Network IVR (Interactive Voice Response) is the carrier-grade version of IVR, and is typically highly scalable since it is commonly deployed in networks with large call volumes. Designed to handle network-level IVR functions, such as interacting with multiple databases, billing systems, provisioning systems, and SMSC/MMSCs, Network IVR also allows for the rapid deployment of multiple services simultaneously. To further enhance services, video can be combined with Network IVR (Video IVR / IVVR) adding a new personalized dimension to voice-only calls.

The APEX Service Delivery Platform (APEX SDP™), with its multi-service OmniVox3D® SIP Application Server, was designed specifically to handle all the needs of a Network IVR deployment, including large call volumes in an ever-changing service provider network. Applications are rapidly designed, developed and delivered with the browser-based OmniView® Service Creation Environment, and then monitored, modified and managed using the powerful OAM&P Console. The APEX SDP also addresses the more advanced requirements of Network IVR including automated speech recognition, text-to-speech, multiple language capabilities, internationalization/localization features, and more.

In addition to addressing the higher application-level needs of the Network Operator, the APEX SDP also addresses a broad range of lower-level requirements that are key to successfully implementing Network IVR. These include support for 3G/Mobile, SIP/IMS, TDM/SS7, AIN/IN and converged networks; integration with third-party components, such as softswitches, media servers, media gateways and SIP proxy servers; support for standards such as IMS, MSCML, MSML/MOML, VXML, MRCP and 3G-324M; and handling call control, call routing and core signaling parameters.

Either as a standalone server or distributed across multiple platforms, the APEX SDP and its integrated OmniVox3D Application Server is the ideal platform for Network IVR. Its built-in scalability, flexibility, and reliability, along with the option for 99.999% (five 9) redundancy, gives Network Operators the edge to minimize overall time-to-market, while maximizing time-in-market.