VXML, or Voice Extensible Markup Language, is a standard XML format for specifying IVR dialogs using voice-recognition, DTMF and speech generation technology. VXML leverages Internet technologies like the HTTP protocol for delivery of VXML formatted dialogs along with voice-recognition grammars. Just as HTML scripts are interpreted by a visual web browser, VXML scripts are interpreted by a "voice browser" or "VXML gateway", which interprets and renders VXML content on the PSTN or on some other audio network like VoIP.

In today's market place VXML is generally broken up into two separate pieces. An Application Server provides the VXML content and a Voice Browser that interprets the VXML Script from an Application Server. These two pieces can be provided by the same vendor or the can be mixed and matched for best of breed services.

The APEX Service Delivery Platform (SDP) provides both of these VXML components. OmniVox3D is a world-class Application Server that has the VXML Dialog Generator to drive VXML browsers, while OmniVoXML is a VXML Gateway that has a built in VXML Voice Browser. Both of these components are VXML 2.0 compliant and will work with any other VXML 2.0 compliant component.

OmniVox3D along with the OmniView Service Creation Environment allows for the creation and management of VXML applications. Service Providers and Carriers are able to quickly add VXML applications and capabilities to existing infrastructure or create new open architecture solutions with the ability to mix and match best of breed modules.

OmniVoXML's Voice Browser loads and executes VXML 2.0 compliant scripts, either from static files or from the web. After downloading the application configurations the Voice Browser "publishes" this information with the routing service of OmniVoXML; this allows calls to be routed to this VXML based on DNIS, ANI, PORT or a combination of these. OmniVoXML can run VXML scripts in IMS Compliant Networks or on any of the following network protocols:

• SIP, H.323
• T1, E1, ISDN, CAS, etc.
• SS7, SS7 Loop-Back, SS7/IN in conjunction with the Signaling Gateway

The VXML Dialog Generator is a module that runs on top of Microsoft IIS (Internet Information Services) Web Server. The VXML Dialog Generator takes in HTTP VXML requests and hands them to the OmniVox3D Application Server. OmniVox3D then processes the appropriate application and responds with VXML scripts via the VXML Dialog Generator to the VXML voice browser. Applications are developed in the award-winning OmniView Service Creation Environment.