Could you please let me know the correct product to do the following: From a PHP based web site dial a number and play a pre-recorded message that has a verification number embedded in it using TXT to voice. It will be user initiated so does not require any scheduling.
There are two choices: 1) Voicent Gateway outbound, and 2) BroadcastByPhone + IVR Studio. With the first choice, you have to create low level VoiceXML based phone applications. This offers the most flexibility, but it will take a longer time to implement. The second choice, you use Voicent IVR Studio to design your phone interactions. The design can be accomplished by point-n-click in the IVR Studio’s GUI environment. It is much easier to create and maintain your application. The tool creates the low level VXML files automatically, so your design will be correct by construction. For more inforamtion, please see Developer Network section online.
Since you need to use Text to speech, you must also get Voicent TTS PlugIn, which will enable your TTS voice for phone calls.
Where the system lives in an ISP hosting environment what platform is required for maximum scalability / reliability
The system can live in a hosted environment or on your own network. You must use Windows platform. Voicent software actually has a web server embedded, and its interface is based on HTTP, so it should be straightforward to integrate your web site and Voicent software.
Does the system use Skype Out credits for it’s ability to call so cost per call is purely down to Skype costs?
Voicent software is a one-time purchase product. After that, you do need to pay your phone service, whether is is skype or other VOIP services. It is normally easier to scale up the lines when using SIP based VOIP. It will also be easier to find a hosting company when using SIP. Many hosting companies do not offer computer with soundcard, which is required if you use Skype.
How many simultansous phone calls could the system support? As the system gains popularity we may require hundreds. Is this possible?
It is pretty easy to scale up, especially with SIP based VOIP service. We have many call centers using the software. As long as you have enough bandwidth, and a powerful computer, you can go up to a hundred lines per computer.
Is there any handshake to say the call was answered so we can detect if the message has been heard?
The call status will tell you whether a call is answered or not. But if you want to detect whether a message is heard, you have to create these handshakes in your IVR/VoiceXML applications. One simply way is ask a callee to press a key to confirm. If you perfer not to do that, you need to put some smart indicators in your application. For example, you can set the message status when a certain audio file is fetched from your website.
