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AOL is inviting freelance computer experts to design devices, plug-ins and add-ons that will make its new VoIP phone service stand out from the crowd. Ideas for personalising AIM Phoneline, the VoIP service of AOL’s instant messenger AIM, are being called to support around 55,000 software developers already working on the application. The Virginia company said it was a “natural extension” to now ask external developers, such as voice application developers, to tweak a product currently being used by 43million people. “We want developers to help drive AIM Phoneline in innovative new directions – to make their mark on the service and make some money at the same time,” AOL said. “There are also opportunities for device manufacturers who have products that lend themselves to the service. Headsets and phones are obvious examples but there are many other devices that would maximize the user experience.” Developers and manufacturers will get free documentation and access to the AIM Phoneline platform via APIs (application programming interfaces) so they can build new tools and applications. Ideas for Phoneline, which is effectively a free, always-on IM application that screens and receives incoming PC calls, range from personal ringtones, helpful features or new functions. Voicemail is included in the VoIP package and is sent to the caller’s e-mail inbox, with no limits on activation or the amount of calls received. An outgoing call service starts at $9.95. Developers who send in the best ideas for enriching Phoneline will be entered into a competition, starting Sep11, with first place prize of $3,500, and a runner-up gesture of $1,000. A panel of AOL judges will vote on the submissions and highest scores will determine the winner, with announcements to follow in January 2007. In a message to developers, AOL said: “If you develop voice applications, this gives you a means to launch your applications with AIM's established user base. That's huge exposure, coast to coast.” Next week, AOL will showcase examples of the kind of creativity it’s after using the APIs at the Fall VON 2006 conference in Boston. Overseas developers are urged to check the AIM Phoneline portal, where they can register for information updates, chat with developers about their ‘mash-ups’ and browse supporting forums and bloggers. Sep 8, 2006 Email this article Printer friendly page Previous Page
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