Once the user decides on a restaurant, the service dials it. Users can also customize their selections so the service knows what stocks they own and where they live by entering their preferences in a personal profile on Tellme's site. Tellme is targeting companies that have call centers, but want to tie into its Internet presence and automate calls. Other targets are companies with strong Web sites that want to attract more consumers by offering service over the phone, either through automation or live people. Tellme says it will be rolling out relationships soon.
Advertising is another key source of revenue.
BeVocal, meanwhile, said it relies less on advertising and more on transactions. In addition to using the service for driving directions, consumers can dial the toll-free number to find flight schedules and buy airline tickets through the Sabre computer reservation service. BeVocal takes a cut of every reservation. The service also lets users find local businesses, such as the nearest Federal Express drop box. FedEx pays BeVocal for directing its customers.