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WAP vs. XVR
What Is WAP?
WAP, or Wireless Application Protocol, was created in the mid 90's to
allow mobile phone users to access and interact with text-based
information. WAP is based on cellular data technology and WML, an
HTML-like markup language. WAP gained popularity during the Internet
era, but has since been mired in a variety of usability and technical
limitations.
What Is XVR?
XVR, or XML Voice Response, is the marriage of traditional voice phone
calls, automated Interactive Voice Response applications, voice
recognition, and XML technology. XVR provides comfortable, anytime,
anywhere access to information from any telephone. XVR solutions marry
proven technologies used by thousands of companies over the last 20
years with new XML languages such as VoiceXML and CCXML.
XVR Eclipses WAP In 5 Key Areas:
1. Usability
WAP application usability is significantly restricted by the
limitations of small cell phone screens and numeric cell phone keypads.
These restrictions force WAP applications to be broken into a series
of small pages, each containing limited information or options. Plus,
due to limited cell phone / WAP bandwidth, delays of over 5 seconds per
page are common.
For example, a WAP weather application may need to display one page for
the user to select a country, another for a state, and at least one
more for the city. In total these screens may add up to over 20
seconds of delay.
XVR applications, in contrast, use recorded audio prompts and voice
recognition to convey and gather information without delay. Audio
prompts can quickly guide users through thousands of options.
Using the prior example, an XVR weather application can quickly prompt
a user to "Say the city and state you'd like the weather for", and the user
can just as quickly reply "Orlando, Florida". The speed and experience is
identical to that of a standard telephone conversation.
2. Universal Access
WAP is designed for mobile phones. Further WAP applications are only available on mobile phones that
support WAP and to cellular customers who have chosen
to add premium WAP services to their cellular plan.
Your investment in the creation and deployment of WAP
application cannot be utilized from work phones, home phones, pay
phones, or non-WAP cell phones.
In stark contrast, XVR applications work from absolutely any phone - at
any time.
3. Hands-Free Operation
Several states have passed laws requiring "hands-free" use of cell
phones while driving. WAP applications cannot be hands-free as they
require users to look at a screen and enter information via the keypad.
If you do choose to offer WAP applications, you should consider
displaying a warning against use of the applications while driving to
avoid potential liability.
XVR applications satisfy hands-free requirements as they work with
existing cell phone headsets and in-car speaker phones.
4. Ancillary Benefits
While WAP applications - and the WAP development experience - can only be
used by a limited market of WAP enabled mobile phones, XVR applications
can be used anywhere workers and customers interact via telephone.
XVR applications go way beyond mobile access to web information. XVR
applications can be used to:
- Automate common calls to call centers
- Provide automated "virtual receptionist" call routing
- Automate common calls to customers
- Gather sales leads or order information
- Provide order status and tracking information
- . . . and more!
In short, XVR applications and the XVR development experience extend
throughout the enterprise.
5. Proven ROI
Interactive Voice Response and Voice Recognition - the foundation of
XVR solutions - have proven ROI. IVR and Voice Recognition have
demonstrated a history of saving many companies - including Amtrak,
AT&T, and Charles Schwab - millions of dollars a year. In contrast,
WAP has a relatively unproven ROI and is quickly being eclipsed by XVR
and 3rd generation wireless technologies.
Voxeo is the leading provider of XVR platforms and hosting. By
leveraging our Evolution developer site,
Prophecy IVR Platform,
Prophecy IVR Hosting, and
Extreme Support you can quickly create and deploy XVR applications
with your existing Web infrastructure and developers. To learn more
about Voxeo and how we can help, please contact us via any of the
methods listed below:
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