New Speech Recognition Directory Assistance on its Way

ISC Networking & Telecommunications is in the final phase of testing speech recognition software that will help callers inside and outside of the University quickly and easily contact people without the use of a printed phone directory by simply speaking the name of the person or department they wish to reach.

Once the system is in place in early October, callers dialing Penn's main phone number (215-898-5000) between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. will be greeted by the Speech Recognition Directory and asked to speak the complete name of the person or department they wish to reach. If the system recognizes the name it will route the call to the appropriate number without disclosing location or telephone information to the caller. Requests for unrecognized names will be routed to the standard after-hours greeting.

Penn students, faculty and staff can already take advantage of the new Speech Recognition Directory any time by calling 6-4242 (or 215-746-4242 from off campus) and following the prompts. First-time callers to the system should verify that the pronunciation of their name and routing to their phone number are correct.

Omissions, routing problems, or pronunciation discrepancies should be reported via
voicemail to (215) 573-9077. Be sure to include the name, telephone number and a brief description of the required change when reporting problems.