What is VoiceXML?
VoiceXML is a standard based on XML that allows Web applications and content to be
accessed by a phone. You can develop speech-based telephony applications using
VoiceXML. The standard was developed by the VoiceXML Forum, which was founded
by AT&T, IBM, Lucent, and Motorola.
VoiceXML architecture model
This figure illustrates the components of the

VoiceXML architecture model. The components include the following: * Document server: Processes requests received from the VoiceXML Interpreter and responds with VoiceXML documents. * VoiceXML Interpreter: Interprets the VoiceXML documents it receives from the document server. * Implementation platform: Controlled by the VoiceXML Interpreter context and VoiceXML Interpreter, the implementation platform generates events in response to user actions (for example, spoken or character input received) and system events (for example, timer expiration). The VoiceXML Interpreter context and VoiceXML Interpreter then handles the events.

VoiceXML applications
Below are a few examples in which VoiceXML applications can be used:

• Voice portals: Just like Web portals, voice portals can be used to provide
  personalized services to access information like stock quotes, weather, restaurant
  listings, news, etc.
• Location-based services: You can receive targeted information specific to the
  location you are dialing from. Applications use the telephone number you are
  dialing from.
• Voice alerts (such as for advertising): VoiceXML can be used to send targeted
  alerts to a user. The user would sign up to receive special alerts informing him of
  upcoming events.
• Commerce: VoiceXML can be used to implement applications that allow users to
  purchase over the phone. Because voice gives you less information than
  graphics, specific products that don't need a lot of description (such as tickets,
  CDs, office supplies, etc.) work well.
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