FocalPoint Service Delivery Technology

The FocalPoint architecture is based on software modules that work in harmony using standard interfaces in the Service Runtime Environment (SRE) and a predefined library of reusable functions in the Service Creation Environment (SCE). The modularity of the system makes it very flexible, enabling core functions and interfaces to be combined in different ways to create truly unique services. XciTel has embedded the most popular and widely used functions in a set of predefined building blocks that are graphically represented in the SCE and executed in the SRE platform. The following is a brief overview of the software technology advantages you get with FocalPoint.

Focal Point Service Platform

The core of the FocalPoint solution is the runtime (SRE) platform. This robust platform comprises a broad range of telephony and data communications functions, or building blocks, which are embedded in the system and called upon during runtime to execute service requests. The platform’s interfaces to voice and data systems enable full convergence of different media and a seamless presentation on mobile devices of all types. This unique runtime platform separates the service logic layer from network and device-specific presentations (i.e. input and output forms), enabling application developers to “write once and use for many.”

Focal Point VoiceXML Gateway

XciTel’s VoiceXML Gateway is part of the FocalPoint suite of VAS enablers for wireless service providers. Based on Extensible Markup Language (XML) from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), Voice eXtensible Markup Language (VoiceXML) greatly simplifies speech recognition by using the familiar Web paradigm for application development and deployment. The gateway may be scaled to support thousands of VoiceXML ports and the latest innovations in text-to-speech, speaker verification, and speech recognition.
FocalPoint VXML is operated and managed via the FocalPoint Service Management Environment (SME).

FocalPoint Service Creation Environment

The service creation (SCE) modules and GUI provides intuitive access to a graphical library of functional building blocks used to rapidly create converged voice and data services and to eventually export the logical service definition in XML format. Graphical Simulation and Debug software modules are also available. The SCE and building blocks are available as a complete standalone product, which may be installed on a developer’s PC to enable remote simulation of an actual production set-up.

FocalPoint Service Management Tools

Once the service has been defined and tested, FocalPoint management tools are used to safely download the application to the runtime platform in the production site. Specialized software modules for service Deployment, Administration and Monitoring give operators a complete management toolset with a graphical user interface that provides a central point of control over the entire system.
Through the SME graphical user interface operators easily define system alarms, VSEE members, service parameters and system resources, service and user authorizations, service and system customized views, online and offline reports, and desired formats for generated reports and exported records. An interface to existing OMAP infrastructure is also available, enabling full control via the operator's own OMAP consoles.

Focal Point Service Clients

Using the FocalPoint SCE, service providers can develop a generic or application-specific Java client to be downloaded and executed on subscriber handsets. This allows the provider to deliver a complete end-to-end solution based on the same Focal Point expertise, operation and control.