Platform SDK: TAPI |
The following material describes the components of Microsoft Telephony and how to use them to create powerful and flexible communication systems.
The Microsoft Telephony programming model abstracts communications control from device control, freeing end-user applications and device manufacturers from the need to march in lockstep. Using this model, an end-user or server application does not require detailed information on device control and the device does not need to be tailored to the application. Applications and devices can undergo innovation and change without rendering each other useless to customers.
The following diagram illustrates how this abstraction is accomplished:
These components can be viewed as repositories of specialized knowledge. The Telephony Application Programming Interface (TAPI) application knows user needs, the TAPI DLL and TAPISVR understand general telephony, and the service providers (TSP and MSP) know detailed device control. Application writers and device manufacturers require only general knowledge of each other's requirements.
The result of using this programming model is that applications can ignore or adjust to device changes and new devices can be instantly useful instead of waiting on code base changes. Potential market share is expanded for both application writers and device manufacturers.
The following overview sections describe the Microsoft Telephony components in more detail.