TAPI is a common term in telephony and plays an important role as a programming interface for telephony applications. In this article, you will learn what TAPI stands for, how it works and what possible alternatives there are.
Telephone Application Programming Interface , or TAPI for short, is a programming interface for telephony applications that was developed in collaboration between Microsoft and Intel. Since its introduction in 1993, TAPI has undergone several updates and is therefore available in different versions. Version 3.0, released in 1999, supports not only conventional telephony but also IP telephony and access to audio and video streams .
What is TAPI?
Telephone The programming interface The TAPI programming interface makes an application independent of the hardware used. This means that if you use a TAPI-enabled program, such as Zoiper, you can connect your computer to the telephone network via ISDN or VoIP. TAPI also enables you to use the CTI connection either via a telephone, a softphone, with an ISDN card or a CTI link to the telephone system. The TAPI32.DLL is an important part of the interface required for developing your own telephony applications. This communicates via a TSPI interface ( Telephony Service Provider Interface ) with the TAPI service provider about which functions are required and translates the requirements into a language that the hardware can understand. This command is then forwarded to the telephony hardware and implemented.
How to set up a TAPI interface
As mentioned above,TAPI has evolved over the years and new versions have been released. TAPI 2.x was still based on the C programming australia phone number list language and was used primarily for modem control and call center functions. TAPI 3.x uses the Windows interprocess communication “COM” and is used to connect classic telephony via ISDN and IP telephony. This version is also used to connect telephones, computers, telephone systems and Windows servers to one another.
To use TAPI applications, you need a TAPI driver, also called a TAPI client . This connects the interface to the telephone system. The TAPI driver must be installed on the computer being used or in the network.
An example of how you can use TAPI in your office
One way in which TAPI can be used in the office is to connect your CRM software to your telephone system. These can be connected to each other via the TAPI interface of the CRM on your computer and the TAPI interface of your desk phone. A TAPI driver, which must be installed on your computer, ensures that a connection can be established between your mobile list telephone system and the CRM software. TAPI therefore connects the CRM to your telephone system via your desk phone. This means that call data from your desk phone can be passed on to the TAPI driver and finally transferred to the CRM system.
What are the functions of TAPI?
TAPI supports the integration of telephone systems on the computer and enables calls to be set up , conference calls to be held and calls to be forwarded. These can be used for ISDN, VoIP and mobile telephony. TAPI also enables database access. If you integrate your telephone system with TAPI, you have various functions at your disposal, such as making calls directly from your computer. The status of extensions can also be set using TAPI, as well as a display with known caller data for incoming calls.
In order to set up a TAPI interface, you need. A TAPI service provider (TSP) that implements the functionality of the telephone system for Windows. To do this, the TPS is installed on the desired computer. The TAPI interface is a fixed component in the computer-telephone integration (CTI) and is already anchored in all Windows operating systems.
What alternatives are there?
TAPI is not the only CTI standard on the market. Another interface specifically for Java-based computers is Java Telephony API (JTAPI), which was developed by Sun Microsystems. The Telephony Server Application Programming Interface (TSAPI) is a server-based interface and was developed by the companies Novell and AT&T. Since this interface is server-based , it cannot be installed on individual computers and is therefore not used as often in companies. The CTI solution from Microsoft is nevertheless the most commonly used interface in companies, as it is already available in the Windows operating system.
TAPI Outlook: What are the possibilities?
The task of a TAPI developer is to ensure smooth communication between the telephone system and the computer. There are therefore many ways to further develop this interaction, such as adding a key combination to the telephone numbers as an additional parameter that is to be transmitted after the call has been established. Telephony commands and their syntax should be known for such further development. In addition, knowledge of Windows COM programming is an important prerequisite. If these prerequisites are met, you can further develop TAPI individually according to your needs.
Conclusion
The development of TAPI has opened up a number of possibilities for telephony. The integration of the telephone system into the computer enables more efficient work during a telephone call. A TAPI developer can adapt the interface to your needs, allowing individual use. Especially when used in a call center. TAPI offers many advantages and makes the work easier for employees. Calls can be started with a mouse click and. All important caller information is centrally located in one place. It is not yet possible to say what functions future updates from Microsoft and Intel will include. However, it is certain that TAPI will increasingly support and facilitate corporate telephony.
What is TAPI?
TAPI is an interface for communication between telephony applications and computers. This interface was developed in 1993 by Microsoft and Intel.
How does TAPI work?
TAPI mediates between the computer used and the telephone hardware. The telephone control commands are connected to the tools and techniques to optimize your campaigns CTI application via TAPI. TAPI32.DLL communicates via a TSPI interface. Telephony Service Provider Interface) with the TAPI service provider about which functions. Are required and translates the requirements into a language that the hardware can understand. This command is then forwarded to the telephony hardware and implemented.
Does TAPI work for FRITZ!Box?
TAPI can also be used with a FRITZ!Box. However, a direct connection is not yet possible, so a third-party application such as “TAPICall” must be used. This can be a suitable solution for small companies in particular to take advantage of the benefits of TAPI.
