VXI Corporation Introduces Digital Headset Solutions for Web-Based Call Centers and Businesses.

Business/Technology Editors

ROLLINSFORD, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 2001

The New TuffSet USB Headset Systems and TuffSet CT Switch Systems

Offer The Highest Quality Voice Input Technology Available For

Internet-based Telephony Applications

VXI Corporation today introduced a new line of headset systems specifically designed for Internet-based customer service technologies. Call centers and businesses are now embracing website and VoIP applications to improve productivity and provide more cost effective customer support services. When a call center makes an investment to utilize the computer for live help Internet-based services, choosing the right headset system is vital. VXI supplies high quality innovative headsets for this important call center technology.

Web-based Customer Service - The Online Call Center

As Internet and telephony technologies converge, more and more call centers and businesses are incorporating Internet based technologies into their customer service methods. The reason? Today, more and more customers are using the Internet, and customer loyalty depends on efficient personalized service and immediate access to information. Techniques such as voice-over-the-Internet (VoIP), e-mail response systems, automatic voice response systems, live e-mail voice chat, on-line sales and service are beginning to proliferate the call center world. Businesses that re-design their call centers to help their customers via a company web site understand that the effort is worth it. DataQuest, a leading IT research company, reports that 52% of North American companies are planning to invest in VoIP technologies. One major PC manufacturer, quoted in an article entitled "Web Surf's Up For Call Centers," published in the December issue of Call Center Magazine, stated that 45% of its customers now contact agents through the Internet. Ten percent of their agent's interactions with on-line customers are live text chat sessions. Web-enabled call center agent positions are forecast to grow more than 10-fold between now and 2003. By web-enabling call centers, companies are getting the competitive edge.

VXI now offers TuffSet Systems specifically designed for web integrated call centers that are using web based live help solutions like text chat (with audio prompts), web page collaboration, and internet telephony (including web chats). The two newest introductions include TuffSet USB headsets for a computer connection and TuffSet CT Switch for easy alternation between telephone and computer applications with a single headset and switch.

VXI TuffSet Products for Web Enabled Call Center Applications

The TuffSet USB 10 and USB 20 headsets are the first in a series of headset solutions for web-based call center applications using a USB port. The TuffSet USB call center headset systems are professional quality full duplex USB products that offer the industry's best audio performance to the computer. As with all VXI headsets, long-term use and wearing comfort are designed into each model. The TuffSet USB 10 (monaural) and USB 20 (binaural) headsets offer superior noise canceling microphone, adjustable headbands, soft temple pads, and a flexible microphone boom that holds its position. TuffSet USB products utilize VXI's traditional telephone headset quick disconnect and therefore are specifically designed to be interchangeable with VXI's traditional telephony headset products. These products are available to ship mid April 2001.

Additional features and benefits include:

--By utilizing a USB connection, there is no sound card distortion and noise normally associated with sound cards connections.

--Compatible with Windows(R) 2000, Windows(R) 98 SE, Windows(R) Me and Mac(R) versions OS 9.0.4 or higher.

--Backed by VXI's two-year unconditional warranty.

VXI was among the first to deliver a fully functional headset product line using USB connectivity. The Parrott Jamaica, a monaural one-way USB headset, shipped to end-users on 8/1/00. The fully functional two-way USB Parrott Aruba (monaural version) and the Parrott Caribbean (stereo version) shipped earlier this year. The Parrott USB headset line has quickly catapulted VXI into a position of prominence in the Internet telephony marketplace worldwide.

The TuffSet CT Switch- For Computer and Telephone Use

The TuffSet CT Switch is specifically designed for customer service representatives who need to utilize both the telephone and computer for audio applications. Instead of alternating between two headsets, representatives can simply alternate the microphone between the phone and computer with a touch of a button. Based upon VXI's award-winning Parrott Switch 60V technology, the TuffSet CT Switch is also designed to be interchangeable with VXI's traditional TuffSet telephony headset products. The TuffSet headsets offer the ultimate combination of durability, comfort and sound quality required in a call center environment. Our new TuffSet CT Switch Systems are available in binaural, TuffSet CT Switch 20, and monaural, TuffSet CT Switch 10, versions. These products are available to ship mid April 2001.

--Easy alternation between computer and telephone increases productivity and reduces equipment requirements.

--Compatible with most phone systems and all sound cards

--3 headset styles to suit user's preferences

--Years of VXI's design experience for ultimate comfort

--Same quick disconnect as all TuffSet Products for easy interchangeability in your call center

--Comparable or often lower in price to headset systems that connect solely to the telephone

--Ergonomically designed with easy to use volume control and microphone mute.

--Backed by VXI's two-year unconditional warranty

List price for the new TuffSet USB 10 USB call center headset is $130.00

List price for the new TuffSet USB 20 USB call center headset is $150.00

List price for the new TuffSet USB 36 USB call center headset is $140.00

List price for the new TuffSet CT Switch 10 is $171.00

List price for the new TuffSet CT Switch 20 is $191.00

List price for the new TuffSet CT Switch 36 is $177.00

List price for the new TuffSet CT Switch is $79.00

About VXI Corporation

VXI Corporation is a market leader in the design and development of high performance voice interface hardware communications products. VXI products have a wide range of audio applications in market environments that include professional call centers, speech recognition, Internet telephony, digital voice recording and cellular mobile. VXI's extensive product line may be viewed and purchased through the VXI web site at www.vxicorp.com and also from major distributors, strategic OEMs and partners throughout the world.

All trade names appearing in this release are either trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.