VoiceXML Forum Adds Avaya and Convergys as New Board Members

The VoiceXML Forum, a global industry organization focused on accelerating the adoption of VoiceXML (News - Alert), speech recognition and related technologies and standards, has announced that Avaya and Convergys Corporation have joined as sponsor members of the VoiceXML Forum and have been named to its board of directors.


Avaya (News - Alert) and Convergys join other sponsor members Cisco, Genesys, Holly Connects, Loquendo, Nuance, Verizon and West Corporation on the board of directors in providing strategic direction and leadership to the Forum.

“We are pleased to welcome Avaya and Convergys (News - Alert) to the Board of Directors,” said Rob Marchand, chair of the VoiceXML Forum, in a statement.

Marchand said that Forum members will benefit from the insights, experience and industry thought leadership these two leading companies bring to the table.

He said that having Avaya and Convergys join the Forum’s Board is a great way to celebrate the tenth anniversary.

“Additionally, active participation by these companies will provide them with a wide range of valuable market leadership, educational, and promotional benefits and opportunities,” Marchand added.

The VoiceXML Forum also announced that it is broadening its scope of activities and opportunities for member involvement.

VoiceXML Forum has also entered into a collaborative initiative with the Applied Voice Input/Output Society (AVIOS), a non-profit foundation dedicated to education about the practical applications of advanced speech technology.

The forum officials said that working together, the VoiceXML Forum and AVIOS will pursue a range of educational and marketing activities to promote speech technology, applications, services, and related standards.

Rob Marchand said that AVIOS has played an integral role in growing the speech industry and providing excellent educational opportunities for speech practitioners.

He said that the forum looks forward to working with them on educational and other initiatives.

“We are delighted to be working with the VoiceXML Forum on industry growth and educational initiatives,” said Bill Scholz, president of AVIOS.

“Our two organizations have complementary goals, and this exciting industry development will allow us to leverage the strengths of both entities for the good of the industry,” said Scholz.