API Phone Dialer

[JavaTurkey]

Ok, not sure if i'm in the right forum or not, but this is what I need...

I have software in PHP with a MySQL back-end that telemarketers are using to keep track of people to call. What I need is for the computer to actually dial the numbers through the modem. I know Microsoft's Phone Dialer can do this, but I need it done somehow through an API call from a javascript or something. Is anyting close to this possible? Thanks!

 

[mattKnight]

There is a whole API dedicated to telephony (unsuprisingly called the Telephony Application Programming Interface or TAPI )

That may offer you some avenue, depending on the type of modem you intend using.

However, I suspect that you will have several architectural issues to deal with first.

Is there any reason (other than cost) why you arne't using a central dialler? Most, if not all, Callcentres have a ratio of outbound lines to agents (which is not 1:1) This allows the dialler to present answered calls to an agent who is ready to take calls i.e. the agent isn't sat listening to call progress tones instead of talking.

In short, having the desktop initiate, dial, call progress analyse, connect and ultimately terminate the call is going to be IMHO grossly ineffecient (not from a code perspective). If you multiply Average Tinme waiting for call * Number of calls daily * number of agents * number of days per year... you are quickly going to see what I mean!

hope that offers some positive help, rather than just a rant!

Take Care

Matt
If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.