HERZLIYA, Israel, July 16 /PRNewswire/ -- VocalTec(TM) Ltd.
(Nasdaq: VOCLF), the Internet Phone Company(TM), today announced an
agreement with Packard Bell Electronics, Inc., Sacramento, CA, to
include VocalTec's Internet Phone(TM) software with each of Packard
Bell's new high-performance Platinum series multimedia personal
computers (PCs).
<p>
Packard Bell Platinum owners will be able to conduct two-way
conversations with the largest installed base of Internet telephony
users worldwide for the cost of their Internet connection. Because
Internet Phone is the only cross-platform Internet voice communications
package, Packard Bell Platinum owners will also be able to talk to
friends, family and business colleagues using Internet Phone software on
Macintosh computers.
<p>
Internet Phone is the market share leader in Internet telephony,
according to International Data Corp. Packard Bell is the leading
supplier of PCs in the U.S. mass retail channel, according to Audits and
Surveys, a research firm that tracks the retail market.
<p>
"This is a winning and powerful combination that teams two of the
industry's top market leaders in providing superior PCs and Internet
telephony software solutions to recreational users, home offices and
businesses across the world," said Dr. Elon Ganor, chairman and CEO of
VocalTec. "This alliance will strengthen each company's position in
the overall marketplace."
<p>
"By bundling VocalTec's Internet Phone software with Packard Bell's
new multimedia PCs, we offer the best of both worlds to our customers,"
said Karim Kano, Packard Bell's vice president of business development
and strategy. "This type of partnership allows us to propel the
industry forward by coupling innovation with leading-edge technology,"
he said.
<p>
Packard Bell is bundling Internet Phone version 3.2 with the
Platinum series computers. This lets users experience the benefits of
Internet Phone software in time-limited conversations before they decide
to upgrade to the unlimited version or to the advanced audio quality and
multimedia communications features of Internet Phone Release 4. The
special upgrade price for Packard Bell users for either version is
$39.95 and includes a bonus license to provide to another user.
<p>
Under the agreement, Packard Bell also received a warrant to
purchase not more than 250,000 ordinary shares of VocalTec at an
exercise price which is significantly higher than the current market
price.
<p>
Internet Phone version 3.2 enables two-way voice conversations over
the Internet. Internet Phone Release 4 delivers numerous new audio,
data, text and collaborative computing features including live
whiteboarding/document conferencing, direct point-to-point calling,
point-and-click file transfer, voice mail, call hold, caller ID, call
waiting, call screening and blocking, muting, text chat and instant
access to VocalTec's advanced Global OnLine Directory (GOLD), for easily
locating other Internet and intranet callers in public and private chat
rooms.
<p>
Hailed by the Washington Times as "the most advanced and the most
capable" telephony software, Internet Phone Release 4 features
upgradeability for videoconferencing, Perceptual VOX(TM) voice
activation technology for natural hands-free operation, and
significantly improved audio quality using VocalTec's proprietary
VTSound algorithm. Internet Phone's open architecture is designed to
support multiple data compression and Internet telephony standards for
maximum compatibility as they become available.
<p>
Based in Sacramento, CA, Packard Bell Electronics, Inc. designs,
manufactures and markets a broad range of PC-compatible desktop
computers. The company's major manufacturing operations are in
Sacramento, CA and Angers, France. For more information on the company
regarding news releases, technical support contacts, product updates,
etc., visit <a href="http://www.packardbell.com">http://www.packardbell.com</a> on the World Wide Web.
<p>
VocalTec(TM) Ltd. is a leading provider of software that enables
voice and audio communications over the Internet. Internet Phone, the
Company's core product, first released in February 1995, enables two
users connected to the Internet to conduct real time, two-way,
full-duplex voice conversations using their personal computers. With
Internet Phone, users can conduct unlimited long distance and
international conversation for the cost of an Internet connection.
<p>
Based in Herzliya, Israel, VocalTec's North American subsidiary is
located at 35 Industrial Parkway, Northvale, NJ, 07647. For more
information on the VocalTec product line, call 201-768-9400, fax
201-768-8893, <a href="http://www.vocaltec.com">http://www.vocaltec.com</a> on the World Wide Web, or e-mail
to <a href="mailto:info@vocaltec.com">info@vocaltec.com</a>.
<p>
NOTE: VocalTec, Internet Phone, Perceptual VOX and Internet Phone
Company are trademarks of VocalTec, Inc. Other trademarks are the
property of their respective holders.
<p>
In conjunction with the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995, the Company wishes to avail itself of the stated "safe harbor" provisions and to caution readers that certain of the statements contained herein are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected as a result of various factors set forth in the Company's prospectus for its initial public offering as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
