interesting reaction

[victor]

Interestingly enough, so far, no one has responded to our offer to develop things for free...I wonder if this is because people do not need it, or because they do not read it. 

Feels like the latter!  It would be a really good idea to get several things up so that others can use it. I think in the long run, softphone toolbar, wallboard server, OCS-related tools all should be made open-source, because the revenue we receive from selling these tools would be even more if we let people use it and then just focus on its customization and support.

What do you think?

[tony]

It's new, Vic,

Most companies want to bring in porfessionals to do their specfiic job, to their specficationn, within their time-frame, etc.  Offering an open source alternative just isn't on the cards for them.

In my opinion (and you are pushing against an open door with me!) you'd need to approach the main players directly, rather than advertising on the Forum; Genesys themselves might play a part in this, if it's pitched correctly. But, as we know, they have provided the tools to enable open source development and this is exactly what they are advocating in doing so!

In other words, they have a set of standard tools/software which cover the functionality required on a standard basis - and the cost is born by the clients, through the licensing applied to the Solutions.  If we want to develop things for free, we'd have to sell the ideas too...

Tony

[victor]

Hi, Tony,

a very valid point. It took me a while to figure out what you meant by 2pushing an open door", but I got it.

I think it would be in Genesys interest to actively promote development of tools for their framework that would be widely available to their users. If it is pitched right, I think it would also give a new meaning to this forum, especially since this would allow us both the access to the main player - Genesys itself.

I also think that there is a reason why many call centers require customized applications - there is nothing generic out there that can be used as a framework. Genesys ActiveX Desktop Toolkit is as close as it gets to a standardized softphone, even though most companies get rid of the phone and convert it into a toolbar. I think that provided with a default toolbar and functionality and ability to customze, many people would take advantage of this framework. Most of the functionalilty is indetical, and the only thing that is different is usually the color, the layout and most importantly, the blinking green/blue/yellow light announcing a new call. 

I still think that we need to focus on defining the main product tools that most people would need and are still not available from Genesys. I am thinking about an improved OCM, calling list loaders, importers, softphone, remote operator logout... I can probably write and write and write. I was hoping that people would give us some ideas on what is really necessary there.

Best regards,
Vic

[tony]

Does remind me of the Monty Python sketch in a hospital operating theatre - as I remember it;

The director of finance appears on an official visit and enters the operating theatre, then searches in vain for the machine which goes "ping".  After a few minutes, they locate the machine, which is switched off.  Appalled, the director asks for it to be switched on, to be told it's not actually required for that particular operation.  A manager steps in and switches it on anyway and, although it's not doing anything but emitting a "ping" every 3 seconds.  But, the director is happy and confirms an award of more money for the department at the next budget meeting.

In seriousness, a generic item for Open Source would definatley benefit smaller outlets/companies.  The bigger ones tend to know exactly what they want, budget for it and then get the resources in to look after it themselves...

Tony