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SpeechWorks Announces Availability of Open Source VoiceXML Interpreter and
SIP-based Speech Links
Business/Technology Editors
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 30, 2001--
SpeechWorks Provides First Open Source Implementation of Emerging
VoiceXML Standard
SpeechWorks International, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPWX), a market leader in
the telephony-based speech technology industry, today announced the
availability of an open source VoiceXML Interpreter, known as Open
VXI, as a reference platform for developers. SpeechWorks also
announced the availability of its speech links technology that enables
the intelligent interconnection of speech services. Open VXI and
speech links are standards-based technologies that will allow
developers to support browsing and linking capabilities among speech
recognition services. Both technologies are immediately available to
developers worldwide as open source (see details below) and both serve
as the building blocks for the Open Speech Web, a secure network of
interconnected speech services that will allow consumers to
`speech-surf' or connect to any speech-enabled application, simply by
using spoken commands and the nearest phone.
Open VXI
Announced on June 30th as a key component of the Open Speech Web
concept, the Open VXI is a VoiceXML Interpreter immediately available
as open source to developers worldwide. The Open VXI provides a key
VoiceXML component to all developers who want to add VoiceXML
capabilities to their products without developing that technology on
their own and therefore, without having to track changes and additions
to the VoiceXML standard over time. For companies with VoiceXML
platforms the open VXI serves as a reference to ensure that they are
executing VoiceXML consistently so they can deliver cross-platform
compatibility. As with other open source technologies, developers can
take advantage of any subsequent contributions to the Open VXI made by
SpeechWorks or any other developers worldwide.
Open source speech links
Announced on June 30th as a key component of the Open Speech Web
concept, speech links uses SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) and IP
networking to offer open connectivity among speech services so any
service provider can support call transfer to or from another service,
be it a VoiceXML-based or a legacy speech application, to content not
in the VoiceXML format or to a live agent. Speech links will allow
callers to move seamlessly among speech-enabled services, much like
people "surf" among Web sites on the World Wide Web today. Using
hypertext links, a corresponding data path allows developers to design
an intelligent link, or SpeechCookie(TM), between speech services in
order that personalized information -- shopping cart information or
user profiles, for example -- can transfer with the caller among
different speech services. SpeechWorks is working with SIP partners
like dynamicsoft to promote the use of the SIP-based speech links
technology for call and data transfer.
Available through Carnegie Mellon University
"One of our goals at CMU is to make speech technology more
accessible and usable by everyone, and SpeechWorks has clearly
demonstrated leadership in this area through their dedication to Open
Source and the real, working implementations behind them that make
them more than just proposals," said Kevin Lenzo, systems scientist
and steward of the Carnegie Mellon University Open Source Speech
Initiative. "Speech links and the Open VXI will be a great boost to
the CMU Open Source Speech Initiative, and any speech, dialog and
telephony applications that use VoiceXML." Developers can access the
Open VXI at speech.cs.cmu.edu and speech links at
speech.cs.cmu.edu .
"We're proud to make these VoiceXML and SIP-based components
available to the developer community," said Bill Ledingham, vice
president of product development at SpeechWorks. "Our open source
initiatives will allow developers immediate access to key foundation
technologies and contribute to the growth of the Open Speech Web."
SpeechWorks VoiceXML speech browser
In addition to the Open VXI, SpeechWorks is currently engaged in
beta trials of the VoiceXML-based SpeechWorks speech browser that will
allow speech applications to access VoiceXML-enabled Web content.
Developed for platform providers, service bureaus and
telecommunications companies, the speech browser is based on the Open
VXI component and is packaged with the interfaces needed for that
interpreter to function with the award-winning SpeechWorks 6.5
SMARTRecognizer, Speechify text-to-speech and patented DialogModule
technologies. Callers can access a speech browser enabled site, listen
and respond to voice prompts linked to URLs, and navigate to any site
selected.
"SpeechWorks' efforts in support of VoiceXML and open source are
providing developers with additional access to pivotal speech
technologies," said Megan Gurley, a Yankee Group analyst, specializing
in voice communications applications. "These technologies will
facilitate the development of browsing and linking solutions that will
enable new categories of speech services and an environment of
interconnected speech services that emulates the power of today's
World Wide Web."
SpeechWorks VoiceXML Program Participants
In addition to SpeechWorks VoiceXML initiatives, a number of
partners have integrated or plan to integrate SpeechWorks' speech
recognizer, DialogModules and Speechify text-to-speech technologies in
their VoiceXML platforms. Program participants include Aspect,
Audiopoint, General Magic, Gold Systems, HeyAnita, InterVoice-Brite,
PriceInteractive/iBasis, Nortel Networks, Telera, VoiceGenie and many
others. "SpeechWorks is committed to working with partners to support
standards-based, world class speech applications on carrier-grade
platforms that use VoiceXML as the primary underlying technology,"
said Steve Chambers, vice president of worldwide marketing,
SpeechWorks. "Our VoiceXML partnerships and technology solutions
development offer customers unparalleled options for both outsourced
and premise-based VoiceXML solutions."
Availability of the Open VXI, speech links and the SpeechWorks
Speech Browser
Parties interested in obtaining the Open VXI and speech links
source code should go to the CMU download sites at
speech.cs.cmu.edu and
speech.cs.cmu.edu respectively. Parties
interested in the SpeechWorks speech browser should contact
SpeechWorks directly via email at SBInfo@SpeechWorks.com.
About SpeechWorks
Organizations worldwide rely on SpeechWorks (NASDAQ: SPWX) to
delight their callers and provide them with a new level of service
over the phone. Complementing the self-service model of e-business,
SpeechWorks(R) speech recognition solutions, including the
revolutionary SpeechSite(TM) product and Speechify(TM) text-to-speech
engine, let customers direct their calls, obtain information and
complete transactions automatically, simply by speaking naturally over
any phone, anytime.
SpeechWorks customers include some of the world's most
sophisticated customer service innovators such as America Online,
Amtrak, Continental Airlines, E*Trade, FedEx, Fidelity Investments
Institutional Brokerage Group, MapQuest and United Airlines. The
Company offers the SpeechWorks Here(TM) Guarantee, the industry's only
customer results program with a money-back guarantee. SpeechWorks
strategic partners include leading corporations such as AT&T,
Dialogic, an Intel company, InterVoice-Brite and Net2Phone. Early
investors included Citigroup's e-Citi Unit, GE Equity, Intel
Corporation, The Intel64 Fund, MCI WorldCom Venture Fund and Reuters.
SpeechWorks is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts and has
offices around the world. To experience the power of SpeechWorks, call
1.888.SAY.DEMO. For additional information, call 617.428.4444 or visit
speechworks.com.
SpeechWorks, Speechify, SpeechWorks Here and SpeechSite are
trademarks or registered trademarks of SpeechWorks International, Inc.
in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners.
--30--es/bos*
CONTACT: SpeechWorks International Schwartz Communications
Marie Ruzzo Peter Gorman
617.428.4444 781.684.0770 |
