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<www.vxml.co.za>
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| VoiceXML |
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C.a.T.S. has successfully presented VoiceXML training to 9 delegates ? 2 from a
GSM network abroad. The training was hosted at the new C.a.T.S. offices.
Spanning 5 days of intensive training, the course comprised 2 days of theory,
which included VXML, CCML, SSML and SRGS-XML. The remaining 3 days were
constituted by workshop-like practical sessions, covering topics like DTMF key
input, Speech Synthesis, Voice Recording, host interfacing, server side
scripting, variable handling and sub-dialogs.
The delegates attending the training hailed from various backgrounds which
constituted a good representation in terms of the voice fraternity.
MD Johan Grobler stated: "As a company specializing in voice in its myriad of
applications and platforms, we see these training events not as a threat but
rather as an opportunity to grow the open standards community and get as many
as possible people involved. I believe that the fundamentals underpinning a
language like VoiceXML and its associated languages allows for the creation
of a user group that is truly effective to all parties involved".
Apart from the VoiceXML training, attention was given to Call Control in terms
of CCML, showing the attendees how CCML can be used to build functionalities
like call conferences, call transfers and screening of calls.
Johan Grobler continued: "When one looks at the structure of CCML, it is all
about programming and execution efficiency, and, in a sense, moving call
control from the switching domain to the programmer."
The basic IVR architecture used for training was the Tecnomen test platform with Vodacom
in Midrand for PSTN calls, the C.a.T.S. lab IVR for PSTN and VoIP/SIP calls. Also roped
in were the C.a.T.S. speech server with voice recognition and speech synthesis capabilities,
and a primary and secondary application server. The rationale behind the construction of the
architecture was in order for delegates to grasp and work with a distributed mutli-platform
environment as would most probably be the case in a production environment. Grobler also noted:
"The architecture used for the training goes a long way in illustrating how distributed an IVR
configuration can be, integrating the Tecnomen platform in Midrand with our speech and application
servers in Pretoria/Tshwane".
Johan Grobler believes that the true challenges, however, will be in terms of managing the applications
and also the application server and speech servers employed. "The openness and simplicity of VoiceXML
brings along possible threats with the obvious advantages. On an enterprise level, careful consideration
will have to be given to the development, maintenance, deployment and management of applications".
This is a field C.a.T.S. has concentrated on and we believe we have a refined process in terms of the
IDE (Integrated Development Environment), the uploading and activation of applications".
He continued to caution enterprises not to rush into VoiceXML orientated architecture for voice if the
processes has not been thought through and documented.
Hence, half a day was spend on the design philosophy of voice applications and also on test procedures and
strategies. Enough information and building blocks were passed to each delegated, empowering them to go
back to their respective organizations and implement workflows and procedures in terms of application
development, touching on every aspect it encompasses.
On preparation to the training, Johan Grobler added: "I requested that specific attention should be given
to the prototype phase of development, as many applications being launched by the industry today are not
up to standard, and primarily due to the prototype phase not being thorough and testing not as rigorous
as needed." Hence, the training emphasized this phase of application development and focus was placed on
how the prototype phase can be expedited and facilitated, making use of speech synthesis. Developers can
build a prototype IVR application within a very short period of time, which is natural sounding, making use
of Speech Synthesis Markup Language. Within a brainstorm session the application can be changed and adapted
according to suggestions on the fly and demonstration can take place via a developer's IDE.
Lastly, the whole scenario of IVR farms and voice portals being implemented in line with web portals were visited
in detail. Johan Grobler concluded: "We believe that this training will go a long way in demystifying voice, and
IVR in particular and empower developers in general to add voice development to their skills complement.
The response was overwhelmingly positive and we are looking at presenting the training on a regular basis to
accommodate the requests."
The training was conducted by 2 members of the C.a.T.S. team, with MD Johan Grobler concluding the course with a
final word on the past, present and future of voice, especially within the South African context.
VoiceXML Training Brochure
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