What is CCXML?

Call Control eXtensible Markup Language (CCXML, or sometimes referred to as CXML) is an XML-based language that can control the setup, monitoring, and tear down of phone calls. CCXML allows the industry to leverage the strength of Web platforms and technologies to intelligently control calls on and off the telephone network. Additionally, CCXML will create a high-level industry standard for Call Control that can run over any telephony platform. CCXML complements and integrates with a VoiceXML system.

CCXML is a working draft that has been submitted to the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and it is currently being developed by the W3C Voice Browser Working Group.

When you read the specification (see link below), you will find many references to VoiceXML capabilities and limitations. You will also find details on how VoiceXML and CCXML can be integrated. However, the two languages are separate and are not required in an implementation of either language. For example, you can integrate CCXML with a more traditional IVR system and integrate VoiceXML or other dialog systems with some other call control systems.

CCXML adds features that VoiceXML currently cannot supply:

Support for multi-party conferencing.
Ability to give each active call leg its own dedicated VoiceXML interpreter.
Sophisticated multiple-call handling and control.
Handling for richer and more asynchronous events.
Ability to receive events and messages from external computational entities.