Voice+ Provides Instant Access to Broadband Applications from a Voice+ Enabled Phone With a Single Touch of a Button
Hanover (March 16, 2004) – Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS), VCON (Nouveau Marché ISIN Code: IL 00 108 30540), and MATERNA Information & Communications today announced “Voice+”, a jointly developed initiative that will help bridge the traditional PSTN world with the booming broadband world. By pressing a single button on a Voice+ enabled PSTN phone, users will gain instant access to a new multimedia communication experience. The Voice+ initiative will be demonstrated at CeBIT, March 18-24, 2004 in the Thomson booth, Hall 27, Booth A28. The Voice+ initiative leverages the respective technologies and market forces of three companies: Thomson for its expertise in telephone and broadband equipments; VCON’s experience in the vast deployment of Video and Data collaboration networks; and, MATERNA’s expertise in SMSC servers for the mobile and fixed Telcos. “The Voice+ technology realizes the potential of a converged rich media network,” said Yair Shamir, CEO of VCON. “The ease of use, plurality of services and price structure that will become available to Telco users with Voice+ are exactly what the market is looking for.” The new initiative provides consumers with new communication capabilities and telecommunications operators with new revenue opportunities. Activation of the function is simple: During a telephone conversation, one party presses the Voice+ button on the telephone, which instantly establishes a connection between the PCs of both parties. Using fixed SMS, the Voice+ system enables the two parties to access their Telco’s advanced multimedia services through broadband access. These services may include remote assistance, sharing of digital images, remote surveillance, videoconferencing, and more. In commenting on the new initiative, Bruno Fabre, General Manager, Thomson’s Telecom Division said, “As a leader in providing integrated solutions, Voice+ allows us to leverage our expertise in telephony and DSL telecommunications. This new initiative lets us offer new value-added services to both operators and consumers.” Based on integrated technology components, the Voice+ system can be deployed without impacting the operator’s current infrastructure. Added value opportunities include implementation of new services, low level of investment, increased ROI and the establishment of new synergies between ISP and fixed line divisions within a Telco. “Voice+ requires real time response time. MATERNA is one of the few suppliers who can provide a FSMSC server which is real time,” said Helmut an de Meulen, CEO of MATERNA. “We have a vast experience of integrating our FSMSC servers into Telco’s billing systems.” About Thomson Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS) is the leading provider of technology and service solutions for integrated media and entertainment companies. By capitalizing on and expanding its leadership positions at the intersection of entertainment, media and technology, Thomson provides end-to-end solutions to content creators, video network operators, manufacturers and retailers through its Technicolor, Grass Valley, THOMSON and RCA brands. For more information: www.thomson.net Thomson's Broadband Access Products activity, part of Thomson's Video Network Solutions division, is a leading supplier of digital entertainment receivers to the world's major satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcasters. It is also one of the leading suppliers of high-speed modems, IP set-top boxes, and telephones to telephone companies around the globe. Products are marketed under several brands including RCA, Thomson, and SpeedTouch. About MATERNA MATERNA is one of Germany's leading software vendors of information/communications technology. The company currently has a staff of 1,115 around the world and generated revenues of 145 million Euro in 2002. The Business Unit Information implements integrated IT solutions for companies and public institutions with the goal of process optimisation. These include e-Business (enterprise portals, content management), IT service management, Business Intelligence and systems management. The Business Unit Communications offers products and solutions from the business area Mobile Solutions and Unified Messaging. This includes in particular mobile value-added services on base of SMS, WAP and Mobile Java which are distributed under the brand name Anny Way. The Anny Way Academy is active on the market in terms of training and consulting services as found in practice. For more information: www.annyway.com |
