ININ Interactive Intelligence Grp., Inc.

Access Technologies Deploys Microsoft-Based All-Software IP PBX INDIANAPOLIS and NAPERVILLE, Ill., March 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Access Technologies has deployed a Microsoft-based, all-software IP PBX by Interactive Intelligence Inc. -- an IP telephony solution developed specifically for the Microsoft Business Solutions customer. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990914/IILOGO ) The company purchased the new solution, which is pre-integrated with Microsoft CRM for small to mid-sized businesses and a first-of-its-kind communications portal, to increase productivity among its remote and mobile employees, according to Access Technologies founder and chief executive officer, Lindy Antonelli, CITP, CPA. "As a small business with about half of our employees working from home or in the field, we needed a reliable communications solution that was also cost- effective and easily accessible from anywhere, and at anytime," Antonelli said. "We chose the Interactive Intelligence IP PBX, because it was the only system that offered a voice-enabled portal tightly integrated with the complete Microsoft product suite -- from MS Exchange to MS CRM." Access Technologies is using the all-software version of the Interactive Intelligence IP PBX, called Enterprise Interaction Center(R) (EIC), which incorporates Intel's Host Media Processing software, thus eliminating the need for voice boards. According to Intel, this simplifies maintenance, and can reduce costs by up to 40 percent compared to board-based IP deployments. Access Technologies is also using EIC's Enterprise Communications Portal developed by Ohio-based Interactive Solutions, an Interactive Intelligence Premier National Integration Partner. The Enterprise Communications Portal is a browser-based portal pre-integrated with MS CRM, which takes advantage of EIC's call control features. The portal gives mobile and remote users screen pop functionality, along with applications such as unified messaging and presence management. Access Technologies is also using EIC for SIP-based switching, auto- attendant, workgroup routing, conferencing, call forward/follow-me, and reporting. The product supports all 20 company employees, who are now equipped with Polycom IP phones. "Since installing our new solution, we've seen increased productivity, improved call quality, reduced infrastructure maintenance, and enhanced customer service," Antonelli said. "Employees especially love the fact that, from anywhere, they can now simply log onto a Web page and access a wealth of back-office data, including customer lead tracking information, call center statistics, and the company directory. And being able to do things like forwarding voice mails as e-mail attachments from their in-box, and listening to e-mails over the phone, has made them more responsive to co-workers and clients alike." Antonelli adds that EIC's workgroup routing has also greatly enhanced customer service. "With the old system, callers had to zero-out to the operator if they got someone's voice mail," she said. "Now, if callers get voice mail, they can be forwarded automatically to another workgroup or employee based on a pre-configured routing plan. Clients love this new accessibility." Interactive Solutions is currently adding Microsoft's accounting software, MS Great Plains, and its portal engine, MS SharePoint, to the Enterprise Communications Portal. Access Technologies expects to deploy this new functionality by the end of June. As a technology consulting firm specializing in Microsoft business applications, Access Technologies will also offer the portal solution to its customers. Interactive Intelligence first released EIC in 1997 as one of the first Windows-based "un-PBXs" on the market. In2003, EIC became the first product of its kind to incorporate Intel's HMP software. With the introduction of the Enterprise Communications Portal, EIC becomes the first and only "out-of-the- box" IP PBX designed specifically for the Microsoft SMB. "Access Technologies is a great example of how a single solution can provide Microsoft SMBs with an entry-point into IP PBX technology, complete with a Windows-based telephony client, advanced call control, routing functionality, and more, all pre-integrated with proven Microsoft infrastructure and business applications," said Interactive Intelligence president and chief executive officer, Dr. Donald E. Brown. About Access Technologies Access Technologies is a full-service technology consulting firm providing Microsoft business solutions to mid-market organizations throughout the nation. These services include application implementation, customization and development, training, ongoing support, and systems analysis and management. The company has been a Great Plains partner since 1989, and following Microsoft's acquisition of Great Plains, became a certified MS Business Solutions partner in 2001. Access Technologies was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Naperville, Illinois. Its telephonenumber is +1-630-868-5000; on the Web: http://www.accesstek.net/ . About Interactive Solutions Interactive Solutions develops applications that leverage the IP telephony expertise of core partners, Microsoft and Interactive Intelligence. The company also provides complete implementation and support services to participating Interactive Intelligence resellers. Interactive Solutions is an Interactive Intelligence Premier National Integration Partner, and a Microsoft-Certified Partner and Microsoft Independent Software Vendor. To date, Interactive Solutions has successfully completed more than 120 customer implementations nationwide. The company's next-generation communications portal provides customers with browser-based access to integrated telephony, unified messaging, Microsoft CRM and Great Plains applications on the desktop. Interactive Solutions is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and can be reached at +1-513-619-5100 or http://www.int-sol.com/ . About Interactive Intelligence Inc. Interactive Intelligence Inc. (NASDAQ:ININ) is a global developer of Microsoft-based business communications solutions. It develops software for IP telephony, contact center automation, unified communications, and customer self-service. Interactive Intelligence was founded in 1994 and has more than 1,000 customers worldwide. Recent awards include Software Magazine's 2003 Top 500 Global Software and Services Companies, Network Computing Magazine's 2003 Editor's Choice, Internet Telephony Magazine's 2003 Editor's Choice and Product of the Year, Customer Inter@ction Solutions Magazine's 2003 Product of the Year, and ContactCenterWorld.com's 2004 Members' Choice. Interactive Intelligence employs approximately 350 people and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company has 12 offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Its telephone number is +1-317-872-3000; on the Web: http://www.inin.com/ . This release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risksand uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are described in the company's SEC filings. Interactive Intelligence Inc. is the owner of the marks INTERACTIVE INTELLIGENCE, its associated LOGO and numerous other marks. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. Contacts: Carol Wieland Certified Marketing Executive Access Technologies +1-630-868-5060 Rodney Poling Channel Development Manager Interactive Solutions +1-513-619-5104 Christine Holley Director, Market Communications Interactive Intelligence Inc. +1-317-715-8220 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990914/IILOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Interactive Intelligence Inc. CONTACT: Carol Wieland, Certified Marketing Executive of Access Technologies, +1-630-868-5060, ; Rodney Poling, Channel Development Manager of Interactive Solutions, +1-513-619-5104, ; or Christine Holley, Director, Market Communications of Interactive Intelligence Inc., +1-317-715-8220, Web site: http://www.inin.com/ http://www.accesstek.net/ http://www.int-sol.com/

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