Two Stage Dialing

Main features:
- integrated Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) - voice messages.
- multilingual service. Several languages are supported by the system, including English, Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Chinese.
- possibility of assigning a particular language to the access number of a particular service.
- Possibility of assigning a particular language to the given user.
- Possibility of choosing the language by the user.
- Voice information on the current account status (dependant on the settings, this information can be provided during each connection with the system or by reaching previously defined number e.g. 111)
- Voice information on the maximum, possible call duration for the particular number.
- Possibility of initiating a call with the other number without the necessity of calling the access number for the second time (the connection with the user remains active)
- Possibility of terminating the connection, by entering previously set combination from the keypad (e.g.. ##), and dialing other number.
- Possibility of adding funds to the account by entering the PIN on the web site or sending it by SMS 
- Possibility of setting up a new account or adding funds to already existing account by using a credit card. (utilizing the online shop module)
- Fast access to the particular number by using a directory , previously defined by the user (directory can be managed through the web site).

Two stage dialing module completes VoipSwitch’s functionality by adding IVR system, which is designed for Phone2Phone service (also called, calling cards). As a first step in utilizing this service user, from the regular phone, connects to the access number set by provider. After being connected, user has to enter correct PIN number followed by the number of the phone he/she wants to connect with.
After finishing the call user is asked to enter another phone number what allows to continue making phone calls without the necessity of connecting to the access number again. Also, the call can be terminated at any time by entering the proper combination e.g. #1# (this combination is defined beforehand in VPConfig).
Apart from using PIN number client authorization can also be carried out through callerID (ANI) i.e. the telephone number the call is made from. In this case user can directly dial the phone number he/she wants to connect with, without the necessity of providing PIN number.
Depending on the settings, user obtains the information on the current account status after entering the PIN or at any time by entering, previously defined in VPConfig, set of numbers e.g. 111.
It is possible to set IVR so the system asks for choosing the language first.
User obtains login and password (PIN) but only password is required for completing authorization process. Using both login and password is necessary only in case of logging in to the website with detailed information on billing status. Website also contains information on current account status, detailed history of connections and the possibility of exporting data to the file.

System has a tool for automatic generation of login/password pairs with an option of exporting data to the file and afterward managing created lots.

IVR System can cooperate with any gateway in accordance with h323 protocol. This solution could be achieved by implementing different approach from the one that can be encountered in most of the systems that operate only with the particular producer’s gateway, suitable for working with IVR. In our solution gateway establishes h323 connection with VoipSwith first. After setting up voice channel, VoipSwitch sends the voice inquiries directly to gateway. Voice inquires are compressed by g723.1 or g729 codec, depending which was chosen by gateway while establishing connection. Using this solution all of the h323 devices: carrier class gateways, SOHO gateways and also IPPhones can cooperate with IVR system. In case of gateways with PSTN interface, such as quintum or cisco, it is possible to configure them so that all the incoming calls are instantly transferred to the specified IP; in this case to VoipSwitch, which in turn carries out IVR procedure.
Very significant advantage of this approach, apart from its compatibility with the broad range of available Voip’s products, is the possibility of connecting unlimited number of gateways that carry out Two Stage Dialing service. Different IVR procedure e.g. in different language, can also be assigned to each of gateways.
Another considerable advantage of this approach is the possibility of utilizing DID providers’ services for realization of access number for the service.
It is sufficient to obtain a particular number of telephone lines under one telephone number (DID) and all the incoming calls will be redirected, through Internet, to particular IP address – in this case VoipSwitch, which in turn will carry out IVR procedures.
Utilizing DID services enables launching calling cards services in any country, where DID provider operates, without the necessity of incurring additional equipment costs. It is also possible to acquire international toll free numbers. For further information please contact:

Two Stage Dialing is also utilized in callshops or companies, which users carry out calls from one or two-port gateways or IPPhones. Before carrying out a telephone call, each user has to enter his/her PIN number.
Accounts for gateways entitled to use Two Stage Dialing are set up in VPConfig (VoipSwitch’s management application). This prevents an unauthorized access attempts.
There are separate accounts set up for users authorized through ANI (caller ID) and those authorized through PIN number. By implementing virtual prefixes for PIN numbers, for each of the gateways, it is possible to repeat the same PIN numbers for different users assigned to different gateways.
Other option is to configure the system in such a way that a user, who utilizes one account, can carry out calls from different gateways offering the service