Syntellect Broadens Sales Distribution in Deal with Callista

Syntellect has entered into a distribution agreement with Toronto-based Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and Computer Telephony (CT) solutions provider Callista Computer Telephony, under which Callista will resell Syntellect's speech-enabled, self-service software platform Vista IMR (Interactive Media Response).

"We are always looking for new channel partners with deep contact center industry expertise and strong geographic presence," said Keith Gyssler, vice president of Indirect Channels at Syntellect, "and we are particularly pleased to be adding a partner with the extensive IVR and CT professional services expertise of Callista. They have designed and implemented contact center solutions for over 15 years and have a long list of satisfied customers throughout North America; including Star Choice Pay-Per-View, Quest Diagnostics, and Imperial Oil (a division of Mobil). Their skills and market reach will allow them to deliver customer pleasing, cost-compelling, self-service solutions using our flagship product, Vista Interactive Media Response (IMR)."

Vista IMR gives callers self-service access to data, applications and transactions within an enterprise, thereby leveraging existing databases. Callers typically request information through natural language voice commands and can receive the information via their choice of voice, fax, email, wireless or the Web.

"After considering three different suppliers, we selected Syntellect and the Vista IMR product," said Andrew Willerding, president of Callista. "Because we are based in Toronto, Syntellect's software-only based platform allows us and our customers the flexibility and cost savings of supplying the hardware platform locally. The feature-rich solution ensures a smooth transition for our customers from our previous IVR platform. And finally, the open, standards-based architecture of Syntellect's IVR platform using Java and VoiceXML strongly differentiates itself through its ease of implementation and support. This fits in with our philosophy that our solutions must remain viable while the surrounding components, such as PBXs and data environments, may be changing."

"With Syntellect, we discovered an immediate synergy in our approach to marketing, selling, and supporting our customers that we have been missing with our previous supplier for a long time," said Seljan Tuemer, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Callista. "We are very excited to now be working with Syntellect. Syntellect's product strength along with Callista's development and support expertise will allow us to together bring the best possible self-service solutions to the Canadian call center market," she added.