News

Microsoft Ships R2 of Speech Server

Microsoft updated its server software platform for speech-enabled applications this week with an R2 version of Microsoft Speech Server 2004.

The key new features of Microsoft Speech Server 2004 R2 are support for all-in-one server configurations and support for U.S. Spanish and Canadian French speakers at no extra cost in the original version designed for U.S. English speakers.

The new version also enjoys expanded telephony boards coverage and VoIP support from industry partners including Aculab, Brooktrout Inc., Eicon Networks and Vail Systems Inc.

Microsoft defines Speech Server as a Web-based, speech-enabled Interactive Voice Response and multimodal application solutions platform. The two core components of Speech Server are Telephony Application Services and Speech Engine Services.

The product originally shipped in March 2004 in both Standard and Enterprise editions.

About the Author

Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.

Featured

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.

  • An image of planes flying around a globe

    2025 Microsoft Conference Calendar: For Partners, IT Pros and Developers

    Here's your guide to all the IT training sessions, partner meet-ups and annual Microsoft conferences you won't want to miss.

  • Notebook

    Microsoft Centers AI, Security and Partner Dogfooding at MCAPS

    Microsoft's second annual MCAPS for Partners event took place Tuesday, delivering a volley of updates and directives for its partners for fiscal 2026.

  • Microsoft Layoffs: AI Is the Obvious Elephant in the Room

    As Microsoft doubles down on an $80 billion bet on AI this fiscal year, its workforce reductions are drawing scrutiny over whether AI's ascent is quietly reshaping its human capital strategy, even as official messaging avoids drawing a direct line.

Most   Popular