Two Sussex men have revealed technology which will bring a human voice to the internet.

Brighton-based Michael Ayers and Peter Godwin from Worthing have spent two years developing the system which lets website users talk to a company while browsing its site using a single phone line.

They say it will revolutionise e-commerce.

The Talk 'n' View system means staff can see exactly what the browser is seeing and can send them to other web pages to provide extra information.

Travel firms could discuss alternative accommodation with would-be holiday makers.

Online banks could talk through saving plans with customers.

The details of the new system were exclusively revealed to evolution by Southwick firm Centacom, ahead of the system's launch later this year.

Amy Henderson, head of public relations for Centacom, said: "Lots of people are checking out travel sites then shutting down and going to the travel agents.

"If you have Talk 'n' View, the travel site staff know what you're looking at and can help you."

She said firms would only be able to monitor the internet use of visitors on their own site.

Ms Henderson said the technology installs a cookie, a file storing user information, on the computer of those using Talk 'n' View.

Talk 'n' View will carry a telephone-quality conversation and website information over a single telephone line and still operate at busy times.

The voices of staff in a call centre will be directed through telephone lines to Centacom's headquarters and from there to the internet and the caller.

The system has been developed over two years by Centacom executive chairman Michael Ayers and director of technology and development Peter Godwin.

Future developments could include web cameras which will let web users see the person they are talking to online.

Centacom is in talks with a number of national companies and local firms about using the technology.

It is expected to be used on a client's site for the first time in November.

The technology is likely to play a key role in turning internet browsers into internet buyers.

U.S. research firm Shelley Taylor & Associates reported earlier this year three-quarters of web shoppers abandoned their net shopping 'carts' before paying.

Customers have proved time and again they are likely to duck out of net deals when a shop assistant would be able to reassure them they were spending their money wisely and safely.

evolution's internet shopping columnist Sue Rice said speaking to customers on the net would be a great step forward for online shops.

She said: "No matter how well planned a site is, there are always different questions people want to ask.

"To be able to interact with shops gives you more confidence.

"You are more likely to go ahead with the purchase."

If Centacom can prove to customers and clients alike its technology really does walk the walk as well as talk the talk, we will hear far more of this Sussex innovation.