Alcatel to Acquire Voice Web Software Firm Telera

May 29, 2002 -- (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) -- Telecommunications equipment maker Alcatel (Alcatel.com) announced on Thursday that it has signed an agreement to acquire Telera Corp. (Telera.com), a privately held company that provides a voice-Web platform using voice extensible markup language (VoiceXML) to make Web content accessible by telephone.

According to Alcatel, Telera will become a part of the company’s Genesys contact center software business and will focus initially on the market for voice self-service solutions; a market that Alcatel says is expected to grow to $600 million by 2005.

Alcatel says the acquisition will be made for $136 million in Alcatel stock. Telera’s $30 million in cash will be used to fund the company’s development.

"Voice access to the Internet will be the spark for a powerful transformation in the way the Web is used and in the consumer services that are made available by enterprises and service providers," says Olivier Houssin, president of Alcatel's eBusiness Group. "The acquisition of Telera by Alcatel is a critical link in our strategy to build the applications that will drive the transition to converged voice and data networks."

Telera’s Voice Web software platform uses VoiceXML and other open standards to allow service provider and enterprises to develop advanced voice applications that allow telephones to access Web-based information. Alcatel says the acquisition will enable it to create a VoiceXML center of competency that other Alcatel business will use to enhance their product offerings.

"Telera's support for Internet technologies, such as VoiceXML and SIP, is transforming the traditional telecommunications industry by combining the innovation and flexibility of the Internet with the convenience and reliability of the telephone," says Prem Uppaluru, CEO and co-founder of Telera. "We are eager to begin combining the resources of the two companies to accelerate the adoption of converged voice and web solutions in the market."

As part of the Genesys business, Telera adds a voice self-service platform to the product line, already a leader in contact center software. Genesys will now be able to offer a complete, integrated solution for both voice self-service and live customer assistance.

Alcatel says the acquisition is expected to close in July of 2002, subject to the approval of Telera’s shareholders and other customary conditions.