The development of the open VXML specification.

Three of the largest technology companies said Tuesday they were joining forces to promote a single standard for the computer language used to create Web content that is accessible by telephone. AT&T, Lucent, and Motorola formed the Voice Extensible Markup Language Forum (VXML Forum) to promote a standard for the programming language used to create data and services on the Web that are accessible by touch-tone or wireless telephones. "Just as standardization of HTML drove the adoption of traditional Web applications, standardization of VXML will drive the adoption of voice-enabled applications," said Maria Martinez, vice president and general manager of Motorola_s Internet and connectivity solutions division. Because the voice applications industry was very fragmented, a single VXML standard would help encourage the development of new products and services, Motorola said."One company_s voice-application program might only be written for one type of telephone, while a standard VXML language would eliminate the need to develop different applications," said Mitesh Patel, also with Motorola_s connectivity division. Telephone-to-Web applications might include a telephone user accessing Web-based traffic information or banking transaction services. AT&T, Lucent, and Motorola will contribute their markup language technologies to the development of the open VXML specification. Thirteen other companies including Unisys, Nuance Communications, and Dragon Systems had agreed to support the VXML forum, the companies said. The VXML Forum sought to promote a broadly supported standard that creates an open-platform environment that enables equipment and infrastructure providers, speech technology, and content providers to participate in the growth of this market, the companies said. The forum_s initial specification would be available for public comment and contribution next month.