VoiceXML, the de facto open standard programming language for programming IVR applications, is widely used by many enterprises as well as small and mid size businesses. Because VoiceXML platforms can be programmed to automate any phone call, the use cases for outbound IVR vary from playing simple messages to polling and collecting data via an interactive dialog with a callee.
Many businesses use VoiceXML for outbound calling because it allows their programmers to leverage existing skill sets and transfer data from their database to the IVR system in real-time using any server-side scripting language. This paradigm is similar to programming dynamic web applications. Acting on and collecting real data allows a company to place automated calls for service reminders, bill collection, alerts and notifications, as well as conducting customer satisfaction surveys.
For more information about how to program outbound IVR applications, please visit Plum’s programmer’s reference manual and tutorial at http://www.plumvoice.com/docs/hosting/
