TELECOM Digest     Sun, 7 Nov 93 12:08:45 CST    Volume 13 : Issue 741

Inside This Issue:                       Moderator: Patrick A. Townson

   My Meeting With the Commish (Charlie Hofacker)
   Voice Processing with Visual Basic (IVR Toolkit) (John W. Barrus)
   Book Review: "Windows Network Programming" by Davis (Rob Slade)
   New Method Triples Capacity of Fiber (Josh Backon)
   Telephone Pioneers Activities and Goals (Dave Leibold)
   Looking For Software Distribution and/or File Transfer Programs (T. Hull)
   Need Cellular Rates For New York Metro Area (Seng-Poh Lee)
   Wanted: Info on Cellular Phone Monitoring Systems (Robin Singla)
   ATM Newsgroup: is There Any? (Kees de Graaf)
   Telephones in Italy (Steve Cogorno)
   Where to Find Amp for Phone Extension? (Bill Leeke)
   Brought to You by the Letter Q (Bill Leeke)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Charlie Hofacker <[email protected]>
Subject: My Meeting With the Commish
Date: Sun, 7 Nov 1993 04:52:28 EST


Well, I got my chance to have lunch with FCC Commissioner Barrett.
There was a brief question and answer session at lunch.  I decided to
ask him about universal access, and whether the concept of universal
access should be updated to include more than POTS.  I think it would
be fair to say he was not enthusiastic about the whole idea of
universal access.  In fact, I might summarize his reply in the form of
a rhetorical question he asked me back: who pays?  (Inspiration for my
question came from Bob Boucher <[email protected]>).

Later he told me that he was still thinking about the issues and he
had not closed his mind to any point of view.

Perhaps the most amusing moment came when a student asked him about
the FCC and censorship.  He insisted that the FCC does not engage in
censorship and is wholly unconcerned with any content whatsoever with
the possible exception of kids TV.

It was apparent that he is spending some time in the UK studying the
telecommunications situation there.

Thanks to all who submitted possible questions.  Needless to say there
was a lot of competition to ask him questions so I could only get one
in.


Charlie Hofacker  [email protected]

------------------------------

From: John W. Barrus <[email protected]>
Subject: Voice Processing with Visual Basic (IVR Toolkit)
Organization: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
Date: Sun, 7 Nov 1993 11:14:11 GMT


Contact:  Krisztina Holly   617-621-9545

    STYLUS INNOVATION'S VISUAL VOICE TRANSFORMS MICROSOFT'S
      VISUAL BASIC INTO A POWERFUL VOICE PROCESSING TOOL

    CAMBRIDGE, MA (November 1, 1993) - Stylus Innovation, Inc., today
announced the release of its new software product, Visual Voice(TM).
Visual Voice is a Visual Basic custom control and graphical workbench
which allows developers to quickly build sophisticated, PC-based voice
processing applications.  Using Visual Voice, developers can create a
variety of applications including fax-on-demand, Touch-Tone(TM) order
entry, and voice mail.  Typical business applications include
prospects requesting faxed product brochures, customers placing
orders, sales reps accessing shipment status, or employees inquiring
about benefits information.

                    One Billion Node Network

    "Voice applications developed with Visual Voice can interact with
practically every available data source and network because of Visual
Basic's extensive third party and built-in support.  This is
client/server with a one billion node network: the PC is the server
and any phone in the world is a client," explained Michael Cassidy,
president of Stylus.  "Not surprisingly, our market research revealed
that MIS departments and system integrators would prefer to develop
voice processing applications with industry standard Visual Basic
instead of spending weeks learning a toolkit based on a proprietary
language.  Most MIS groups today already have developers familiar with
Visual Basic.  And anyone who knows Visual Basic will immediately pick
up Visual Voice."

             Explosive Growth in Voice Processing

    The voice processing industry continues its rapid 30% annual
growth and reached nearly $4 billion this year.  Key growth drivers
have been declining digital signal processing (DSP) chip prices and
emerging industry standards for the computer-telephone interface.

    Visual Voice allows someone with no voice processing
experience to develop voice processing applications.  Visual Voice
handles all of the following functions:

         - waiting for inbound calls and detecting ringing,
           connection, line dropping, etc.

         - making outbound calls and detecting ringing,
           connection, busy signals, etc.

         - prompting for Touch-Tone input once calls are
           established

         - playing and recording voice files


    "Stylus Innovation's new Visual Voice product is a great example
of pragmatic component software at work," said Tom Button, Microsoft's
Group Product Manager for Applications Programmability.  "Now, voice
processing capability is as easy to build into mission critical
solutions as data access, workgroup, multimedia, and the breadth of
other functionality available from third parties in the form of
tightly integrated Visual Basic custom controls."

    Visual Voice also includes the Visual Voice Workbench, a set of
visual tools designed to speed up development.  The Workbench helps
create and revise all voice processing objects including voice
prompts, menus, and files.

             Enormous Visual Basic Installed Base

    There are more than 500,000 Visual Basic developers today.  "One
of the hard parts of building interactive voice response applications
is the database connectivity issue.  That involves getting information
out of a database to give to someone calling for information.  Visual
Voice solved that problem," said Jim Burton, president of CT Link, a
leading computer-telephony consultancy in Boston.  "If you're an
organization that has a little bit of development capability and has a
need for voice processing, this is a no-brainer."

    One can equip a PC for voice processing by simply installing a
voice response board.  Visual Voice is a high level, easy to use
interface which controls boards from vendors such as the industry
leader Dialogic.  Stylus has recently been named a member of
Dialogic's Open Developer Program.  Low end boards start at a few
hundred dollars and prices increase with the number of simultaneous
phone lines handled.  Also, Visual Voice will support the
Microsoft/Intel Telephone Application Programming Interface (TAPI)
when it is made available.  This means that Visual Voice will work
with every voice response board which supports the TAPI.

    Visual Voice has an introductory price of $495 and can create
applications which handle two phone lines simultaneously.  Visual
Voice Line Extender will handle an unlimited number of lines (up to
the capacity of the host PC) for an additional $1495.  Visual Voice
requires a 386 or higher PC and Windows 3.X.

    Stylus Innovation (Cambridge, MA) was the winner of the Best
Invention of the Year competition given by MIT in 1991.  Stylus has
developed several other innovative hardware and software products for
the voice processing industry.


               Stylus Innovation, Inc.
               One Kendall Square
               Bldg 1500
               Cambridge, MA  02139
               Voice (617) 621-9545
               FAX (617) 621-7862


Note: Visual Voice, Visual Voice Workbench, and Visual Voice Line
Extender are trademarks of Stylus Innovation, Inc.  All other products
are trademarks of their respective companies.

------------------------------

Date:  7 Nov 93 11:25 -0600
From: Rob Slade <[email protected]>
Subject: Book Review: "Windows Network Programming" by Davis


BKWNPROG.RVW  930929

Addison-Wesley Publishing Co.
P.O. Box 520   26 Prince Andrew Place
Don Mills, Ontario  M3C 2T8
416-447-5101   fax: 416-443-0948
or
1 Jacob Way
Reading, MA   01867-9984
800-527-5210  617-944-3700
5851 Guion Road  Indianapolis, IN   46254
800-447-2226
Windows Network Programming, Ralph Davis, U$29.95/C$38.95

I recall a message posted by the developer of a piece of security
software.  He was explaining the process that was being used to assign
priorities for new features for his program.  One of the first things
mentioned was the time being consumed by ensuring the product would
work with Windows.  Thereafter, about every two paragraphs, we noted a
reiterated cry of, "Have I mentioned how much I hate Windows?" as
various features that should have been added to the product were
pushed into the background.

I have heard the same from communications software developers.
Windows has a number of features making initial program development
rather easy, but it is full of traps for the unwary once you get into
the interesting stuff.

Davis' book is intended to address the most complex of communications
issues, that of networking.  His rather understated intention is to
"explore some of the issues" in writing networked applications.  In
this he would appear to have succeeded admirably.  The programmer
intending to start building "network aware" applications under Windows
would do well to start here.  In addition, the experienced programmer
who has concentrated on a single API (Application Program Interface)
will find this a helpful bridge to other systems.

Chapter one serves as both preface and introduction to the work.
There is background material on the major protocols and APIs of use in
the Windows environment and some comparison as to feature and users.
Part one details the protocols, procedures, architectures and data
structures of NetBios, IPX/SPX, VINES and Sockets (TCP/IP) as well as
a general API.  Source code is given for DLLs (Dynamic Link Libraries)
for all systems.  Part two deals with specific "built-in" network
services, once again covering all the major APIs.  Part three covers
Windows NT, Win32 and Windows for Workgroups.

This work is intended as a serious programming reference.  Experienced
programmers will appreciate the fact that no attempt is made to
address a novice audience.  The code listings are tight, with minimal,
but clear, commenting.

copyright Robert M. Slade, 1993   BKWNPROG.RVW  930929
Permission granted to distribute with unedited copies of TELECOM
Digest and assocated newsgroups/mailing lists.


DECUS Canada Communications, Desktop, Education and Security group newsletters
Editor and/or reviewer [email protected], [email protected], Rob Slade at 1:153/733
DECUS Symposium '94, Vancouver, BC, Mar 1-3, 1994, contact: [email protected]

------------------------------

From: [email protected]
Subject: New Method Triples Capacity of Fiber
Date: 7 Nov 93 08:18:57 GMT
Organization: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem


I just heard on the news that an Israeli physicist at the Weizmann
Institute of Science developed a new technique based on holographic
technology to triple capacity of optical fiber. The report indicated
that this will have a major impact on telecommunications.


Josh    [email protected]

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 06 Nov 1993 23:02:52 -0400
From: [email protected] (Dave Leibold)
Subject: Telephone Pioneers Activities and Goals


[From Bell News, Bell Ontario, 25 Oct 93; text Bell Canada's.]

From past to present -

The Telephone Pioneers of America began in 1911, when three men
recognized they shared a number of common interests: pride in the
network they had helped build, satisfaction in doing a job well and
concern for their co-workers.

This handful of special people began an association of long-time and
retired telephone workers, whose goal was fellowship and comtinuity of
the service philosophy their industry represented. There were 734
members in the first group of Telephone Pioneers.

Today there are more than 800,000 active members from the telecommuni-
cations industry in Canada (23 374 in Bell Ontario) and the United States.


THE ENVIRONMENT

The environment is one of the Telephone Pioneers' major areas of
concern. Their support of environmental groups and programs include:

* the collection of trash from streets, highways and recreation areas
for sale to recycling agencies to raise funds for other clean-up
activities;

* numerous reforestation efforts throughout Canada and the U.S;

* the "adoption" and ongoing clean-up of miles of highways, nature
trails, streams and river beds.

THE COMMUNITY

Pioneers have been responsible for the creation and ongoing support
of many community services:

* programs to combat illiteracy;

* providing volunteers and support to homes for battered women;

* helping hospitals purchase expensive specialized equipment.

THE DISABLED

Pioneers' work with the disabled has resulted in a number of
worthwhile projects:

* built or refitted parks and playgrounds for the disabled;

* invented and manufactured "beeping" sports equipment that enables
the visually impaired to participate in nearly every sport;

* designed special smoke detectors for the deaf * the only organization
designated by the U.S. Library of Congress as the official repair depot
for Talking Books program;

THE CHILDREN

Many programs have been initiated or supported by the local chapters
of the Telephone Pioneers. Here are just a few:

* supplied law enforcement and other agencies with more than 95 000
teddy bears to hand out to traumatized children, victims of child
abuse or traffic accidents;

* purchased equipment and provided volunteers for infant hearing
assessment programs in many hospitals;

* support and participate in programs that locate missing children.

THE PIONEER PURPOSE IS FIVE-FOLD:

* promote and participate in activities that respond to community needs;

* provide a means of friendly association for all employees and retirees;

* foster among members a continuing fellowship and a spirit of mutual
helpfulness;

* contribute to the progress of the assocation and promote the happiness,
well-being and performance of the membership;

* exemplify and perpetuate those values that have come to be regarded
as the ideals and traditions of our industry.

                    -------------------

Dave Leibold - via FidoNet node 1:250/98
INTERNET: [email protected]


[Moderator's Note: And now I believe many chapters of the Telephone
Pioneers and Independent Pioneers have waived the fifteen or twenty
year employment requirement for full membership. If you are not a
member of the Pioneers, you should inquire about membership in this
worthwhile organization today.  PAT]

------------------------------

From: [email protected] (Terry Hull)
Subject: Looking For Software Distribution and/or File Transfer Programs
Date: 7 Nov 1993 04:05:54 GMT
Organization: University of Michigan Engineering, Ann Arbor


 I am looking for some automatic unattended file transfer programs
running on Sun SparcStations. But first let me describe what my
company has right now.  There are 40 branch offices across USA.
Everyday, each branch offices will be sending data to and receiving
data from the central office. We are currently using RemoteWare from
XcellNet to do the job. The RemoteWare Server runs on OS/2 PC residing
in the central office, and each branch office has a RemoteWare node
runs on a DOS PC. This is a master slave relation between the Server
and The nodes. The Server part of the RemoteWare has the scheduling
ability. You can program it so that it will initiate calls to the
nodes via modem. While this works fine, it is approaching its capacity
to handle larger volume of data. Now, we are seeking a similar
product, but it should run on SparcStations, and should support both
modem dial-up and also IP-based transport mechanisam.  I was told that
a company call CMI has a similar product. But I don't know anything
more besides that.

 At this moment, we are open to all ideas. If you know anything about
this, or have heard of similar products, please drop a line. All help
will be greatly appreciated.

------------------------------

From: Seng-Poh Lee <[email protected]>
Subject: Need Cellular Rates For New York Metro Area
Date: Sat, 6 Nov 1993 22:26:43 EST


I need the full set of rates for the cellular carriers in the New York
Metro area.  I understand the two carriers are Bell Atlantic Mobile
and Cellular One.  In particular, I need to know if either has a low
usage rate, ie low monthly fee, but higher per minute charge.  I've
been told that you cannot get an account for less than $36 per month.
Surely every cellular carrier has a low usage plan.  As an example, I
currenly pay only $9.95/month, 75 cents/min for my wife's phone, which
I consider reasonable for occasional/emergency use. In fact, it used
to be NO monthly fee up to about two years ago.


Seng-Poh Lee    <[email protected]>

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 06 Nov 1993 20:59:58 CST
From: [email protected]
Subject: Wanted: Info on Cellular Phone Monitoring Systems
Organization: University of Illinois at Chicago, ADN Computer Center


A friend of mine, without net access, has received some information on
a product called "Cellmate Model B" It supposedly allows you to dial
in a cellular phone number, and listen to both sides of the call.  How
does this work? Is it reliable? Has anyone ever heard of any other
products like this that are cheaper (this is ~$6000)?


Thanks,

Robin Singla  [email protected]

------------------------------

From: [email protected] (Kees de Graaf)
Subject: ATM Newsgroup: is There Any?
Organization: University of Utrecht, 3D Computer Vision Research Group
Date: Sun, 7 Nov 1993 10:30:51 GMT


I'm new to the comp.dcom.* newsgroups. I was wondering whether there
is a group dedicated to the ATM standard/protocol (?) and its
applications. Otherwise, what would be the group to read anything
about ATM?


Thanks in advance,

Kees


[Moderator's Note: I dunno, I suppose the bankers of America must have
some newsgroup devoted to discussing their cash machines and how they
work. :)   Don't worry, Kees, its just an inside joke around here.  PAT]

------------------------------

From: [email protected] (Steve Cogorno)
Subject: Telephones in Italy
Date: Sun, 7 Nov 93 03:26:52 PST


Next September, I will be living in Italy for a year.  However, from
the limited experience I have had with their telephone system, I think
I am going to be in for some serious problems modem-wise.  Can anyone
tell me where I can purchase a RJ-11 to whatever converter, how to
make one, etc.?

Also, my computer is self adjusting, but the other devices aren't.
What kind of power converter will I need, and how reliable is the
current?  I don't want anything to fry ...

Thanks in advance!


Steve   [email protected]
#608 Merrill * 200 McLaughlin Drive * Santa Cruz, CA 95064-1015

------------------------------

From: [email protected] (Bill Leeke)
Subject: Where to Find Amp For Phone Extension?
Date: 7 Nov 1993 10:40:06 GMT
Organization: Northwestern University, Evanston IL USA


Could someone point me to where I can buy an amp for a phone line
extension. (38v->48v) This is an extension to another building in
which I've had problems with lightning on an old intercom. What kinds
of lightning protection is available?


Later,

Bill   [email protected]

------------------------------

From: [email protected] (Bill Leeke)
Subject: Brought to You by the Letter Q
Date: 7 Nov 1993 10:33:42 GMT
Organization: Northwestern University, Evanston IL USA


Why is there no digital equivilent for the letter Q or Z on my phone?


Later,

Bill   [email protected]


[Moderator's Note: Because in the opinion of The Telephone Company
-- does anything else matter? -- there are no names which begin with
Q or Z which are worthy of use as exchange names. Furthermore, it is
believed that if you are on a voicemail system and your name begins
with Q or Z (or has one of those letters in the middle of it somewhere)
you should change it to something different. Some very old telephones
do have the letter Z where the Operator spot on the dial is located,
but I can't think of a single instance where it was ever used. The
problem with Q is that it must be followed by U in 99 percent of all
words in common use, thus it is rather limited and unflexible where
phone exchange names were concerned.  Z is far more flexible, but
easily confused with S, said The Telephone Company. According to the
System as they developed it, there were only enough places for 24
letters of the alphabet (while keeping 1 and 0 completely unambig-
ous from the time they were 'pulled' and not context-dependent on what
proceeded or followed them) so the two they decided to leave out were
Q and Z.  No great loss, I say ... modern voicemail systems make
a concession to the folks who insist on using those letters in their
name; they usually substitute the digit '1' in their stead.  PAT]

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V13 #741
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