SandCherry Simplifies Extending Web Applications With Speech by Offering Web Services Interfaces
Boulder, CO (ots)
Upgraded SoftServer(TM) 2.4 Platform Empowers Java and XML Developers and Expands Multimodal Capabilities
Building on the strength of its SoftServer 2.3 platform designed for the affordable mass deployment of enhanced services, SandCherry, Inc. today announced SoftServer Version 2.4, which adds Java and Web Services APIs to increase the accessibility of speech for Web applications and offer more robust multimodal application support.
SandCherry's SoftServer solution allows service providers and enterprises to affordably mass-deploy next-generation services such as voice dialing, voice-enabled customer service applications and multimodality by leveraging a distributed, open, software-based platform as an alternative to expensive, cumbersome and rigid hardware-centric or vertically integrated software solutions. Expanding the reach of the SoftServer 2.3 platform, version 2.4 extends these capabilities -- previously available to VXML users -- by offering Java APIs that service resource requests directly from Java and XML applications.
"While the SoftServer 2.3 platform provides ideal support for the VXML community, there are more than 3.5 million developers in the Microsoft Developers Network and more than 2.5 million Java developers worldwide that don't all prefer VXML," noted Dale Hartzell, SandCherry marketing vice president. "To foster speech solutions on a mass scale, we are empowering the larger community of Web application developers to extend their applications to mobile users by giving them direct access to a variety of resources."
Support for Java and XML Users
To bring speech to Java and XML applications on a variety of Service Delivery platforms, the SoftServer 2.4 solution incorporates the Java Advanced Intelligent Network (JAIN) API and a Java Speech API (JSAPI). The JAIN API extends call and media routing control to external service platforms, while the JSAPI provides direct media control for functions such as speech recognition control, prompt playing and text-to-speech output.
Service Delivery platforms that can utilize these APIs include SS7/C7 AIN platforms, messaging platforms, conference bridges, IVR systems and other application platforms.
Broader Multimodal Applications
Creating more robust support for multimodal applications, the SoftServer 2.4 platform supports optional Multimodal Gateway software. Multimodal devices and platforms can interact with the SoftServer platform using a SOAP-based Web Services interface to access SALT, VXML, speech recognition, TTS and prompting resources controlled by the system.
Additional SoftServer 2.4 Benefits
- Lower-cost Deployment: Leverages existing components and software rather than requiring a completely new hardware system.
- Faster Service Rollout: Simplifies application component plug-and-play.
- Carrier-class Performance: Easily configured for large, high-availability carrier applications or small enterprise applications.
- Single-platform Solution: Supports multiple applications on a single platform.
- Full-service Support: Supports a full range of IVR and voice-enabled services in addition to more robust multimodal support.
- Future Adaptability: Scalable and flexible to adopt future hardware and software components that will offer additional service enhancements.
About SandCherry
SandCherry, Inc. (www.sandcherry.com) develops software platforms that are critical for affordable mass deployment of touch-tone, speech-enabled, multimodal and multimedia enhanced services by upgrading existing Web and telecom software technology with superior media management and control software. As a result, SandCherry's products empower service providers and enterprises to unleash the combined value of speech recognition software, application servers, and media servers to deliver these enhanced services that can increase carrier revenues or reduce enterprise costs. Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, the company was founded by telecom and software industry veterans from companies including AT&T, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Telcordia Technologies and Alcatel. For more information about SandCherry, please visit www.sandcherry.com.
About SoftServer
The SoftServer platform, SandCherry's flagship product, is an applications and media resource broker that simplifies the integration, deployment, and management of enhanced and next- generation services. It melds Web capabilities with traditional technologies to provide a flexible and scalable solution meeting the size and needs of each specific customer that can easily adapt as additional service enhancements become viable in the future. It is this platform that allows customers to easily and cost-effectively deliver enhanced services such as voice-enabled customer service, voice dialing, and multimodal voice/data applications to subscribers. As a result, service providers can quickly and cost- effectively mass deploy these new services creating new revenue opportunities, and enterprises can reduce costs while offering improved services.
SandCherry and SoftServer are trademarks of SandCherry, Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Contact:
Wendy Simmons
Vendeloo Incorporated
Phone: +1 212-475-3738
Email: wendy@vendeloo.com