Oki Releases its CT-API and Software Package for Advances CTI Applications Development

- Open platform enhances CTI applications development capability for businesses -

"Computers and telephones are destined to merge, yet anyone who intends to develop substantial CTI applications must take considerable pains to cover both areas of expertise," says Tatsuo Onishi, General Manager of Open Systems Marketing Division, Information Systems Group, Oki Electric. "Our open CT-API platform with its advanced object oriented technology enables CTI solution providers to easily develop user-friendly applications with minimal programming efforts, resulting in an abundance of such applications. This eventually benefits end-users and expands CTI markets for businesses."

Positioned above previously available APIs such as Telephony API (TAPI), Open Data Base Connectivity (ODBC), and Messaging API (MAPI), Oki's CT-API offers programmers capability to develop sophisticated user applications for a comprehensive CTI system which brings functions such as text-to-speech synthesis/voice recognition, facsimile transmission, unified messaging, contents management, and media conversion all together. It supports Microsoft^®'s ActiveX^™ controls for maximum programming efficiency. Using popular programming languages such as Visual Basic^® and Visual C++^®, application programmers can readily develop a variety of CTI applications.

Coupled with the CT-API, Oki offers an SDK that delivers various kinds of instruments to support CTI applications development. A non-programming application development tool, CTstage-Builder is included to be used for developing relatively simple speech answer systems and fax-back systems. The kit also provides over 1,000 pre-recorded voice files for speech based service applications, application testing tools and a programmer's guide.

"With more advanced applications becoming available using Oki's CT-API, we expect significant expansion of the CTI market and our business opportunity," said Ken Miyauchi, Executive Vice President, SOFTBANK's Software & Network Sales. "We are committed to back Oki's effort to enhance marketability of such CTI applications. Offering educational assistance and other forms of support, we encourage software vendors and resellers to develop the products using this platform and market them through our distribution channels."

Founded in 1881 as Japan's first telecommunications manufacturer, Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. is a leader in the global marketplace. With more than 21,000 employees worldwide, Oki Electric manufactures and markets telecommunications systems, information systems, and electronic devices.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SOFTBANK CORP. serves diverse needs of today's PC users, offering services such as distribution and wholesale sales of software and PC peripherals, merchandise planning, publishing, consulting and technical support, and other computer related information services.