TMCnet News
Smoothstone IP Communications Acquires Easy411LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Smoothstone IP Communications, a leading nationwide provider of enterprise-class communication solutions, today announced its acquisition of Easy411, the nation's leading, independent directory assistance provider. This acquisition further positions Smoothstone at the forefront of providing efficient, high quality communication services to mid-size enterprises. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060214/CLTU019LOGO) "Traditionally, getting directory information to mobile employees has been expensive and challenging," observed Jeff Wellemeyer, Smoothstone's chief technology officer and cofounder. "Integrating Easy411's technology into Smoothstone's proprietary, IP communications platform and private, nationwide network will improve both the cost and ease of use of obtaining directory information. Finally, there is a directory assistance product built for enterprise clients and their mobile and the office workforces." Easy411 was developed as a much lower cost alternative to cell phone carriers' high directory services charges. However, Easy411 also offers better services, which fits with Smoothstone's higher quality services and features strategy. Specific Easy411's advantages include: - Live operators (not voice-activated computers). - Listing numbers text messaged to your cell phone. - Easy signup (via phone or over the Internet) with separate credit card billing. - No signup fee or monthly charge -- pay only for usage. - Web-based account management. In addition to these advantages, Smoothstone is already in the process of adding additional, high value features to Easy411, such as: - Listing addresses also text messaged to your cell phone. - International directory assistance and call completion, at lower international business rates (versus cell phone carrier international rates). - Corporate account billing. Smoothstone was already supplying Easy411's data processing and call completion prior to the acquisition. With the acquisition, all application development and company management activities will move from Boston to Louisville. About Easy411 Founded in 2003, Easy 411 has been featured on CNN and TechTV, as well as in Yahoo News, TMCnet.com and PC World. To learn more about Easy411, visit http://www.easy411.com/. About Smoothstone IP Communications Smoothstone is the leading, nationwide IP communications provider for medium-sized enterprises. Its unique platform provides centrally managed solutions -- including VoIP -- over a private, nationwide network, with local dial tone available in over 5,800 local calling areas. Smoothstone is a Cisco Powered Network member and is the oldest managed VoIP company in the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.smoothstone.com/. Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060214/CLTU019LOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, [email protected] Smoothstone IP Communications CONTACT: Russ Maney of Smoothstone IP Communications, +1-502-315-5177,or [email protected] Web site: http://www.smoothstone.com/http://www.easy411.com/ |