Snap!VRS to Acquire Viable Communications, Inc.

Snap!VRS · 08-19-2009, 09:59 AM

Snap!VRS to Acquire Viable Communications, Inc.

Move Makes Snap!VRS a Leader in Deaf Community Outreach While Maintaining Industry-Standard Ethical Business Practices

Pearl River, N.Y. – Snap!VRS announced today its plans to acquire Viable Communications, Inc. The companies reached agreement on Friday and will immediately begin the difficult work of stabilizing Viable’s business operations and restoring the confidence of its significant constituent base.

Current Snap!VRS and Viable customers can continue to expect quality service as the transaction is finalized.

“Viable has been a formidable competitor and a major contributor to the VRS industry. We’ve always been very impressed with the company’s commitment to and connection with the deaf community. Pairing our respective synergies will create a company capable of servicing the deaf community unlike any other,” said Snap!VRS President & CEO, Tom Kielty.

“Snap!VRS is an industry leader in setting the highest ethical standard, and we are happy to be supported by such a well-respected team,” said John Yeh, President of Viable. “By joining the Snap!VRS team, we will be able to continue serving our loyal customers while continuing our commitment to our employees, the industry, and most importantly the deaf community.”

More details of the transaction and the opportunities that it creates for customers will be made available in the next few months.

About Snap!VRS

Snap!VRS is a video relay service that delivers a high quality and convenient relay experience between people who use American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English. Whether at home or in the office, relay users enjoy fast connections to experienced and professional ASL interpreters that are available anytime from a variety of video phones. Snap!VRS is committed to delivering video relay service with integrity and excellent customer service. To learn more about Snap!VRS, please visit Snap!VRS Video Relay Services.

About Telecommunications Relay Services

Mandated by Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, telecommunications relay services (TRS) enables individuals with hearing or speech disabilities to achieve functional equivalence by accessing telephone systems to place or receive calls through an intermediary known as a relay operator or relay interpreter. Emergent IP technology has given rise to video-based solutions, which are known as video relay services (VRS). VRS options include using a webcam or a videophone to connect to a video relay interpreter, and allow deaf and hard of hearing callers for whom sign language is native to fully achieve the ideal of functional equivalence.

YOMAN · 08-19-2009, 03:04 PM

we talked about Viable and we heard thatViable is in trouble for some reasons that some of you already know the story..

Now i m (eyeing) that Viable and Snapvrs is becoming one business ? i m confusing..

Can any one more clear and confrim this ?

YOMAN!

deafaussie · 08-19-2009, 03:39 PM

Have you read the company's public announcement in their websites? no? Dont bet your dollar on it. Lets hear out from them not from the speculators!

John//

YOMAN · 08-19-2009, 04:05 PM

I just did..and seems that they re working together as a business...interesting.

***Calvin*** · 08-19-2009, 05:37 PM

Mod note:

Thread merged.

**JClarke** · 08-19-2009, 06:44 PM

I called the ViableVRS to show the clients at a VRS workshop lastnight and I noticed that there was no interpreter displayed = "Technical issue screen was shown" this may have incidated that the company was under FBI investagtion.

taurizs · 08-19-2009, 07:26 PM

SnapVRS just announced that plan to acquire Viable.

Snap!VRS to Acquire Viable Communications, Inc.

Watermelon · 08-19-2009, 08:42 PM

I wonder what that means for the software, I like it...

Brian · 08-19-2009, 09:17 PM

Mod's Note:

Thread merged with another thread.

Miss-Delectable · 08-20-2009, 04:50 AM

Snap!VRS to Acquire Viable Communications, Inc. | SYS-CON MEDIA

Snap!VRS announced today its plans to acquire Viable Communications, Inc. The companies reached agreement on Friday and will immediately begin the difficult work of stabilizing Viable's business operations and restoring the confidence of its significant constituent base.

Current Snap!VRS and Viable customers can continue to expect quality service as the transaction is finalized.

"Viable has been a formidable competitor and a major contributor to the VRS industry. We've always been very impressed with the company's commitment to and connection with the deaf community. Pairing our respective synergies will create a company capable of servicing the deaf community unlike any other," said Snap!VRS President & CEO, Tom Kielty.

"Snap!VRS is an industry leader in setting the highest ethical standard, and we are happy to be supported by such a well-respected team," said John Yeh, President of Viable. "By joining the Snap!VRS team, we will be able to continue serving our loyal customers while continuing our commitment to our employees, the industry, and most importantly the deaf community."

More details of the transaction and the opportunities that it creates for customers will be made available in the next few months.

A video of this news is available on Snap!VRS Video Relay Services

***Calvin*** · 08-20-2009, 04:59 AM

Mod note:

Another thread merged.

**Chevy57** · 08-20-2009, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JClarke

I called the ViableVRS to show the clients at a VRS workshop lastnight and I noticed that there was no interpreter displayed = "Technical issue screen was shown" this may have incidated that the company was under FBI investagtion.

Really! I know that Viable was dirty company. Purple always follows strictly FCC rule order.

**JClarke** · 08-20-2009, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevy57

Really! I know that Viable was dirty company. Purple always follows strictly FCC rule order.

You can check yourself, I bet it will be the same thing

**Chevy57** · 08-20-2009, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JClarke

You can check yourself, I bet it will be the same thing

I never use Viable VI to call.

I almost use Purple VRS in all times.

**Chevy57** · 08-20-2009, 07:39 AM

Snap!VRS had bought Viable VRS, a troubled video relay service provider. I think that new combined company will be new name.

**Chevy57** · 08-20-2009, 09:13 AM

Against merge. You remember that Hawk Relay and Viable are deaf owned business and they failed to follow FCC procedure and did “dirty” business.

I disliked SnapVrs. I never use OJO and will return back to OJO soon. I will get $25 refund.

PowerON · 08-20-2009, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevy57

I never use Viable VI to call.

I almost use Purple VRS in all times.

duh, you work for Purple and you use their service as VRS when you need to reach hearing people.

SouthFella · 08-20-2009, 09:20 PM

Many people don't like SnapVRS for many reasons. Viable, a deaf owned company is now going to the deaf history books. May the deaf world learn , it don't pay to be crooked , nor to lie .

I do hope SnapVRS will do better and expand the options for the deaf community to use ( ip relay, AIM relay, blackberry relay etc ). Also hope all the people with the Vpad will be able to use the product they bought in good faith.

**Chevy57** · 08-21-2009, 11:09 AM

Viable finds a buyer

Friday, Aug. 21, 2009

N.Y. company to rescue troubled deaf-services firm

http://gazette.net/stories/08212009/...30_32523.shtml

by Steve Monroe | Staff Writer Gazette.net Maryland

Quote:

Deaf-services company Viable of Rockville — under a cloud because of a visit by federal investigators, an upcoming trial of the CEO on charges he did not pay regular wages to an employee, reports of other unpaid employees and the closure of two call centers — is apparently being rescued by a New York company.

Snap!VRS of Pearl River, another deaf-services communication company, said Wednesday that the privately held companies reached an acquisition agreement Aug. 14 and it "will immediately begin the difficult work of stabilizing Viable's business operations and restoring the confidence of its significant constituent base. Current Snap!VRS and Viable customers can continue to expect quality service as the transaction is finalized," according to a Snap!VRS statement.

"Snap!VRS is an industry leader in setting the highest ethical standard, and we are happy to be supported by such a well-respected team," said Viable president John Yeh in a statement. "By joining the Snap!VRS team, we will be able to continue serving our loyal customers while continuing our commitment to our employees, the industry, and most importantly the deaf community."

In an e-mail Thursday, Yeh said, "I started this company in part because of the opportunities we can create within the deaf community. Our work is not done; we will continue this work.

"The past several weeks have been extremely challenging for our employees and their families, and I am grateful for their dedication to our mission," he added. "The new partnership with Snap!VRS is indeed an exciting development for the deaf community and our industry and I am very pleased that our employees can continue serving the community as well as they have."

Yeh could not be reached for further comment.

"Viable has been a formidable competitor and a major contributor to the [video relay service] industry," said Tom Kielty, Snap!VRS president and CEO. "We've always been very impressed with the company's commitment to and connection with the deaf community. Pairing our respective synergies will create a company capable of servicing the deaf community unlike any other."

The sale terms were not disclosed. Viable reported revenues of $7 million in 2007, the most recent year for which it has disclosed figures to The Gazette.

Snap!VRS officials, when asked about purchasing a company visited by federal investigators and how their clients might feel about that or if Snap!VRS would reopen the closed Viable offices, responded by saying Snap!VRS is addressing Viable payroll issues.

In an e-mail, Maureen Ellenberger, Snap!VRS vice president of marketing, said, "Snap!VRS is currently proceeding with due diligence and integration planning for the next 90 to 120 days to ensure a smooth transition that will be beneficial for our new company, employees of Snap!VRS and Viable, and our joint customers. This process will address any open questions regarding the transition. Already, Snap!VRS has taken over payroll for current Viable employees as well as health and life insurance payments."

Snap!VRS is a video relay service that delivers a "high quality and convenient relay experience between people who use American Sign Language and spoken English," according to Snap!VRS information. The company is a division of Snap Telecommunications, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aequus Technologies of Pine Brook, N.J.

Viable's offerings include videoconferencing hardware and software, and video-based and on-site interpreting services. The business had grown from a handful of employees in 2005 to more than 240, with most workers hearing-impaired. An updated employee count could not be obtained.

Trial date for Yeh

Yeh has been summoned to a Montgomery County District Court, charged with failing to pay regular wages to an employee, according to court records.

A trial is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 1 in Rockville. A separate civil contract claim filed by the same former employee, Mary K. Moylan of Catonsville, against Yeh is scheduled to be heard Oct. 27 in a Catonsville district court.

Moylan said last week that she was laid off in early July, along with numerous other workers. Managers told her that Viable's Ellicott City and Towson call centers were being shut down, she said.

Moylan said she was not paid for several weeks and filed a claim for $7,450.

Moylan is the first known former or current Viable employee to take a claim publicly. Some former and current employees have contacted The Gazette to say they have not been paid, but have requested anonymity.

Regarding the court cases, Allison Polk, a Viable spokeswoman, this week said, "We cannot comment on any pending litigation. However, Viable is committed to honoring our financial obligations. We will be communicating directly with our employees as new information becomes available."

Regarding reports of the closure of Viable's Ellicott City and Towson call centers, Polk said "operations at those centers have been suspended."

Questionable partnership

Viable partnered this year with a Florida company whose owners were arrested and charged with conspiracy to defraud the federal government. Authorities said the company billed for video-relay calls, which allow people with hearing disabilities to communicate using interpreters and Web cameras, that were not properly interpreted. A Viable spokesman, Glenn Lockhart, reported recently that Viable no longer does business with that Florida company.

In June, federal investigators visited Viable's headquarters, and the company was "cooperating fully" with investigators, said Lockhart, who recently left the company. The company's attorney, Timothy Sullivan, has not returned calls seeking comment.

Ian McCaleb, a Justice Department spokesman, said Thursday he could neither confirm nor deny if Viable is under investigation.

Yeh involved in deaf community

Yeh has long been involved with organizations that advocate for the deaf community, such as the National Asian Deaf Congress and National Deaf Business Institute. He was a trustee of Gallaudet University, a Washington, D.C., institution that specializes in education for deaf people, for more than a decade.

He is also listed as chairman of the university's Board of Associates, which builds relationships with business and philanthropic leaders. A Gallaudet spokesman said last week that Yeh was still chairman.

In January, Deaf Life, a monthly national magazine, honored Yeh as Deaf Person of the Year. Matthew S. Moore, publisher of Deaf Life, said in an e-mail that he was "very much surprised and dismayed by recent events involving the investigation and accusations."

The Greater Washington Asian Deaf Association also honored Yeh this year, and the organization continues to support him, said Anni Tao, president of the association, in an e-mail.

"In our hearts and minds, he is a good man," Tao said. "My husband and I know John very well. … He has distinguished himself as a conscientious and energetic pioneer in the field of social and deaf services for which I have personally been very impressed. I have enormous respect for his leadership skills and have been pleased to work with him on many occasions. … He is a very kind and humble person, but most notable is his support and encouragement of the deaf community."

Last year, The Gazette of Politics and Business named Yeh one of its "25 CEOs You Need to Know" and Viable as one of its "Exceptional 53" businesses and nonprofits.

YouTube - Message from Viable President John T.C. Yeh

Vlog from deafvideo.tv

Good!

**JClarke** · 08-23-2009, 06:48 PM

I wish Viable the best - just a small cocern with these Viable VPAD devices as long it works it is OK with my clients!

**Chevy57** · 08-23-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JClarke

I wish Viable the best - just a small cocern with these Viable VPAD devices as long it works it is OK with my clients!

Yeah! Viable keep business with SnapOn VRS.

SouthFella · 08-24-2009, 09:26 AM

Anyone know anyone that work for Viable ? SnapVRS ?

Chevy go apply for a job at Snap .. smile

**Chevy57** · 08-24-2009, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthFella

Anyone know anyone that work for Viable ? SnapVRS ?

Chevy go apply for a job at Snap .. smile

No way. I still work for Purple.

SouthFella · 08-24-2009, 09:35 AM

Well rumor is floating around that Purple may go bankrupt...

**Chevy57** · 08-24-2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthFella

Well rumor is floating around that Purple may go bankrupt...

Not truth

Dennis · 08-24-2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthFella

Well rumor is floating around that Purple may go bankrupt...

Their financial picture seems somewhat stable:

Purple Communications(TM) Announces Second Quarter 2009 Results: PRNewswire Business News - MSN Money

Meeting all debt obligations, $6.4M in cash, $8M in debt and $5M in credit available.

**Reba** · 08-24-2009, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthFella

Anyone know anyone that work for Viable ? SnapVRS ?e

I know people who used to work for SnapVRS.

SouthFella · 08-25-2009, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis

Their financial picture seems somewhat stable:

Purple Communications(TM) Announces Second Quarter 2009 Results: PRNewswire Business News - MSN Money

Meeting all debt obligations, $6.4M in cash, $8M in debt and $5M in credit available.

Let's hope the numbers are true and nothing " hidden" .

SouthFella · 08-25-2009, 05:31 PM

Reba what were their opinon working for SnapVRS ?

**Reba** · 08-25-2009, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthFella

Reba what were their opinon working for SnapVRS ?

One terp enjoyed the work but had a very low opinion of management. The terp quit when the company started shutting down operations; terp friend didn't want to get laid off with the others.

The other person I know who was involved with Snap!VRS had a significant lawsuit against them for breach of contract and other charges. It was against the high mucky-mucks of the company. (It's public record.)

Another person in local management with Snap!VRS was very dissatisfied when the national "boss" decided to shut down regional offices.

Most of the complaints that I've heard are about Snap!VRS caring about the bottom line (money) only, and not being concerned with what's best for the deafies.

I've also had my own dealings with one of the company's subsidiaries but I can't go into details. Let me just say that we didn't have a satisfactory parting of the ways. They left me and their clients high and dry (and in breach of contract with some clients). But I'm happier in my current career as "freelancer."

Some of the people I know dealt directly with the top bananas, and didn't like what they saw.

I hope for everyone's sake that they've changed.

08-19-2009, 09:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
Snap!VRS Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4	Snap!VRS to Acquire Viable Communications, Inc. Snap!VRS to Acquire Viable Communications, Inc. Move Makes Snap!VRS a Leader in Deaf Community Outreach While Maintaining Industry-Standard Ethical Business Practices Pearl River, N.Y. – Snap!VRS announced today its plans to acquire Viable Communications, Inc. The companies reached agreement on Friday and will immediately begin the difficult work of stabilizing Viable’s business operations and restoring the confidence of its significant constituent base. Current Snap!VRS and Viable customers can continue to expect quality service as the transaction is finalized. “Viable has been a formidable competitor and a major contributor to the VRS industry. We’ve always been very impressed with the company’s commitment to and connection with the deaf community. Pairing our respective synergies will create a company capable of servicing the deaf community unlike any other,” said Snap!VRS President & CEO, Tom Kielty. “Snap!VRS is an industry leader in setting the highest ethical standard, and we are happy to be supported by such a well-respected team,” said John Yeh, President of Viable. “By joining the Snap!VRS team, we will be able to continue serving our loyal customers while continuing our commitment to our employees, the industry, and most importantly the deaf community.” More details of the transaction and the opportunities that it creates for customers will be made available in the next few months. About Snap!VRS Snap!VRS is a video relay service that delivers a high quality and convenient relay experience between people who use American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English. Whether at home or in the office, relay users enjoy fast connections to experienced and professional ASL interpreters that are available anytime from a variety of video phones. Snap!VRS is committed to delivering video relay service with integrity and excellent customer service. To learn more about Snap!VRS, please visit Snap!VRS Video Relay Services. About Telecommunications Relay Services Mandated by Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, telecommunications relay services (TRS) enables individuals with hearing or speech disabilities to achieve functional equivalence by accessing telephone systems to place or receive calls through an intermediary known as a relay operator or relay interpreter. Emergent IP technology has given rise to video-based solutions, which are known as video relay services (VRS). VRS options include using a webcam or a videophone to connect to a video relay interpreter, and allow deaf and hard of hearing callers for whom sign language is native to fully achieve the ideal of functional equivalence.

08-19-2009, 03:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
YOMAN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 134	Umm Viable and Snapvrs merge for business? we talked about Viable and we heard thatViable is in trouble for some reasons that some of you already know the story.. Now i m (eyeing) that Viable and Snapvrs is becoming one business ? i m confusing.. Can any one more clear and confrim this ? YOMAN!

08-19-2009, 06:44 PM	#6 (permalink)
JClarke I.T Guru Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Canberra, Australia Posts: 28,060 Blog Entries: 6	I called the ViableVRS to show the clients at a VRS workshop lastnight and I noticed that there was no interpreter displayed = "Technical issue screen was shown" this may have incidated that the company was under FBI investagtion. __________________ This is not a ASL version Owner of the Postwhore Club If you have 5,000 posts - please send me a PM requesting to join.

08-19-2009, 07:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
taurizs Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 204	SnapVRS/Viable SnapVRS just announced that plan to acquire Viable. Snap!VRS to Acquire Viable Communications, Inc.

08-20-2009, 04:50 AM	#10 (permalink)
Miss-Delectable V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 17,174 Blog Entries: 3	Snap!VRS to Acquire Viable Communications, Inc. Snap!VRS to Acquire Viable Communications, Inc. \| SYS-CON MEDIA Snap!VRS announced today its plans to acquire Viable Communications, Inc. The companies reached agreement on Friday and will immediately begin the difficult work of stabilizing Viable's business operations and restoring the confidence of its significant constituent base. Current Snap!VRS and Viable customers can continue to expect quality service as the transaction is finalized. "Viable has been a formidable competitor and a major contributor to the VRS industry. We've always been very impressed with the company's commitment to and connection with the deaf community. Pairing our respective synergies will create a company capable of servicing the deaf community unlike any other," said Snap!VRS President & CEO, Tom Kielty. "Snap!VRS is an industry leader in setting the highest ethical standard, and we are happy to be supported by such a well-respected team," said John Yeh, President of Viable. "By joining the Snap!VRS team, we will be able to continue serving our loyal customers while continuing our commitment to our employees, the industry, and most importantly the deaf community." More details of the transaction and the opportunities that it creates for customers will be made available in the next few months. A video of this news is available on Snap!VRS Video Relay Services __________________ "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." - Helen Keller

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08-19-2009, 03:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
deafaussie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 338	Have you read the company's public announcement in their websites? no? Dont bet your dollar on it. Lets hear out from them not from the speculators! John//

08-19-2009, 04:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
YOMAN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 134	I just did..and seems that they re working together as a business...interesting.

08-19-2009, 05:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
*Calvin* Moderator Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 4,929	Mod note: Thread merged.

08-19-2009, 08:42 PM	#8 (permalink)
Watermelon Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 103	I wonder what that means for the software, I like it...

08-19-2009, 09:17 PM	#9 (permalink)
Brian Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 4,750	Mod's Note: Thread merged with another thread.

08-20-2009, 04:59 AM	#11 (permalink)
*Calvin* Moderator Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 4,929	Mod note: Another thread merged.

08-20-2009, 07:39 AM	#15 (permalink)
Chevy57 Sherlock Hound Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: O..HI..O! Posts: 10,290	Snap!VRS had bought Viable VRS, a troubled video relay service provider. I think that new combined company will be new name.

08-20-2009, 09:13 AM	#16 (permalink)
Chevy57 Sherlock Hound Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: O..HI..O! Posts: 10,290	Against merge. You remember that Hawk Relay and Viable are deaf owned business and they failed to follow FCC procedure and did “dirty” business. I disliked SnapVrs. I never use OJO and will return back to OJO soon. I will get $25 refund.

08-20-2009, 09:20 PM	#18 (permalink)
SouthFella Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 521	Many people don't like SnapVRS for many reasons. Viable, a deaf owned company is now going to the deaf history books. May the deaf world learn , it don't pay to be crooked , nor to lie . I do hope SnapVRS will do better and expand the options for the deaf community to use ( ip relay, AIM relay, blackberry relay etc ). Also hope all the people with the Vpad will be able to use the product they bought in good faith. __________________ Implanted 04/23/2008... MedEl ( with nifty Remote Control } Right Ear, Phonak Savia Left Ear.

08-23-2009, 06:48 PM	#20 (permalink)
JClarke I.T Guru Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Canberra, Australia Posts: 28,060 Blog Entries: 6	I wish Viable the best - just a small cocern with these Viable VPAD devices as long it works it is OK with my clients! __________________ This is not a ASL version Owner of the Postwhore Club If you have 5,000 posts - please send me a PM requesting to join.

08-24-2009, 09:26 AM	#22 (permalink)
SouthFella Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 521	Anyone know anyone that work for Viable ? SnapVRS ? Chevy go apply for a job at Snap .. smile __________________ Implanted 04/23/2008... MedEl ( with nifty Remote Control } Right Ear, Phonak Savia Left Ear.

08-24-2009, 09:35 AM	#24 (permalink)
SouthFella Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 521	Well rumor is floating around that Purple may go bankrupt... __________________ Implanted 04/23/2008... MedEl ( with nifty Remote Control } Right Ear, Phonak Savia Left Ear.

08-25-2009, 05:31 PM	#29 (permalink)
SouthFella Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 521	Reba what were their opinon working for SnapVRS ? __________________ Implanted 04/23/2008... MedEl ( with nifty Remote Control } Right Ear, Phonak Savia Left Ear.

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