VITA, a voice messaging server

Abstract

Voice communication, the most common form of human interaction has progressed little since the invention of the telephone. Despite the great advancements in computer technology, little has been achieved in integrating voice and computing related applications. This study attempts to investigate the feasibility of integrating a voice messaging system into a Local Area Network as a means of providing voice functionality on a computer network. This thesis describes a voice messaging server, VITA, which is designed to operate as a service on a computer network providing voice messaging management facilities. VITA through a front-end client interface provides the users with facilities to manage voice mail and perform telephone management functions from their workstation. The front-end may also be extended to include access to E-mail, thereby providing an integrated messaging service. In general, VITA provides the network users access to voice services that are generally available only to telephone users. A prototype of VITA was constructed to validate the design concept. Technical incompatibilities have prevented the prototype from being installed within the Department of Computer Science for feasibility tests. The study suggests that it is feasible to integrate PBX and computer workstation to achieve maximum productivity. However, potential can be derived only if there is integration between the voice messaging server and the underlying voice messaging system.