Vertical Networks Delivers New Voice Communications Solution for Retailers; Vertical Networks' New Retail Suite Also Enables Pharmacy Applications

[September 01, 2004]

Vertical Networks Delivers New Voice Communications Solution for Retailers; Vertical Networks' New Retail Suite Also Enables Pharmacy Applications

SUNNYVALE, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 1, 2004 -- Vertical Networks, the leading developer of distributed communications solutions, today announced availability of the Vertical Networks Retail Suite, an integrated voice communications solution developed specifically for the retail market, including enabling custom pharmacy applications like automated prescription refill. This is the first of several industry-specific solution bundles to be announced by Vertical Networks.

The Vertical Networks Retail Suite helps retailers improve in-store customer call handling, automate service responses based on caller information and more intelligently route callers. The suite also enables retailers to track caller behavior and call traffic into local stores and transform that data into actionable business intelligence and analytics improving overall customer experience. The solution helps retailers lower costs by consolidating communications functionality onto one platform, providing centralized Web-based management capabilities, and enabling use of broadband services. Other business benefits the Vertical Networks Retail Suite brings to retailers include a cost-effective way to quickly deploy new communications applications, improving employee productivity and inspiring customer loyalty by creating positive experiences. In addition to general retail communications applications, the solution can tie into customer, inventory management, or drug information databases. -0- *T The Vertical Networks Retail Suite includes: -- Retail applications -- Customized call routing, automated call handling, IVR, speech recognition, and fax management -- Integration with customer and corporate databases -- Enhanced text messaging capabilities for wireless devices -- In-store service response and kiosk applications -- Interface with custom applications like prescription refill and inventory lookup -- Enterprise-wide reporting -- Consolidated business intelligence about customer behavior across a network of stores -- Specialized reporting on customized marketing and promotional campaigns -- Rapid, centralized management -- Web-based control of communications across a distributed store network -- Immediate or scheduled updates/upgrades of applications and software for multiple sites *T

"The suite enables stores to offer customers a consistent, information-rich environment helping increase revenues by improved service and reduce cost through equipment and operational efficiencies," said Scott Pickett, CTO of Vertical Networks. "By connecting calls to customer databases, or simply by sending calls to the right place, Vertical Networks technology drives sales that might have otherwise been missed."

The Vertical Networks Retail Suite runs on one of two Vertical Networks integrated communications platforms. These platforms support complete IP-PBX and IP telephony services, automated call handling, LAN/WAN data networking, high-speed Internet access, and remote management capabilities. Because the platforms are built on standards-based technology they integrate with legacy systems and equipment, while providing a solid foundation for future applications.

Available immediately, pricing for the Vertical Networks Retail Suite, bundled with the Integrated Communications Platform, starts at $10,500.

About Vertical Networks, Inc.

Vertical Networks, a leader in distributed communications solutions for branch offices and stores, delivers customizable solutions to several industries, including financial services, healthcare, publishing, and retail. Customers include: CVS/pharmacy, Household International, Aramark Uniform Services, Boston Globe, and Apria Healthcare. For more information visit: www.vertical.com.

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