* Language used for developing interactive voice response VoiceXML 2.1 boosts functionalityBy Sanjeev SawaiVoiceXML is quickly becoming the standard language used for developing interactive voice response and speech-enabled self-service applications. Applications that were previously deployed only on the Web are now easily made available via the phone, giving customers a consistent, convenient method for interacting with retailers, banks and utility providers via the Web or telephone.The latest version, VoiceXML 2.1, takes a significant step toward improving the responsiveness and adaptability of speech-enabled approaches. This can be the difference between customers who are happy with a company’s speech-enabled self-service options and those who take their business elsewhere. The improvements proposed in VoiceXML 2.1, which is under consideration by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), demonstrate that VoiceXML is establishing itself as a stable, mature standard that deals with long-term issues, such as the mechanics of application development.Version 2.1 adds two elements and enhances a half-dozen others. The new elements – and – are tools for creating sophisticated application functionality without unnecessary complexity. To read this story in its entirety, please click here.Sawai is vice president of research and development at Envox Worldwide. He can be reached at sanjeev.sawai@envox.com Related content news analysis Western Digital keeps HDDs relevant with major capacity boost Western Digital and rival Seagate are finding new ways to pack data onto disk platters, keeping them relevant in the age of solid-state drives (SSD). By Andy Patrizio Dec 06, 2023 4 mins Enterprise Storage Data Center news analysis Global network outage report and internet health check Cisco subsidiary ThousandEyes, which tracks internet and cloud traffic, provides Network World with weekly updates on the performance of ISPs, cloud service providers, and UCaaS providers. By Ann Bednarz and Tim Greene Dec 06, 2023 286 mins Networking news analysis Cisco uncorks AI-based security assistant to streamline enterprise protection With Cisco AI Assistant for Security, enterprises can use natural language to discover policies and get rule recommendations, identify misconfigured policies, and simplify complex workflows. By Michael Cooney Dec 06, 2023 3 mins Firewalls Generative AI Network Security news Nvidia’s new chips for China to be compliant with US curbs: Jensen Huang Nvidia’s AI-focused H20 GPUs bypass US restrictions on China’s silicon access, including limits on-chip performance and density. By Anirban Ghoshal Dec 06, 2023 3 mins CPUs and Processors Technology Industry Podcasts Videos Resources Events NEWSLETTERS Newsletter Promo Module Test Description for newsletter promo module. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe