AOL Opens Up AIM Phoneline Platform
AOL said Thursday that it would open up its voice over IP platform to developers in an effort to spur development of new functionality and hardware that utilizes its AIM Phoneline service. The company plans to release three APIs to share various features.
One would allow developers to create offerings that would permit AIM Phonline users to personalize the service through so-called "ringback" tones and personalized ring tones. Another would permit manufacturers to create USB devices that work with the service, while the third would allow for the creation of new call management features.
"By building on the popularity of the Open AIM program and opening the AIM Phoneline platform we are excited about helping to unleash the creativity and bring about new and unique voice communication services to one of the largest online communities," AOL voice services head Ragui Kamel said.
The company plans to show off products that utilize each of the APIs at Fall VON 2006 in Boston, a semi-annual conference of VoIP providers and device manufacturers.
Software company iotum is scheduled to show off an application that intelligently handles incoming calls. MyNuMo will demonstrate an example of an online ringtone and ringback store for the service, and Mvox Technologies plans to show wired and wireless USB phones compatible with the service.
AOL will also promote developers who produce applications and equipment for the service through a "shop" link in the AIM Phoneline dashboard.
"AOL recognizes the value of the developer community in driving innovation and rapidly delivering new and compelling services," Kamel said.
The company additionally announced a contest to spur development, with a top prize of $3,500 for the first place entry. That competition runs through the end of November.