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Vocera Communications Streamlines Workflow With New Software Release 3.0; Expedited and Integrated Communications Improves Customer Service

Posted on: Monday, 14 February 2005, 09:00 CST

Vocera Communications, a wireless communications company, introduced today its new software, Release 3.0, with enhanced speech recognition, a new messaging interface software, improved wireless security capability, and a new report server module allowing customers to analyze system usage patterns and call flows.

"With these new software enhancements and modules, the Vocera System becomes an even more powerful workflow tool, enabling and expediting mobile staff communications and, ultimately, making operations more responsive, which leads to an improved customer experience," said Julie Shimer, CEO of Vocera Communications.

Responding to the needs of their customers, Vocera has added new enhancements to the user interface that create a personal "inner circle" with a dynamic set of users, groups, and address book entries based on recent calling activity. This "inner circle" improves accuracy of future calls and expedites communications by keeping track of the key contacts users call frequently. Additionally, users can now call a person by spelling the first or last name, which can help with a difficult-to-pronounce name.

The company also announced two new software extensions that will increase the power of the system: the new Vocera Messaging Interface (VMI) and the Vocera Reports Server software modules.

To expand the capabilities of the platform, Vocera offers the VMI module. This is a programming interface enabling two-way messaging between the Vocera Communications System and third-party applications, such as supply management systems. VMI allows messages to be delivered immediately to the appropriate staff, enabling them to respond more quickly to customer requests.

For example, this interface could be used in a retail facility when a cashier needs to secure check approval from the in-store manager. Rather than using overhead paging or a phone, the cashier will press a button on the cash register that will instantly send a text message to the store manager to request the check approval.

Responding to the evolving wireless LAN security standards, Vocera also announced support for WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). This software enhancement, which runs on all existing Vocera badges, enables the Vocera Communications System to run within standards-based WPA-enabled environments.

In addition, the Vocera Reports Server software module provides reporting tools that enable system administrators to troubleshoot and monitor call flows. This is an efficient way to analyze system usage patterns, such as group, department, and address book usage, and identify feature use patterns.

The Vocera Communications System is sold through select value-added resellers, and pricing is based on purchase of the software, badges, and service and maintenance agreements. For example, a facility that purchases a 600-user license with 200 badges would pay just under $400 per user, excluding wireless LAN costs. The new VMI and the Reports Server software modules are platform extensions available at additional costs.

About Vocera Communications

Vocera Communications provides wireless communication systems that enable instant voice communication among mobile workers to leading institutions and companies requiring enhanced customer service, productivity, and teamwork. The company, headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., was founded in March 2000. For more information, please contact the company at (408) 790-4100, or visit the Web site at www.vocera.com.

Source: Business Wire

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