heavy-density, fire-retardant foam. Chairs
are available with or without arms. For more information, call 800-243-8528.
- Mystery Caller Service
Direct Answer has announced the availability of TeleTruth(TM) Mystery Caller Service for
TAS and call centers. Users are able to subscribe to a pre-defined standard program of
ongoing monthly service calls or can custom design a complete Quality Assurance program. A
customized package can also provide the user with reports on their sales and customer
service areas. The service is available on a bi-monthly report cycle over six months and
on a one-year, monthly basis. For more information, contact Steven O'Connor at
905-507-1934.
- Enhancement To Power Failure Transfer System
Gordon Kapes, Inc. has announced their new 916 DTMF Receiver/ Recorder Announcer Card and
Version 1.02 (V1.02) CPU software enhancement. The 916 Card brings DNIS capability to a
System 920 equipped with V1.02 CPU software. V1.02 CPU software, in addition to
accommodating the 916 Card, includes the following features: customer selectable analog
phone operation, flexible extension numbering of analog ports, T1 channels that can be
assigned to "trunk pools" for outbound access via dialing 8 or 9 to select a
particular pool and to open accessible diagnostic menu choice. For more information,
contact Tim Sammons at 708-676-1750.
- Improved Mail Readability/File Conversion
Group1 Software has announced the release of I/O-Jet Plus 1.0 for the HP 9000, IBM RISC
6000 and other UNIX-based platforms. This system was previously available for use only
with IBM and compatible mainframe computers. I/O-Jet Plus allows businesses to use inkjet
technology to improve the readability and appearance of mailing labels, catalogs,
magazines and other mail pieces. I/O Jet Plus converts presorted name-and-address files
into the correct format for an inkjet printer. Group 1 has also announced the release of
List Conversion Plus version 1.0 for the HP 9000, IBM RISC 6000 and other UNIX platforms,
as well as OS/2, Windows NT and DEC VAX/ VMS computers. It allows users to convert mailing
lists and data files into user-defined customized formats with computer programming. For
more information, contact Suzanne Porter-Kuchay at 800-368-5806, ext. 341.
- Seating Preserves Natural Posture
HAG, Inc. has announced HAG Balans, a chair that gives the body a natural and more
functional posture compared to conventional seating. The forward slanting seat and
supportive leg cushion of the HAG Balans chair opens the angle between the thigh and trunk
of the body, which automatically leads to proper spinal column alignment, resulting in
maximum upper body flexibility, improved circulation and easier breathing while seated.
For more information, call 800-334-4839.
- Phone Messages Retrievable Via Internet
IBM has announced new software that allows phone messages to be retrieved via the Internet
World Wide Web. Voice mail users can now listen to, delete and save their messages
directly from their computers using Web browsers such as those in the IBM Internet
Connection family. With the new IBM DirectTalkMail software, it is possible to check phone
messages from either a computer or phone. DirectTalkMail is a new voice messaging feature
of IBM's DirectTalk/6000 voice response software, and is suitable for organizations that
require a few hundred voice mail boxes or a few thousand. For more information, contact
Robin Carley at 914-766-1113.
- Caller Identification Enhancements
Iwatsu America has announced the availability of enhanced ADIX and ADIX ACD system
software that adds caller ID, automatic number identification (ANI) and dialed number
identification service (DNIS) to the digital communications systems' long list of standard
programmable features. When a call comes in on a caller ID or ANI T1 trunk to an ADIX or
ADIX ACD system equipped with a new software, the liquid crystal display on an Omega-Phone
will show a 16-digit alphanumeric that provides information about or identifies the
calling party. For more information, contact Michael Marchioni at 201-935-8580.
- Big Businesses Buying Power For Small Companies
MCI has announced the networkMCI VIP Club, a program for small and mid-size businesses
that provides MCI communication services, office equipment, computer software including
Windows 95, and hardware at greatly reduced prices. The new program includes agreements
with leading suppliers, including Dun & Bradstreet, Vanstar, Multiple Zones, and
Staples and is designed to ease the financial constraints of investing in technology.
Long-distance and other service discounts are also available. For more information,
contact Paul Adams at 770-668-6406.
- Ergonomic Solutions
MicroCentre has announced ergonomic workspace solutions with its Modular Solutions Series,
which includes the ErgoScape(TM) and CentreScape(TM). The ErgoScape's modular components
can be combined to create nearly any ergonomic workspace - from a compact desk to a
U-shaped workstation with conference area to a computer training center. The CentreScape
modular workstation features advanced styling and flexibility. The system features 24-,
36- and 48-inch tables and hutches that form its building blocks. For more information,
contact Steve Cochrane at 818-338-0870.
- Lists of Long-Distance Users
MidAmerica Lists, Inc. has announced the availability of a list that includes 41 million
active households spending at least $30 per month on long-distance products and services.
Selections include: demographic groups like established families, empty nesters, seniors,
mail responsive, mail order buyers, donors, PC owners and software buyers, bankcard
holders and pet owners. One can select only those households who reflect either AT&T,
MCI or Sprint characteristics or choose all. The database is updated every 30 days.
MidAmerica Lists also announced the 3.2 million-name Business Users of Telecommunications
Products and Services list, which consists of users of long-distance, 800 numbers, fax,
prepaid calling cards, voice mail, pagers and cellular phones. Selections include: contact
names, employee size, sales volume, SIC code, credit codes and 100 percent phones. For
more information, call 800-747-5900.
- New Voice Processing Boards
NewVoice, Inc. has announced the introduction of Challenger Series, a DSP-based line of
voice processing boards. By incorporating DSP, the Challenger Series can easily integrate
new features and technologies into the product line through software upgrades. These
include ADPCM and WAV file support, on-board caller ID, MVIP interfacing, built-in
conferencing, and volume and pitch control. For more information, contact Paul Winders at
703-648-0585.
- Predictive Dialer Facilitates Call Blending
Noble Systems Corporation has announced the ATOMS Predictive Dialer, allowing call centers
to achieve inbound/outbound call blending. The company's turnkey systems feature ISDN
capabilities and have direct T1 interfaces. ATOMS has the following features: runs
multiple applications with different staff, completes statistics in real-time for all data
including ACD traffic, has complete list management software, and produces simplified
payroll records for telemarketing staff. For more information, contact Bill Meakin at
800-933-6726, ext. 370.
- Software System Upgrade
Pipkins, Inc. has announced a new upgrade release of Call Center Maxima(TM), a leading
workforce management software system. The system provides call volume forecasting,
Merlang(TM) analysis, agent skill set scheduling and the monitoring, measuring and control
of multi-site call centers. The upgrade provides many enhancements that will give call
center managers even more control over the future call volume forecasts, and it will
enhance their ability to perform "what if" analyses. For more information,
contact Anthony Karre at 314-469-6106.
- Advanced Client/Server Support
ProAmerica Systems, Inc. has announced Service Call Management 3.5, an advanced
client/server customer support and help desk application that provides users intuitive
access to customers, technical assistance requests (TARs), registrations and contracts
through the use of customer folders. The advanced features offered with SCM 3.5 allow the
user to quickly move between tasks, to easily log and track calls and to instantaneously
create reports and add notes. For more information, contact Laura Nelson at 214- 680-6292.
- ATM Monitoring
S2 Systems, Inc. has announced the first Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) Information and
Monitoring System (AIMS). This system was designed by S2 Systems in conjunction with
ProAmerica Systems, Inc. to track and manage problems in ATM networks. The two companies
are integrating S2's ON/2 Electronic Banking Application with ProAmerica's help desk
software, Service Call Management (SCM). When an ATM system failure or network breakdown
occurs, ON/2 sends an alarm message to SCM. SCM then processes, logs and transmits the
information, notifying a technician of the breakdown. SCM creates Technical Assistance
Request (TAR) and records the transaction for network and system analysis. For more
information, contact Susan Kemp at 214-458-3887.
- Voice Processing Under Windows 95
Talking Technology, Inc. (TTI) has announced the new release of Voice Window version 1.4,
a voice processing application. New features include: enhanced DTMF response time,
professionally recorded voice prompts, enhanced mail box management, configurable call
forwarding and pager options, call transfers, database reporting features, and more. TTI
also announced TeleFriend, a new, multiline voice processing Windows application generator
that runs simultaneously in the background under Windows 3.1 and Windows 95. For more
information, contact Jaime Reloj at 510-522-3800.
- Electronic Commerce Capabilities
Technology Solutions Company (TSC) has announced Electronic Commerce Capabilities, the
union of technologies, applications, processes and business strategies that foster the
efficient exchange of information between organizations and improves the way companies
market and sell products and services. Electronic Com-merce includes bar coding and EDI
applications, advanced messaging and Internet services, as well as interactive commerce
initiatives. For more information, contact Heidi Dethloff at 312-819-2250.
- Real-Time Call Center Info.
Teknekron Infoswitch has an-nounced the release of InnoVision, a Windows-based application
that provides supervisors with real-time information on call center activity. InnoVision
provides basic performance statistics including agent state, trunk state, and calls
offered, handled and abandoned. InnoVision's full-color screens are visually intuitive and
can be customized by supervisors to display only the relevant details, trends and
statistics critical for effective group management. The displays use color- coding to
alert supervisors to changes in critical states, based on user-defined thresholds. For
more information, contact Katherine Kirkpatrick at 817-267-3025.
- Agency Adds Automated Voice Response
USA 800, a leading 800-number live operator service agency, has announced the addition of
automated voice response capabilities. USA 800 has also purchased Meridian Mail and IVR
along with Customer Controlled Routing/Meridian Link features to integrate with their
Northern Telecom SL1 switch. USA 800 plans to offer stand-alone IVR solutions and
integrated live operator and automated solutions as a value-added service to clients. For
more information, contact Jerry Schmutzler at 800-821-7539, ext. 325.
- One-Number Communications For Cellular Customers
Vanguard Cellular, Inc. has an-nounced that it has selected Priority Call Management's
ORYX platform and one-number communications application, including voice and fax messaging
capabilities for implementation in four of its regions. Using Priority's ORYX platform,
Vanguard Cellular is delivering enhanced services to its subscribers located in Maine,
West Virginia and Florida. Priority's one-number application provides access through a
single existing telephone number to an individual's office, cellular, facsimile and pager
number. For more information, contact Mike Clark at 910-545-2674.
- Visual Ring Indicator
Viking Electronics has announced the VR-1A Visual Ring Indicator, designed to eliminate
the confusion in offices caused when it's not immediately apparent which phone is ringing.
The VR-1A Visual Ring Indicator immediately provides a visual indication of exactly which
phone is ringing, and provides an "On-The-Phone" visual indication to others
when an equipped phone is in use. The VR-1A also indicates messages waiting, allowing
calls to get returned faster. For more information, contact Carol Lieb at 715- 386-8861.
- Flexible Speech Recognition
Voice Processing Corporation (VPC) has announced its VProFlex/XD speech recognition
technology, designed to offer flexible, accurate, rapid vocabulary creation speech
applications. Through phoneme- based technology, VProFlex/XD enables VPC to quickly create
speech recognition vocabularies for customers without collecting speech samples.
VProFlex/XD is completely compatible with VPC's VPro 3.4. For more information, contact
Deb Persson at 617-494-0100.
- Analyze Your Call Activity
Zeus Phonstuff has announced Whozz Calling?(TM), a unit that allows businesses to easily
collect and analyze inbound and outbound telephone usage. Using caller ID technology,
businesses can now identify, display and track all phone calls. The unit is able to pick
up the caller's name and number to help build customer databases and monitor employee
activity. Whozz Calling? is the size of an answering machine. The unit monitors 4 phone
lines and will transfer call data to a printer, a computer, or onboard memory. Up to 100
phone lines can be monitored by connecting up to 25 units together. For more information,
contact Keith Ruehle at 800-240-4637.
- New Dialer To Route Calls
Zoom Telephonetics has announced the Zoom/Dialer Model 15, a "store-and-forward"
dialer that automatically routes all long-distance calls through one long-distance
carrier. The Zoom/Dialer Model 15 will be used as a "give away" by some
long-distance carriers to boost usage of their service by automatically bypassing the
local phone company whenever a long-distance call is dialed. Once plugged into any phone
jack in a home or office, the Zoom/Dialer automatically handles calls made from any
touch-tone phone on the line. It stores the number dialed, analyzes it and automatically
dials all appropriate digits to route the call. For more information, contact Terry
Manning at 617-423-1072.
- Software For Day-To-Day Tasks
AlgoRhythms Inc., a computer-telephony integration (CTI) software company, has announced
the release of PhoneKITS, the company's CTI software that automates day-to-day tasks
performed on the telephone. PhoneKITS links the personal computer to the telephone,
enabling users to carry out telephone, voice mail and fax functions via the PC. PhoneKITS
is Windows telephony software that allows the user to place a call from the PC by
highlighting a name, or phone or fax number in any application, whether it's word
processing, contact software or e-mail. For more information, contact Michael Stanford at
202-332-2110.
- Telephony-Enable Windows Apps.
AT&T has announced the availability of Aurora System's FastCall(R) software for
PassageWay(TM) Direct Connection, which integrates Microsoft Windows applications with its
Merlin Legend(R) communication system. FastCall allows users to quickly telephony-enable
Windows applications in desktop or LAN environments. FastCall provides CTI functions,
without the need for programming, such as: inbound screen pops, coordinated voice and data
transfers, outbound preview dialing and robust screen-based telephony. For more
information, contact Ryerson Schwark (AT&T GBCS) at 908-953- 7528.
- EnterpriseWide Directory Adds Multilingual & TAPI Support
CCOM Information Systems has announced new multilingual support for PhoneLine, a CTI
corporate directory product family. The new release of PhoneLine is available in English,
French, German and Japanese with localized documentation and on-line help. This enables
international organizations to distribute and access common, up-to-date enterprise
directory information using localized views in multiple countries. CCOM also announced
that PhoneLine(R) is now available with computer-telephony integration support for Windows
telephony. This new release of PhoneLine is a TAPI-compliant application that integrates
corporate and personal directories with expanded CTI capabilities. For more information,
contact Joel Silverman at 908-603-7750, ext. 515.
- Link DOS Apps. To TSAPI-Compatible Phone Switches
Digisoft Computers, Inc. has announced the release of DOS-Link(TM), a PC product that
links any DOS application to TSAPI-compatible phone switches. DOS-Link is a middleware
product that telephony- enables any DOS application. DOS-Link uses client/server
architecture to communicate between each DOS workstation and the telephony server.
DOS-Link is implemented as an NLM sitting on the Novell Telephony Services file where it
both sends and receives messages over the Novell network while directly linked to the
phone switch. For more information, call the sales department at 212-581-2190.
- Desktop Solutions For Retail Banking
Early, Cloud & Company (ECC), a provider of customer service solutions, has announced
CallFlow(TM) Client, a desktop software environment for retail banks building call
center/customer relationship management applications. The new environment includes desktop
software specially designed for retail bank customer service representatives, application
developers and call center administrators. CallFlow Client's packaged solution includes:
CallFlow Banker, CallFlow Agent, CallFlow Administrator and CallFlow Developer. For more
information, call 800-322-3042.
- Interactive Service Apps For WWW
Edify Corporation, a provider of software for interactive services, has announced the
availability of its Electronic Workforce(R) Release 4.0. The new version offers companies
a rapid way to deploy interactive service applications via standard World Wide Web
browsers. Additionally, Edify announced it has earned a U.S. patent that covers the
methodology for the company's core software agent technology, cited as
"object-oriented customer information exchange." Unisys Corporation, an
international information management company, has purchased Edify's electronic Workforce
4.0 to provide self-service human resource applications to its 36,000 employees worldwide.
For more information, contact Jan Hames at 408-982-2000.
- Computer-Telephony Upgrade
Expert Systems has announced the EASE(R) for Windows Version 4.0 of their
computer-telephony (CT) flagship product. This release enhances the EASE integrated
development environment with a Windows 95-compatible graphical user interface. EASE for
Windows consists of high-level tools for rapid application development; a low-level
language, SPL: Scenario Programming Language(R), for custom programming needs; and hooks
to C/C++ for optimal customization. For more information, contact Kelly O'Keefe White at
770-642-7575, ext. 112.
- Internet Link With Video Teleconferencing Capabilities
Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc. has announced Netvectoring(R), a
computer-mediated communications technology that ties together the Internet, Genesys'
advanced telephony software, and two-way real-time video conferencing capabilities. This
combination allows an Internet user to control the flow of audio and video over the
existing public telecommunications network. For more information, contact Brian Galvin at
415-827-2700.
- Speech Recognition Replaces Touch-Tone/Rotary Dialing
Lernout & Hauspie Speech Products has announced that TEDAS, Inc. will use L&H
speech recognition technology in its phoneware(TM) software-enabling voice commands to
replace touch-tone and rotary dialing control. The new phoneware software controls the
telephone interface, which connects personal computers with telephone lines. The telephone
interface simplifies the physical connection between the telephone and the computer,
allowing the seamless addition of the PC to the telephone. For more information, contact
Bart Verhaeghe at 617-932-4118.
- New Switching Board And Developer's Kit
Rhetorex, Inc. has announced the Rhetorex MVIP switch (RMX), which supports full Enhanced
Compliant MVIP switching for Rhetorex computer-telephony components and companion
technologies. The RMX provides additional flexibility in computer-telephony application
design and implementation. The RMX supports full Enhanced Compliant MVIP (Multi-Vendor
Integration Protocol) switching, allowing up to 256 channels to be distributed and
multiplexed over the eight MVIP data streams. MVIP Enhanced Compliant switching allows
switching between local devices and the MVIP bus; switching from the MVIP bus back to the
MVIP bus and configuring the MVIP I/O direction as either MVIP Network or MVIP Resource.
Rhetorex also announced the Visual Telephony Developer's Kit (VTDK) for Windows 95, which
consists of hardware, software, tools and samples designed to allow rapid development of
Rhetorex-based computer-telephony applications. For more information, contact Evelyn
Elkins at 408- 370-0881, ext. 110.
- ACD Offers MultiSite Networking
Teloquent Communications Corp-oration has announced Distributed Call Center(R) Release 3,
which provides multisite networking in either fully integrated or peer-to-peer
arrangements, without requiring dedicated facilities such as T1 links. Distributed Call
Center is a full-featured ACD that uses ISDN together with Teloquent's patented technology
to manage calls, agents and voice processing equipment distributed throughout the public
telephone network. Its open client/server architecture is built on industry standard
computing platforms and software. Teloquent reports that it is the first ACD system with
Windows 95 support. For more information, call 508-663-7570.
- Consolidated Telemarketing Of America Changes Name
Consolidated Telemarketing of America has announced it has changed its name to
Consolidated Market Response (CMR). CMR President Steve Childers said, "The new name
reflects the company's marketing strategy to offer full-service, integrated marketing
services." CMR provides database creation and management; inbound and outbound
teleservices; fulfillment; lead qualification and management; customized program design;
Internet communications; and customer service.
- Edify Receives Financing
Edify Corporation has announced it has completed a private round of financing totaling
$7.4 million in exchange for a minority stake in the company. Goldman Sachs & Co. led
the investment group, which included Michael Dell, founder and chief executive of Dell
Computer Corp. Jeffrey M. Crowe, president and co-founder of Edify Corporation, said,
"The investment will enable us to accelerate our already rapid growth and pursue new
opportunities associated with interactive services on the Web."
- GeoTel Software Passes Carrier Standards
GeoTel Communications Corporation has announced that its Intelligent CallRouter (ICR)
software has passed the network interface specifications, service performance requirements
and responsiveness test standards of the major interexchange carriers (AT&T, MCI and
Sprint). According to GeoTel, ICR is the only enterprisewide call distribution system to
pass and exceed the rigorous testing and benchmarking standards of all three major
carriers.
- ICT Group Forms New Unit
ICT Group, Inc. has announced the formation of ICT TeleServices, the nucleus around which
ICT Group was built, into a strategic business unit. Its charter is to provide clients
with cost-effective, high-quality telephone-based sales, marketing and customer support.
To match the systems and management resources of this business unit to the specific needs
of client requirements, ICT TeleServices is organized into four divisions: ICT TeleDirect,
ICT TeleResponse, ICT TeleProfessional, and ICT Tele-Services International.
- Jensen-Jones Changes Name, Receives Investment Capital
Jensen-Jones, Inc. has announced it has changed its name to Commence Corporation and has
moved to new corporate headquarters in Shrewsbury, New Jersey. Commence Corporation, a
provider of Commence 3.0 workgroup information management (WIM) software, has also
announced a three-year growth plan to step-up marketing and sales, increase product
development and technical support, and expand into new national and international markets.
Edison Venture Fund is providing capital to assist in Commence Corpora-tion's planned
growth.
- Link Circle Of Quality Winners Announced
Link Telemarketing has announced the that 10 members of Link Telemar-keting have joined
the Link Circle of Quality. Link Circle of Quality Awards were presented to the following:
Benton Telemarketing, Inc., Dacotah Marketing and Research, Direct Marketing Services,
Inc. (Scottsdale, Arizona), EI Telemarketing, Gannett Telemarketing, Inc., Lanphear
Industries, Inc., Quality Assured Telemarket-ing, RMH Telemarketing, Telemarket Resources,
and Terril Tele Technologies.
- Stephen Dun Raises Money For L.A. Mission
Stephen Dun & Associates (SD&A) has announced that it helped generate $285,000 for
the fall 1994 telemarketing test program for The Mission, a Los Angeles organization
dedicated to providing relief and rehabilitation to the homeless. Using a Thanksgiving and
Christmas appeal, SD&A callers contacted 26,755 donors from The Mission's donor
database. Of these, 4,755 responded with pledges totaling $329,802. Because of the success
of the test program, a pilot program was implemented in January 1995 to run year round,
resulting in pledges of more than $950,000 for the year.
- TeleDirect Forms Strategic Focus Team
TeleDirect International, Inc., a provider of client/server LAN-based systems for
automating call centers, has announced the formation of its Call Center Solutions Group
(CCSG) to work in close partnership with customers. The Group will consist of a focus team
using the Object Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD) process to deliver high-quality,
flexible products and services to meet the specific application needs of key, strategic
call centers. The CCSG will use component software objects and applications it develops
through OOAD to provide enhanced product packages for TeleDirect's Liberation(TM) customer
base.
- Walker Changes Name, Acquires Canadian Firm, Opens Mexican Office
Walker Group has announced it has changed its name to Walker Information to more
accurately reflect the company's capabilities. Walker Information also announced it has
agreed to acquire 100 percent of Toronto-based Elliott Research Corporation Limited, which
services clients such as IBM Canada, Johnson & Johnson and Canada Post. Walker
Information also announced it has opened a research office in Mexico City to take
advantage of new business opportunities created, in part, by the North American Free Trade
Agreement.
- DiMark(R), Inc. has announced it has signed a letter of intent to acquire PRO Direct
Response Corporation, which specializes in the financial services industry and was ranked
as one of the top 25 largest telemarketing companies in 1995 by Telemarketing(R) magazine.
Thomas E. Garvey, chairman of DiMark, stated, "The acquisition of PRO Direct Response
Corporation immediately gives DiMark a presence in the rapidly growing telemarketing
industry, which has become an increasingly important component of the direct marketing
industry."
- EIS To Acquire Surefind Information
EIS International, Inc. has announced it has signed a letter of intent to acquire the
business of Surefind Information, Inc., a provider of local area network and PC data
disaster recovery services. Surefind's software allows call centers, corporations and PC
users to automatically back-up computer data by uploading it to Surefind's electronic
vaults in Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania and Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Vodavi Technology Acquires Enhanced Systems
Enhanced Systems, Inc., a vendor of voice processing systems and IVR products, has
announced it has been acquired by Vodavi Technology, Inc. (VTI), a Phoenix-based holding
company. The company further announced that VTI successfully completed an initial public
offering of 1,333,333 shares of its common stock. Under the terms of the acquisition,
Enhanced Systems will remain located in Norcross, Georgia. VTI is headquartered in
Scottsdale, Arizona. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Vodavi Communi-cations, Inc.,
the company designs, develops, markets and supports a broad range of telephone systems and
commercial grade telephones for a variety of business markets.
- Learning International Acquires Heatseeker(R)
Learning International, the worldwide sales and service training company headquartered
Stamford, Connecticut, and ActionSystems, Inc., the Dallas, Texas-based customer and
market management company, have announced the sale of ActionSystems' sales process
automation subsidiary, including its flagship product, HeatSeeker, to Learning
International. The sale does not involve ActionSystems' international training and
consulting business.
- Mayline Acquires Kwik-File
Mayline Company, a specialty contract furniture manufacturer of computer furniture, has
announced the acquisition of Kwik-File, Inc., a privately owned contract furniture
manufacturer of a line of mail handling and sorting furniture. Kwik-File, Inc. will be
renamed Kwik-File LLC and become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Mayline Company.
- Syntellect Signs Merger Agreement With Telecorp Systems
Syntellect, Inc. has announced the execution of a merger agreement with Pinnacle
Investment Associates, Inc., the holding company for Telecorp Systems, Inc. The merger has
been approved by the boards of directors for both companies. Pinnacle and Telecorp will
become subsidiaries of Syntellect. Telecorp systems is a privately held developer and
manufacturer of inbound/outbound call center systems, primarily for cable television,
broadcast satellite, health care and newspaper industries. Completion of the transaction
is subject to the customary conditions, including the approval of the shareholders of
Syntellect and Pinnacle. Upon completion of the merger, Pinnacle's Chairman and CEO, J.
Lawrence Bradner, and Pinnacle President, Steve G. Nassrallah, will assume the roles of
chairman/CEO and president of Syntellect, respectively. Syntellect also announced that
Kenneth Pratt, vice president of manufacturing, and Fowler McS. Brown, vice president of
client services, have tendered letters of resignation, effective immediately. In accepting
the resignations, Syntellect announced the creation of a new position, vice president of
operations, which will incorporate manufacturing, client services and information
services. Other senior Syntellect management, together with David C. Phillips, a
consultant to Syntellect and executive vice president of Telecorp Systems, will
immediately assume responsibility for the management of this new position. Upon the
completion of the merger, Mr. Phillips will assume the position of Syntellect's vice
president of operations.
- Unitel Acquires ADS Teleservices
Unitel Corporation of McLean, Virginia has announced it has acquired ADS Teleservices, a
Springfield, Virginia-based telemarketing firm whose clients include Pizza Hut two
airports near Washington, DC (Dulles and National). ADS, which provides inbound, outbound
and interactive voice response telemarketing capabilities, handled more than 2 million
phone calls last year.
- Aurum Chosen By Dun & Bradstreet And Maxtor
Aurum Software, Inc. has announced that Dun & Bradstreet has chosen Aurum as the
preferred software and services provider for Sales Technologies' SNAP for Windows
customers. Dun & Bradsteet exited the business-to-business sales force automation
market in July 1995 when its subsidiary, Sales Technologies, Inc., announced that it would
discontinue the marketing and development of SNAP for Windows. Aurum will offer a complete
migration program to SNAP for Windows customers called JumpStart for SNAP, which is
composed of exclusive migration technology and expert consulting. Aurum also announced
that Maxtor Corporation has chosen Aurum's SupportTrak(TM) as the standard for its
enterprisewide customer data management system. Maxtor, a $900+ million provider of mass
storage products for desktop and mobile computer systems, expects Aurum's SupportTrak to
play a pivotal role in its strategic initiative to provide superior customer service.
- GeoTel/Call Center Enterprises Partnership
GeoTel Communications Corporation and Call Center Enterprises, Inc. (CCE) have announced a
strategic business and technical partnership aimed at meeting the increased demand from
customers to expand and reengineer their use of call centers for competitive advantage. As
part of the alliance, the companies will jointly provide a broad range of consulting
services and software solutions that improve customer service levels among large call
center users. CCE offers a comprehensive set of consulting and integration services.
GeoTel Communications develops, markets and supports the Intelligent CallRouter(TM) (ICR),
a solution designed to help customer-oriented companies enhance customer service by
routing calls intelligently and efficiently at the enterprise level.
- CCOM Integrates PhoneLine(R) With Intecom CTI Solutions
Intecom, a provider of advanced multimedia telecommunications networks, and CCOM
Information Systems, a provider of directory services and computer-telephony integration
(CTI) solutions, have agreed to a product integration plan for CCOM's PhoneLine and
Intecom's TAPI (telephony application programming interface) Services Provider Interface.
The plan is designed to allow Intecom-based clients to telephony-enable enterprisewide
directory information to provide productivity enhancements for message center, operator,
reception and knowledge worker environments. Further enhancements of PhoneLine with
Intecom's IQ Admin(TM) will allow seamless integration of PBX data with the enterprisewide
directory.
- Key Voice/Comdial Marketing Agreement
Key Voice Technologies and Comdial Corporation have announced that the two companies have
signed an agreement whereby Comdial will market Key Voice's PC-based voice processing
systems. Key Voice's systems will be marketed as enhancements to Comdial's digital and
selected analog business telephone systems. Comdial and Key Voice will work jointly to
develop future enhancements.
- Systems Integration Agreements For NPRI
NPRI, Inc. has announced American Techsystems (ATC) has signed a systems integration and
reseller agreement for NPRI's VerSatility in the Northeast U.S. ATC will market the
VerSatility series of integrated sales, service and support applications for
enterprisewide customer interaction solutions for call center operations in the
client/server environment. NPRI also announced that Global Management Systems, Inc. (GMSI)
signed a systems integration agreement with NPRI to distribute the VerSatility series of
software products. NPRI and GMSI will team up to address the call center
client/server-based requirements in the Federal Government and the commercial marketplace
(with a focus on banking) on a nationwide level.
- Major Order From Delta For Aspect
Aspect Telecommunications has announced that Delta Air Lines has placed orders for 11
large Aspect CallCenter automatic call distribution (ACD) systems, valued at an estimated
$10 million. Ten of these units will be installed in existing Delta reservation centers
across the United States and Canada. The eleventh system will be utilized by Delta to
establish a new reservations center near London, England.
- Brock Contracts
Brock Control Systems, Inc. has announced it signed 35 new contracts, including six
Fortune 500 accounts, during the third quarter 1995 for its Sales Performance software
series, TakeControl. The new accounts include: Advanced Sterilization Products, a division
of Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc.; AIM Distributors Inc., distributor for The AIM
Family of Funds(R); Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.; Conoco, Inc.; PPG Industries;
and SmithKline Beecham Consumer Healthcare, among others. Expansions to existing clients
include: American Personal Communications, a Sprint Telecommunications Venture Affiliate;
Federal Express Corporation; McAfee; Monsanto Company; Sprint TELECENTERS; and Tektronix
CPID.
- EIS Installation At Dialogue Marketing
EIS International, Inc. has announced the installation of its Centenium(TM) call center
software system at Dialogue Marketing in Southfield, Michigan. Dialogue needed a
computer-telephony integration (CTI) software package that would allow it to pursue its
"concept telemarketing" strategy, whereby it conducts intensive telephone
campaigns to collect accurate and up-to-date information on specific target markets it
then uses to send a customized message to particular individuals. It chose Centenium for
its client/server architecture that distributes processing tasks and automates all facets
of call center operations, from TSR screen displays to management reporting.
- IEX Selected For Trucking Network
IEX Corporation has announced it has been selected to design and provide equipment for a
network switching center for Dallas, Texas-based HighwayMaster Corporation, which operates
the largest instant- call-delivery enhanced-cellular network currently in existence with
coverage in 99 percent of the available cellular coverage areas in the U.S. and 100
percent of the A-side cellular coverage areas in Canada. The network was established to
provide voice and data services to the trucking industry. IEX will combine its NEXUS
service control point, Telestar tandem switch, and Call Valet interactive voice response
system in the HighwayMaster network deployment. The Nexus enhanced Network Services
platform in HighwayMaster's network switching center uses IEX Rules-Based routing to speed
communications between trucks and thousands of remote locations.
- InterVoice Bank Contract
InterVoice, Inc. has announced that it and Sprint, an InterVoice Value Added Reseller,
have received large orders for InterVoice systems and software from First Union
Corporation. Terms of the contract call for First Union to purchase from Sprint more than
30 InterVoice interactive voice response systems within the next 12 months. In addition,
First Union will purchase from InterVoice software licenses and development services.
- Know IT! Newspaper Contract
Know IT!, Inc. has announced an agreement to install its PC LAN-based call center system,
TNT, the Telephone-Network-Turbodialer, for Needham, Massachusetts-based Community
Newspaper Company (CNC). TNT will be installed at CNC's Needham headquarters facility and
at one of their satellite facilities. These facilities will be able to cross-communicate
and share data via a WAN designed and installed by Know IT!'s Systems Services group. The
installation also includes customized screens, reporting capabilities and links with each
newspaper's circulation system. CNC expects to initially use TNT's dialing and contact
management capabilities to improve subscription market penetration.
- Rockwell Contracts
Rockwell International Corporation's Switching Systems Division has announced the purchase
by the Social Security Administration (SSA) of in excess of $6 million in call center
equipment. Currently the SSA receives 67 million calls a year on its toll-free lines.
These calls are handled by 5,378 agents and 339 supervisors, running on 20 Rockwell ACDs
and 16 Rockwell remote systems. The new equipment will allow the SSA to provide an
additional 2,382 agents and 139 supervisors to assist in answering 800- number calls when
needed. The Switching Systems Division also announced the sale of three Spectrum(TM)
Integrated Call Center Systems to Northeast Utilities Service Company, headquartered in
Berlin, Connecticut.
- Telcom Installations
Telcom Technologies has announced the installation of a Telcom ACD Master automatic call
distribution (ACD) system at Soccer World, a national catalog provider of soccer equipment
and clothing. Their call center, located in Hayard, California, handles catalog orders and
customer inquiries. The Soccer World Telcom system is equipped for 32 agents and 64
trunks. Telcom also announced the installation of a Telcom ACD Master system at Taima
Corporation in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Taima Corporation provides help desk support for
small software companies that do not have their own Help Desk or MIS departments, as well
as direct service for individuals. The Telcom system installed at Taima is equipped for 10
agent stations and one administrative position with Digital Display Sets (DDS) stations
and currently utilizes 16 of its 40 trunks.
- TeleDirect Installations
TeleDirect International, Inc. has announced several new systems installations - seven are
for publishing firms, and two are for cable television companies, for call center selling
operations and upgrading services to subscribers. In addition, four fund raisers have
automated their call centers with TeleDirect's LIBERATION. Finally, two more companies
have installed TeleDirect systems to increase lead generation capabilities in home
improvement product selling.
- ICT GROUP Opens New Centers
ICT GROUP, Inc. has announced the opening of new call centers in Cincinnati, Ohio and Ft.
Lauderdale, Florida. ICT GROUP's Cincinnati center specializes in the financial services
industry, with credit card and insurance companies representing 75 to 80 percent of its
client base. It has 72 calling stations and 83 employees. The Ft. Lauderdale center, which
focuses on the insurance industry, is expected to become one of ICT GROUPS's largest
insurance centers. Because of its location, it will operate in tandem with the company's
bilingual center in Miami, handling the Anglo calls and thus allowing the Miami center to
provide more concentrated marketing services to the Hispanic market. The Ft. Lauderdale
center currently has 32 workstations and 50 employees. ICT GROUP has 21 telephone
marketing centers in nine states and Europe and employs 2,750 telephone sales and service
representatives.
- InfoCision Opens Seventh Center
InfoCision Management Corporation has announced the opening of its seventh telephone
center. The new center, located in Austintown, a suburb of Youngstown, Ohio, will begin
operations with 40 fully automated stations and will initially employ approximately 100
people. InfoCision currently employs more than 1,000 people.
- MCI Expanding In Wichita
MCI has announced it is launching a major staffing expansion at its networkMCI Small
Business Calling Center in Wichita, Kansas, which will create more than 180 new jobs for
local residents and increase the center's workforce by nearly 50 percent. Hiring and
training programs are underway and, when completed, will boost the center's employee base
from approximately 400 to more than 580 full- and part- time MCI inside sales
professionals.
- ProMark One Opens Seventh Center
ProMark One Marketing Services, Inc. has announced the opening of a 200-workstation call
center in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. The workstations can be designated as dedicated
outbound, dedicated inbound or blended stations. Automated inbound programs are also
available that utilize menu and voice recognition technology such as IVR, VRU and full ACD
capabilities, including DNIS and ANI recognition.
- Project Support Opens Second U.S. Office
Project Support, headquartered in Capelle a/d IJssel in the Netherlands, has announced the
opening of a new office in San Mateo, California in addition to its New York City-based
subsidiary. A pan-European call center consulting and multilingual information center
fulfillment company, Project Support chose to expand its presence in the U.S. to be closer
to its potential customer base. At its call center facility in the Netherlands,
telemarketers handle inbound and outbound telephone calls originating from all over
Eastern Europe, Northern Africa and the Far East.
- Tele-Response Center Expands
Tele-Response Center, Inc. has announced the expansion of its center in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. The addition of new predictive dialing systems led to the creation of 48 new
full-time jobs. The new predictive dialing system made it feasible for Tele-Response
Center to add a complete daytime shift. With some 188 employees, the company now serves a
variety of fraternal and charitable organizations.
- Telemarketing Concepts Opens North Carolina Center
Telemarketing Concepts has announced the opening of a new call center in Jacksonville,
North Carolina. The center will be equipped with 64 predictive dialing stations and employ
125 telemarketers, managers, supervisors and support personnel. Telemarketing Concepts
specializes in business-to-business and business-to-consumer telemarketing applications in
the areas of office equipment, publishing, insurance and financial services.
- TeleServices Direct Expands Center
TeleServices Direct, a division of Career Horizons, Inc., has announced an expansion of
its Indianapolis, Indiana call center. The company has signed a long-term lease on a
30,000-square-foot facility that effectively triples its capacity. The new facility will
employ more than 500 people on two shifts and will feature predictive dialing equipment
for 200 workstations. TeleServices Direct provides services to the college market, where
is has sourced more than three million credit cards for major financial companies. It has
also promoted a variety of other goods and services.
- Telnet Adds Third Call Center
Telnet Systems, Inc. has announced it has begun construction on a new building in Bemidji,
Minnesota that will house its third full-service call center. The company has operated a
call center in its Fergus Falls, Minnesota location for ten years and has another in New
York Mills, Minnesota. Telnet plans to have the new center fully operational by March
1996, and expects employment there will exceed 200.
- Trase Miller To Open New Headquarters
The Trase Miller Group, privately held parent company of MTI Vacations, Inc., has
announced it has broken ground at its new 9-acre, $10 million headquarters in Downers
Grove, Illinois. With four large call centers in Oak Brook Terrace, Oak Brook, Albuquerque
and Tulsa, The Trase Miller Group is one of the largest vacation packagers in the country.
- ACS Opens U.K. Office
ACS Wireless, Inc. has announced the opening of its U.K. subsidiary. The new office, ACS
Wireless Ltd., is located in Swindon, Wiltshire. "Expansion in the U.K. is part of
ACS's strategy to aggressively pursue growth into new markets," said Phillip A.
Gattey, president and CEO. "Expansion also includes plans to manufacture locally - a
continuation of our efforts over the last six years which moved all manufacturing and most
part sourcing back into the United States from offshore. Manufacturing where our products
are sold results in significant reductions in both turnaround times and manufacturing
costs, as well as in improvements in product quality."
- Consortium Acquires 49.9 Percent Of Belgacom
Belgacom has announced a consortium, headed by Ameritech Corporation of Chicago, will
acquire a 49.9 percent stake in Belgacom for $2.4 billion. Other consortium members
include Tele Danmark and Singapore Telecom. The partnership between Belgacom and the
consortium is the culmination of more than a year of negotiations and discussions with a
number of telecommunications providers from around the world. The Ameritech-led group was
selected through a formal process which began with nine international carriers. Within the
consortium, Ameritech holds a 37 percent share, Tele Danmark 35 percent and Singapore
Telecom 28 percent. The new partners will strengthen Belgacom's ability to deliver both
core and advanced telecom services of the highest quality at competitive prices. The
partners will work together to rapidly develop and deploy new technologies.
- Coherent Communications Contract
Coherent Communications Systems has announced it has been awarded a turnkey contract by
PTT Telecom Netherlands. Coherent is to supply and install more than 600 groups of its
EC-7000 Series 2 digital echo cancellers, which will be used on all of PTT Telecom's
international gateways, as well as supporting the requirements of UVS (Unisource Voice
Service) - a consortium of of Telia AB, Swiss PTT, PTT Telecom and Telefonica, offering
international telecom services. The contract implementation is scheduled for completion by
the end of 1996, with Coherent responsible for all aspects of supplying, installing,
commissioning and maintaining the cancellers and associated equipment.
- Davox Creates European Headquarters
Davox Corporation has announced that it has established a subsidiary in the U.K. that will
serve as the company's European headquarters. This wholly owned subsidiary, Davox (Europe)
Limited, will provide marketing, technical support and service to its European
distributors and end users. "The call center market in Europe is growing at a rapid
pace, and we are establishing our subsidiary at this time to take maximum advantage of the
burgeoning market," said Alphonse M. Lucchese, chairman, president and CEO.
- EIS/Innovative Systems Design Alliance
EIS International, Inc. has announced it has formed an alliance with Innovative Systems
Design, a Montreal, Canada-based manufacturer of integrated voice response (IVR) systems.
The agreement is expected to increase the penetration of EIS and Innovative Systems Design
software and systems into the international newspaper publishing market. According to
Edward J. Sarkisian, executive vice president, worldwide sales and marketing for EIS,
"Integrated voice response systems are a part of a rapidly growing part of our
customers' voice processing technology, and Innovative Systems Design will help us meet
many of their inbound communications needs."
- Enterprise PEI/Holland College Venture
Enterprise PEI and Holland College have announced they have joined forces to establish a
new organization dedicated to creating jobs and world-class training opportunities in the
rapidly expanding information technology and knowledge-based sectors. The venture will be
called the Institute for Information and Educational Technologies. It will be located in
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and will employ up to 35 people, some of whom will
come from the two founding partners. Robert Morrissey, Minister of Economic Development
and Tourism, stated, "Two major priorities of government are jobs and education. Over
the past few years we have successfully focused on developing our agri-food, tourism and
aerospace sectors. Through the Institute we will now aggressively pursue development
opportunities in the information technology sector."
- IBM Acquires Worldwide MSM(TM) License
Marketing Information Systems, Inc., developer and marketer of the MSM (Marketing and
Sales Management) family of software products, has announced the signing of an agreement
granting IBM unlimited use of MSM worldwide. The original MSM license was signed with IBM
in 1989. MSM began as a telemarketing application used by IBM's U.S. Telemarketing's
regional departments as an addition to an existing marketing database. As MSM's
functionality increased, IBM's use of MSM expanded beyond telemarketing and telesales to
include campaign management, event management, customer service and field sales.
International users include IBM Switzerland, IBM Spain, IBM Latin America and all
countries throughout the IBM Asia Pacific region.
- Marusa To Open Welland Office
Marusa Marketing has announced it will open a satellite office in Welland, Ontario. The
Welland office will create 75 jobs immediately and is expected to generate a potential of
150 new jobs within the next few years. The Welland office will serve clients nationally
from Newfoundland to British Columbia. Its addition will increase the number of Marusa
Marketing's outbound/inbound call center stations to 300 nationally, employing close to
900 in three locations.
- Natural MicroSystems Completes Merger With VOX
Natural MicroSystems Corporation of Natick, Massachusetts has announced the completion of
a merger with VOX S.A. of Paris, France. Natural MicroSystems shareholders voted to
approve issuance of 720,000 shares of Natural MicroSystems common stock to the owners of
VOX in exchange for all shares of VOX. Under the terms of a share exchange agreement, VOX
has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Natural MicroSystems and will continue to operate
under the name of VOX S.A. in France and other European countries. Founded in 1988, VOX
develops software and hardware for the computer-telephony market. The company distributes
its products through an international network of OEMs, VARs, systems integrators and
dealers. Technology and products from the two companies are strongly complementary.
- New Brunswick Ranks High
A recent study conducted by Insight Canada Research on behalf of the Telemarketing
Industry Association (TIA) gave New Brunswick top marks for providing a positive business
environment for call center operations. Among the most significant findings of the study,
which consisted of one-on-one interviews with call center managers, are: New Brunswick has
an "excellent" labor force that is plentiful, readily available, reliable and
highly skilled (bilingual, university educated, previous experience); call center agents
earn double the minimum wage, with an average annual salary of $23,000 and top salaries as
high as $37,500 and above; the provincial government, NBTel, TIA and institutions - in
particular, community colleges - are providing a strong industry infrastructure; and the
majority of call centers expect to expand their operations, increasing their call volumes
and staff over the next year.
- Niagara Region Development Corp. Wins Awards
The Niagara Region Development Corporation has announced it has earned four national
marketing awards presented by the Economic Developers Association of Canada. Organizations
from across Canada submitted 167 entries in 26 categories. The NRDC worked with local firm
Tri-Media Marketing & Publicity on creating and developing two of the winning
marketing pieces. "Niagara Canada News" won a gold medal in the
newsletter/serials category, and its "Niagara Canada" campaign earned
first-place honors in the print ad campaign category. The NRDC was second in the special
purpose ad category for its "Ontario Greenhouse Grower's Directory & Buyer's
Guide 1995" and third in the general purpose brochure category for its "Ontario
Fruit and Vegetable Industry - Directory and Buyer's Guide 1995."
- Syntellect Contract
Syntellect Europe has announced it will supply its VocalPoint system to Eastern Group plc
(formerly Eastern Electricity). This contract was won in conjunction with ICL, a
Syntellect business partner. Syntellect will supply two 120-line VocalPoint systems, which
will be integrated into Eastern Group's call centers in Raleigh, Essex and Bedford, U.K.
The contract is estimated to worth approximately œ750,000 ($1.19 million) over a
four-month period. Syntellect Europe also announced it has supplied its VocalPoint system
to British Telecom's Personal Communication Division. The Syntellect systems will be used
in BT's London residential customer service centers. The voice processing solution will be
installed in two phases, beginning with 150 lines.
- British Telecom Telephone Database On CD-ROM
TDS Inform has announced the release of TelePower Pro, a CD-ROM product based on the
British Telecom business telephone database and TDS Inform's own business information.
TelePower Pro consists of all 2.4 million telephone and fax numbers used by the 1.9
million U.K. businesses registered with British Telecom, along with many business
subscribers to the cellular and cable networks. TelePower Pro offers the following
features: telephone and fax number retrieval; fuzzy and phonetic matching; U.K. dialing
code look-up; address generation; cut and paste to database, addressbook, word processing
or other program; search by keyword; and geographical filters by region, county, postal
area, post town and all. For more information, contact Edward Sanderson at 0171-258-3999.
- Telcom ACDs Certified For Canadian Use
Telcom Technologies has announced that its Telcom ACD Master systems have been certified
by Canada's Department of Document-ation (DOC) and Underwriters Laboratories (C-UL). The
certifications allow Telcom ACD Master systems to be sold and installed in Canada.
Canada's Department of Document-ation (DOC) standards are equivalent to the U.S. FCC Part
68 requirements. Meeting this standard certifies the equipment for connection to the
public switched telephone network.
- Telnet Expands To New Zealand
Telnet Systems, Inc., a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based telemarketing service agency, has
announced it has entered into a joint venture with Baycorp Limited, New Zealand's largest
collections and financial information vendor, to operate a telemarketing agency in the
capital city of Aukland. Although for many years Baycorp has successfully used collectors
and technology to provide financial information, they had never sold a product or service.
Telnet management supervised equipment purchases, hiring and training of additional staff
and installation of project planning and reporting techniques necessary to create an
advanced, full-service telemarketing service agency.
- Edify Corporation, a provider of software for interactive services, has announced the
appointment of Dr. Stewart Schuster to its board of directors. Schuster was most recently
executive vice-president of marketing at Sybase, Inc.
- MATRIXX Marketing Inc., a subsidiary of Cincinnati Bell Inc., and a leader in outsourced
telephone marketing solutions, has appointed Ronald E. Schultz to chief operating officer.
- SITEL CORPORATION, a leader in the outbound, inbound and interactive telemarketing
industry, has appointed Barry Major to senior vice president of finance.
- Telcom Technologies has announced the addition of Paul Distefano to its executive
management team in the position of senior vice president of sales and marketing.
- Lee H. Davies has joined Melita International, a leader of call center solutions, as
vice president of operations.
- Carl Yasharian has been appointed vice president of sales at MultiLink, Inc., a leader
in teleconferencing systems development.
- Priority Call Management, a provider of One-Number Communica-tions, has appointed Mark
A. Jones as vice president of network service provider sales.
- Nathan Fineberg has been named vice president of sales of Pitney Bowes Software Systems,
a leader in creating innovative customer service, marketing and mailing software. Mark L.
Spaulding has been named to the position of vice president of sales, marketing and client
services for TeleService Resources, a provider of telemarketing services to Fortune 500
companies and governmental agencies.
- Telecom Ireland (U.S.) Ltd. has announced the appointment of Eamonn Condon as executive
assistant at their U.S. office headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.
- Eric Lesin has been named vice president and general manager of AAC Corporation's Call
Center Systems Division. AAC provides telemanagement, data and call center management
soluions.
- TeleDevelopment Services, provider of call center operations services for call centers,
has announced the addition of Richard Herzog as senior account executive.
- Tone Software Corporation, a software technology provider, has announced the appointment
of Robert L. Yoder as the director of sales for its Domestic U.S. Sales team.
- As part of its management expansion, Call Center Services, Inc. has appointed Nicole
Theis to the position of Team Department Manager. The following executive promotions have
also been announced: Mary Lyons was named vice president, support services; Thom Woods,
director, communications and facilities operations; Dawn Ansbro, director, quality
education; and Reba Fisher, director, human resources.
- Interactive Media Works has named Patrick J. Ryan to the position of West Coast regional
account director.
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