Ernie - open source tool for voice based applications

As I was cruising through the voip-related blogsphere the other day, I came across Thomas Howe. That little happenstance made my week! Thomas has conceived an idea that I strongly believe will foster the embryonic voip-based apps of the future. He affectionately refers to the idea as 'Ernie'. To me, it's an open-source platform that is kinda like a stripped-down and greatly improved bare-bones Asterisk/SER-like thing. It would be the foundation for SIP App development. It will also have natural and native ties into "Web 2.0" APIs.

So I contacted Thomas, and gave him some props. I also natually asked if he would participate in a podcast. I can't wait to get into this with him. He asked if I could think up some Apps as examples - which I did and I had a lot of fun doing it! Here's what I came up with:

How about this one...think houseingmaps.com - I am a person that is looking to buy a house in an area that I do not know. So as I am driving around looking at the general areas, I enable Ernie as my "housing agent". I get fed not only the location of houses that are for sale in the area that I just stumbled on, but I also select the one that interests me, and I get an IVR that calls me up and spews info about house - like a verbal walk-thru. This Ernie-app was invoked once I found the area of interest. Could couple in a "click to call rep" like feature - though I do have to say that I think Real Estate Agents aren't worth what they get paid - but I digress....

Another one might be a weather advisory service, similar to the old sirens that would sound when there was a Tornado sighting. (I grew up in Michigan) Ernie is tied into some local weather source, and based on input from that, a SIP-based "siren" alerts subscribers.

How about via Paypal API - and some PINcode-like authorization, being able to make a purchase somewhere, with a audio and textual confirmation. This one I am not so sure about - but just brainstorming.

I betcha there's a TON of applicability in the gaming world. Think of a 'Live game' that involves location, SIP-based calls, and live status on a frappr map. DND-like: (Phone) "You have an alley within a mile, and an enemy also within a mile in the opposite location." (/Phone) and you have to decide where to go. Treasure Hunt: (Phone), "Your getting warmer..." (/Phone).

Stay tuned for more on this one from Thomas! This is exciting stuff.

Adam "voiploser" Uzelac