Answers to Your Questions About VoiceXML

By Jeff Kunins

In this monthly column, an industry expert will answer common questions about VoiceXML and related technologies. Readers are encouraged to submit questions about VoiceXML, including development, voice-user interface design, and speech technology in general, or how VoiceXML is being used commercially in the marketplace. If you have a question about VoiceXML, e-mail it to speak.and.listen@voicexmlreview.org and be sure to read future issues of VoiceXML Review for the answer.

This month we examine more questions from our readers.

Q: So....when is VoiceXML 2.0 going to be released?
A: It's here! It's here! It's here! See http://www.w3.org/voice for the official working draft spec, press releases from the W3C and VoiceXML Forum, and testimonials from leading vendors.

Q: Are there VoiceXML 2.0 platforms already commercially available?
A: Yes. As of November 1, at least three vendors (BeVocal - www.bevocal.com , Tellme Networks - www.tellme.com , and VoiceGenie - www.voicegenie.com) have announced public availability of VoiceXML 2.0 platforms.

Moreover, there are already several mission-critical enterprise voice applications already completely relying on VoiceXML 2.0. For example, 1-800-555-1212 provides nationwide toll-free directory assistance to hundreds of thousands of callers every day with a VoiceXML 2.0 application powered by Tellme Networks. In addition, VoiceXML 2.0 applications are live today with other companies including leading wireless carriers, financial institutions, and retailers.

Q: I know that there is no such thing as conformance or compliance for VoiceXML 1.0. What is the deal for compliance with VoiceXML 2.0?
A: In the early days of a standard, notions of compliance and conformance to specific rigorous syntax are far less important than broad industry adoption and commercial implementations. As standards mature, the need for formal compliance procedures and definitions become extremely valuable as tools for both vendors and customers to use for ensuring cross-platform compatibility and preserving customer flexibility.

With the release of VoiceXML 2.0 and the continued rapid industry-wide adoption of VoiceXML platforms and solutions, it is now the appropriate time to define and faciliate a conformance program for VoiceXML.

Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between the W3C and the VoiceXML Forum (www.voicexml.org), the Forum is responsible for defining and administering conformance and compliance criteria and programs for VoiceXML.

At this time, the VoiceXML Forum is actively developing VoiceXML conformance criteria and a compliance certification program. An RFP (Request for Proposal) was recently submitted to vendors who wish to be the official, independent certification body for the VoiceXML conformance program. This will ensure a fair, unbiased program that is demonstrably useful for all vendors and customers. You can read more about the Forum's work in this area in this month's feature article entitled Building the VoiceXML Forum Certification Program written by Gerald Karam and Ken Rehor.

For more information on the conformance program, or to contribute your ideas or proposals, visit the VoiceXML Forum Web site at http://www.voicexml.org.

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