April 12, 1999. The TMIA has endorsed a voice messaging interoperability project which will address many of the business issues that the industry must face as it seeks to make nationwide voice messaging a reality. This project is being funded by many TMIA members and other companies in the industry with the management of the project under the direction of Bern Elliott.

The EMA has been working for several years on the technical requirements, and has completed the server-to-server version of the VPIM standard. The group is now focusing on a Desktop version of VPIM that will allow seamless interoperation between voice mail platforms and common desktop email clients. Many industry experts agree that together, these versions of VPIM will provide the technical foundation for a nationwide, integrated messaging network.

However, the technical aspects are only the beginning. In order for such a network to take shape and prosper, all vendors and service providers must wrestle with the business issues of providing such a service. These issues include:

This project will occur alongside the currently planned VPIM Interoperability Trial (started by the EMA), and will address the above issues as they arise during that trial.

The benefits from this project are many. First, this project squarely addresses some of the primary objectives of the TMIA, which are to foster inter-vendor and inter-provider messaging worldwide. By endorsing the project, TMIA takes a leadership role in achieving this.

Second, by participating actively in the project, companies will have a voice in the procedures and policies that will be the ultimate recommendations. It is important to note that this project is not trying to define STANDARDS that must be followed, but intends to provide RECOMMENDATIONS that meet the needs of participating companies.

Contact Bern Elliot for more information. He can be reached at 1-215-985-2292 or belliot@compuserve.com.


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