PhoneticOperator

CIS's Telecommunications Office has introduced a new application called the PhoneticOperator. The PhoneticOperator is a voice-driven directory search tool. The system emulates the conversation you might have with Brown's switchboard operators. No more remembering or looking up faculty & staff telephone numbers, just say the person's or the department's name and Phonetics will connect you.

What is it used for?

The PhoneticOperator is an easy-to-use alternative to the paper directory for most faculty and staff telephone numbers. The PhoneticOperator provides access to departments, faculty and staff. The system will not provide connections to faculty or staff in affiliated hospitals or students.

How do I use it?

The system can be accessed directly from either on or off campus. From on campus simply dial 3-6001, off campus call 401 863-6001.

Phonetics will also be used to assist the telephone switchboard operators, especially during busy times. During normal business hours, calls to 863-1000 will continue to be directed first to a live operator. When all operators are busy calls will overflow to the PhoneticOperator. Faculty, staff and students will still be able to contact Brown's operator by dialing "0". After hours, calls to 863-1000 will have the option of using the PhoneticOperator.

The application is easy to use but here are some hints to maximize your success:

• Speak naturally and avoid using extra words such as "please", "could I speak to", etc.

• Please speak at your normal volume. The technology is less effective when speaking at a high volume.

• Try to avoid speakerphones due to equipment limitations in suppressing background noise. Cell phones may also pose problems in terms of effectively minimizing ambient sounds.

• The system supports "barge in" requests, so you do not have to wait for the prompts to finish before saying the name of a person or department; you can speak over the prompts and you will be connected to the appropriate party.

What if it doesn't understand what I say?

The PhoneticOperator emulates the conversation you might have with an operator so if the system does not quite understand what you've asked on the first try, it may ask some additional questions such as "repeat the last name" or "spell the first name". If you are asked to spell, spell naturally. Do not qualify the letters such as "B-as in Boy", just spell the name naturally, don't worry if you misspell the name.

If the system cannot determine the name you are looking for you will automatically be routed to a live operator.

What does my name sound like?

If you would like to hear how your name is pronounced you can access the Phonetics Operator by dialing 3-6001. When the system begins speaking press 1 then speak your name and the system will repeat it. If your name is not pronounced correctly you can have your name professionally rerecorded. To do so, please follow the steps below:

1. Dial the PhoneticOperator 3-6001, and when the system answers, press 3 on your telephone;

2. You are then connected to the recording studio. You will be asked if you would like your first or last name recorded. (Follow the prompts that are given);

3. When you are finished the system will ask if you would like to save the recording (say "yes");

4. The system will then alert the Telecommunications Office for approval.

Where can I go for more information?

If you have any questions or suggestions about the system, contact the Phonetics System Administrator at: telecommunications@brown.edu.