Touting voice-enhanced applications along with network services as essential to IBM’s networking vision, IBM UK has announced upgrades to its CallPath Services Architecture. CallPath integrates computer and telephony functions through its Application Program Interface. The Interface enables telephony services such as redirecting inbound calls, initiating outbound calls, transferring and monitoring calls to be directed from the host computer and integrated with the computer’s applications. CallPath/400 for the AS/400 machine was first introduced in May last year and last week IBM added the CallPath CICS/MVS for System 370 and 390 environments and the CallPath Switchserver/2 for PS/2 personal computers. The CICS/MVS links 370 and 390 machines with Siemens Hicom and IBM’s COM300 PABXs, while the SwitchServer/2 provides an interface between PS/2 workstations and the PABX. Both products are described as handling the functions of an automated call distribution system – but more. For example, SwitchServer/2 will pass on information to an agent about a customer before that agent answers the phone. The customer is identified by a particular number, giving a name to the receptionist and in the future, perhaps by calling line identification. Reading-based Early Cloud & Company Ltd and IMI Computing Ltd both announced support for CallPath CICS/MVS. Ellen Hancock, head of IBM’s Communications Systems division said CallPath and Rolm developments were of strategic importance to IBM, because voice is the most comfortable medium for human communications.
