IVR Phone Numbers Outbound Calling Keys

If you're like me, new to developing IVR applications, then you'll want to understand the basic terminology used in developing IVR apps. When you get started writing your first IVR app you'll need to complete a couple steps outlined below.

(1) Create an account with an IVR hosting company that allows you to use their platform for free or set up your own platform. I recommend the former since setting up an IVR platform from scratch is overkill for a beginner.

(2) Determine whether you want to create an app that lets users call it or if you want ot create an app that makes outbound calls. If you're making outbound calls you'll need to create some form of primary key that identifies your outbound calls and ties them to your account. All IVR hosting companies require some form of primary keys for outbound calls. Sometimes they're called tokens. Anyway, talk with your hosting company's support staff and they should be able to handle it for you without any issues.

Often times your primary key is tied not only to your developer account but also to the IVR platform you chose. Typical platform choices are CallXML / VoiceXML / CallControlXML [CCXML].