Boston, MA – April 10, 2002 – Covington Associates, seasoned M&A advisors to technology and healthcare, today announced the sale of its client, MessageMachines, Inc. (“MessageMachines”), to NMS Communications (NASDAQ:NMSS).  MessageMachines’ software routes text messages between wireless networks and all types of real-time communications devices — mobile phones, pagers, and PDAs — and services, such as presence and instant messaging, calendar management, e-mail, Short Message Service (SMS) and Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) messages. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

MessageMachines’ innovative technology brings NMS strong new capabilities in wireless data and messaging.  MessageMachines software greatly expands the capabilities of NMS HearSay, a multi-application system for voice-enabled communications services such as voice-activated dialing, personal information management and personalized voice portals.  With the addition of MessageMachines software, NMS HearSay can now include an array of messaging applications and mobile devices.

MessageMachines was funded by YankeeTek Ventures and TH Lee Putnam Investments.

Speaking on behalf of Covington Associates, Eric Shealy said:  “Having been a leader in the text messaging segment, it is logical progression for MessageMachines to become an integral part of a unified communications offering.  We look forward to the success of the HearSay product and seeing MessageMachines’ technology and talented people put to good use.”

According to MessageMachines founder Imran Qidwai, “The addition of MessageMachines’ protocol and message switching to NMS HearSay increases the value of this market-ready solution to wireless operators. For the MessageMachines team, being part of NMS creates new opportunities to apply our software technology to voice and web platforms, and to capture new markets.”

About MessageMachines, Inc. 
Boston-based MessageMachines, Inc. develops application servers that route messages among all types of real-time communication devices, systems and protocols, such as cell phones, pagers, PDAs, Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) applications, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) applications, Short Messaging System (SMS) messages, e-mail and instant messaging. MessageMachines solutions are available to telephone companies, enterprises, and e-businesses via channel partners and softswitch vendors that serve the mobile workforce.

About Covington Associates
Covington Associates are seasoned M&A advisors to technology and healthcare. Focused exclusively on mergers and acquisitions, Covington Associates has established a track record of success based on deep domain experience and an unrivaled level of service from a team of senior advisors. Since 1991, the firm has successfully completed over 50 transactions ranging in size from $10 million to over $1 billion in e-services, software, IT services, and healthcare technologies. To learn more about Covington Associates, visit www.covingtonassociates.com.