RESTON, VA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 05/31/07 -- A leading provider of proactive conversion solutions for enhancing online sales and support initiatives, eStara, and a national leader in coaching-based tobacco cessation programs, Free & Clear®, have joined state-of-the-art technology and tobacco cessation coaching to celebrate the World Health Organization's "World No Tobacco Day."

eStara's unique technology puts tobacco users instantly in touch with Free & Clear's Quit Coaches(TM), who are professionally trained counselors. Tobacco users simply enter their phone number into an online form, and their phone rings a moment later -- with a live Quit Coach on the other end.

"eStara has demonstrated that the power and immediacy of a voice interaction can be integral in the conversion process," said John Federman, CEO, eStara. "While we see the technology most often in use in a sales conversion setting, we are encouraged by Free & Clear's innovation and are happy to participate in a new program that contributes to the well-being of their constituents."

"Studies show that smokers attempting to quit rarely use formal assistance, even though it would benefit them to do so. It is important that we capitalize on any window of opportunity," said Tim Kilgallon, CEO of Free & Clear. "Click to Call provides a new channel for enrolling program participants in our award-winning Quit For Life(TM) program quickly and easily."

Quitting tobacco can be a difficult, often abrupt, decision. The ability to link aspiring quitters to Free & Clear's Quit Coaches with just two mouse clicks was a major drawing point in deciding to implement the feature. Now, tobacco users looking to end their addiction can connect immediately for live assistance from a Quit Coach.

"While there are now more ex-smokers than smokers in the United States, 21% of Americans still smoke. Providing immediate access to live, professional assistance is an important way we can help the 70% of American smokers who wish to quit," said Dr. Tim McAfee, Chief Medical Officer of Free & Clear.

Free & Clear plans to roll out Click to Call to its entire client base, including healthcare providers, government agencies and corporate employers as a value-add service to encourage tobacco users to quit.

The World Health Organization (WHO) established No Tobacco Day in 1987 and it is celebrated every year on May 31. The purpose of the annual event is to educate and inform the public of the dangers of using tobacco, let folks know what WHO is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic and also highlight what people can do to claim their right to healthy living and protect future generations.

About Free & Clear, Inc.

Free & Clear, Inc. is the leading provider of coaching-based tobacco treatment services for health plans, employers, and government organizations. Free & Clear helps its clients improve the health of their populations and control related costs by reducing the prevalence of tobacco use. More than 50 million people have access to the Free & Clear Quit For Life Program, which has had its proof of effectiveness published in multiple peer-reviewed, scientific journals over the course of nearly 20 years. Free & Clear is based in Seattle, Washington. More information about Free & Clear can be found at www.freeclear.com.

About eStara

eStara is a leading provider of proactive conversion solutions for enhancing online sales. The world's most recognized brands -- including Continental Airlines, DaimlerChrysler, Dell Financial Services, and SuperPages.com -- leverage eStara's OnDemand services to engage customers with the right form of contact at the right time to increase revenue, reduce website abandonment and improve customer satisfaction. eStara is a wholly owned subsidiary of ATG (Art Technology Group, Inc.) (NASDAQ: ARTG). For more information, visit www.eStara.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Further details on these risks are set forth in ATG's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings are available free of charge on a website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Additional risk factors related to the subject matter of this press release include: the possibility that eStara's product and service deployments will not be successful, on time or significantly enhance the user's Internet experience; the need to adapt to rapid changes so products and services do not become obsolete; the possibility of errors in eStara's software products and services; the possibility that eStara's offerings will not enhance its customers' online sales or otherwise provide the expected benefits to its customers; and the possibility that eStara's product strategy may change in the future. eStara and ATG undertake no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.

Add to DiggBookmark with del.icio.usAdd to Newsvine

Dan Obregon
eStara
703-648-8281
Email Contact

Mike Kaplan
fama PR
617-758-4156
Email Contact