February 2, 2006
INFONXX Names VP of Voice Services and Technology
Distinguished Inventor/Scientist/Engineer/Entrepreneur Joins Information Services Leader
Bethlehem, PA—INFONXX today announced George Velius has joined the information services leader as VP of Voice Services and Technology.
"George's vast experience in the development and application of speech recognition technologies will be invaluable as INFONXX continues to implement customer-focused solutions for voice services and telecommunications carriers," said Michael Bates, INFONXX Vice President for Global Technology. "We are glad he's on our team."
Velius' reputation of transforming new technologies into marketable realities -- particularly in speech technologies -- has been instrumental in bringing voice-driven automation services to the mainstream. As early as the late 1970s and early 1980s, he focused on marrying computer science and telephony at both Bell Labs and Bellcore, where he earned a patent for the invention of the automation of directory assistance with advanced speech technology (he also earned two others for voice-related developments, and has one pending). Later at SBC Labs, Velius helped lay the foundation for its implementation of speech technologies in voice dialing and operator services.
After serving as CTO for two startup companies, he founded TradeHarbor Inc. in 1999, which provides security options through voice signature technologies. While with TradeHarbor, he was instrumental in the launch of automated directory assistance for SBC (now AT&T) in 2004. He continues to serve on TradeHarbor's Board of Directors.
Velius earned his masters degree in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is a Senior Member of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and has published a number of papers and talks.
Bates added, "With his skills, background, character and can-do attitude, he will connect the needs of the customer and the marketplace to the technology and its application."
About INFONXX
Information services leader INFONXX delivers customer-focused solutions through content driven technological innovations, flexible service transport options and industry-leading product offerings. As the world's largest independent provider of directory assistance and enhanced information services, INFONXX was ranked first throughout 2005 among third-party DA providers in the Paisley Group's National Directory Assistance Performance IndexSM in the key indicator of “Calls Passed” – the overall measure of customers cared for and fulfilled. INFONXX employs thousands of customer service representatives, support personnel, and technical staff, as well as one of the most reliable speech recognition and network architectures in the industry. |
