System information

G-2 INSTALLING TELEVANTAGE
Extending TeleVantage with off-the-shelf applications___________
Many off-the-shelf applications produced by third-party vendors can be integrated into the
TeleVantage Server without any custom programming. These applications are integrated in one
of the following ways:
Q In-band signaling applications can be configured to work with most Centrex and PBX
systems, including TeleVantage.
Q TAPI applications can use the TeleVantage single-line or Multi-line TAPI Service
Provider to communicate with the Server.
In-band signaling applications
A human caller can send commands to any PBX, including TeleVantage, by generating a flash
hook command by quickly pressing and releasing the hang-up button (or hook) on a telephone
handset cradle. The flash hook command signals the PBX that special instructions will follow,
such as placing a call on hold or transferring a call to another extension. For example, a
TeleVantage user can generate a flash and then press 1 to transfer a call.
This method of sending instructions is called in-band signaling. Many telephony applications
use this same method, communicating with PBX or Centrex systems through flash hook
commands.
Most PBXs use their own proprietary sets of flash hook commands. An application that uses
in-band signaling will usually provide you with a way to configure it for a specific set of flash
hook commands, such as those used by TeleVantage. For example,
&3 (a flash followed by a 3)
is the flash hook command that TeleVantage uses to disconnect from a call, so you can configure
the in-band signaling application to use
&3 as its disconnect command. For a complete list of
the TeleVantage telephone commands, see the “Telephone Commands Quick Reference” in
Using TeleVantage.
TAPI applications
TAPI applications can communicate with the Server through the TeleVantage TAPI Service
Provider (TSP). The TSP can be installed on the TeleVantage Server and on any workstation
networked to the Server. When it is installed, users can use TAPI-enabled phone dialers, contact
managers, and similar applications. No modem is required, and ViewPoint does not need to be
installed on the user’s computer.
The TSP runs in the background, establishing a connection between the TAPI application and
the TeleVantage Server. Whenever a call is transferred to the station being monitored by the
TSP, any TAPI-compatible application running on the same computer is notified of the call. The
application can then perform functions such as getting Caller ID or DID, transferring the call,
putting the call on hold, parking the call, or hanging up. TAPI applications can also place new
calls.