SpeechStorm 'Storms' to Victory
Belfast, Northern Ireland, April 19th 2005 - SpeechStorm together with their partner Kainos, the Belfast based leading edge business and technology solutions provider has stormed to success, winning the 'Excellence in Innovation' category of the 2005 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards held recently (14 April).
In addition the SpeechStorm team was recognised in the 'Excellence in Service to Business' category, being highly commended for their work with eircom, and the implementation of the eircom '1901' customer service solution, which uses the latest voice recognition technology. The launch of the service in July 2004 was the first and largest reference site in Ireland for the application of speech recognition technology.
"Judges were particularly impressed with the successful launch of our speech technology division SpeechStorm™," explained Paddy O'Hagan, head of Kainos' Speech Solutions Division - SpeechStorm.
"In addition we were commended on our ability to generate new business opportunities by applying in-depth commercial and technical experience to new situations and challenges." Mr O'Hagan continued.
"Last year SpeechStorm identified a clear market opportunity for a supplier of innovative cost effective and quickly deployed speech technology. By doing so we broke into a market where touch-tone phone systems dominated customer service environments and presented an attractive, alternative option.
"We are delighted to receive this recognition and are very excited about the growth opportunities for speech over the coming year." Mr O'Hagan said.
Commenting on the Innovation award, Professor Terri Scott, Managing Director Clients and Entrepreneurship Invest Northern Ireland said, "In this category the judges had a very difficult task. All entrants achieved growth and profitability through innovation."
"Alongside development of core business areas, SpeechStorm has invested significant resources in an emerging product to diversify and broaden its customer base. In doing so it has built a new product, exciting technology and new competencies in this demanding technology sector."