What is VoiceXML or VXML?
VXML stands for Voice Extensible Mark-up Language (VoiceXML), a new standard developed to make Internet content and information accessible via voice and a telephone.   

How does InternetSpeech voice-enable government Web sites so that the general public can access Internet information using voice commands? Do organization need to rewrite text with VXML?
netECHO® from InternetSpeech is based on proprietary artificial intelligence that automatically reads any page written in HTML, XML, VXML or WML, and simultaneously converts text to speech. Organizations do not need to spend the tedious time it takes to rewrite web pages in VXML. In fact, using netECHO technology from InternetSpeech translates applications 20 times faster and costs five times less than if VXML was used to convert text to speech.  

How long does it take to voice-enable content or applications?
With InternetSpeech, voice-enabling can take one to fourteen days, depending on the level of customization desired. Customization is needed for special “dialog design” or “ form processing.” Compared to using VXML, which take 20 times longer or as much as six months, InternetSpeech’s automated process is extremely efficient and cost-effective.  

How does the hosting work?
InternetSpeech offers different hosting options to government organizations. InternetSpeech can provide technology that plugs into your existing web site, so it can be managed remotely from another server at a third party hosting company, or organizations can host the service at their own facility.  

What about platforms?
InternetSpeech’s netECHO is compatible with any computing platform.  

Can netECHO connect to existing applications?
Yes. netECHO from InternetSpeech can plug into any application, including intranets and extranets. It is ideal for government applications such as DMV, social services, municipality information, government employee benefits and HR information, and much more.  

How does InternetSpeech compete with voice portals?
InternetSpeech is shaking up the voice Internet market and dispelling the myths of voice portals. InternetSpeech allows users to seamlessly access the entire Internet by talking through the telephone. Voice portals only let users hear pre-determined content, such as horoscopes or stock quotes, and do not really surf the Internet.

Is InternetSpeech viable for voice-based e-government?
Future versions of netECHO from InternetSpeech will be ideal for all types of e-government applications and transactions. For example, users will be able to fill out a submission form, get answers to queries, give personal information that is reliable and secured, get a permit, buy a license, pay a parking ticket, or sign up for a community sports league exactly the same way they do with a visual browser. With netECHO, users will have access to government services and information online, anytime and anyplace simply by using a standard or wireless telephone.  

What type of governmental organization can take advantage of this technology?
InternetSpeech broadens the possibilities for public access to local, state, and federal government agencies. Voice Internet solutions from InternetSpeech can significantly enhance the services and applications for a wide range of governmental organizations:  

• Municipal Web sites
• Parks and Recreation
• Development and Property Tax
• Roads and Public works
• Environmental protection
• Fish and Wildlife
• Public Safety
• Armed forces