Vox In The BoxVox In The Box

IBM claims new middleware it's polishing will make it easier for businesses to extend portal apps to mobile devices and to convert the data to voice. Available later this month, WebSphere Voice Application Access would reduce the programming required to enable voice recognition and response for existing Web portal apps. Mobile workers would be able to access data from multiple apps via a single phone call.

Referring to renewed return-on-investment demands, Joe Damassa, VP of marketing for IBM's Pervasive Computing division, says "We're shifting from cool gadgets that hang on our belts to real applications that help improve customer satisfaction."

For example, a company named E-Suds is already selling an advanced washing machine that uses IBM voice software that calls customers' cell phones to tell them they have 10 minutes left in their wash or dry cycle. Now, E-Suds is expanding the capabilities, letting machines contact repair shops when they malfunction. Honda uses the voice software in its cars, enabling drivers to ask directory assistance for local phone numbers and addresses.

WebSphere Voice Application Access supports VoiceXML and Java and uses open-standards programming languages. IBM also will make the middleware interoperable with third-party products from vendors including Cisco Systems and Nuance Communications Inc. The middleware costs $60,000 per processor server.

IBM is prepping another application available on its Alpha Works testing site that provides responses graphically. For instance, customers could get flight information through a phone call or via a PDA form. Voice-translation software would read off schedules or the mobile-enabled database would display the information as a chart.