Update: Microsoft Speech Server 2007 Book
So my book, "Pro: Microsoft Speech Server 2007" is finally complete, with an expected publish date of June 25th. Here is some answers to a couple of common questions.
Q: Why is it named, Microsoft Speech Server 2007, while the product is now named Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 Speech Server?
A: Name Recognition and Target Audience. By having Speech Server as the main title, I make sure that the right audience will buy the book. Where if I had named the book, "Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 Speech Server" it might be look at as a general OCS, which it is not.
Q: What does the book cover?
A: Well the target audience are .NET developers who are new to using Speech Server (2007). So if you already know .NET and are starting to use Speech Server (2007) this book is for you. If you are familiar with .NET then you could possibly use this book, but I would recommend buying a book on .NET first. This book covers SALT, VoiceXML and Voice Response Workflow Applications.
Q: How much is the book and where can I get it?
A: $59.99 - with a current discount on Amazon for a grand total of $37.77. You can get it on Amazon or any where else you get other technical books.
http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Microsoft-Speech-Server-2007/dp/1590599020
Q: Will there be supplemental information with the book?
A: There will be source code for each relevant chapter, available for download on APress’s website. I am working on making a video to go along with each chapter. This might be something I do and host myself, or the publisher might host it. I'll keep everyone update as soon as it is available.
Q: What if I think some information is incorrect?
A: Let me know. Anyone can contact me via the contact link on this blog, or simply give me a call on my cell 612-859-1899. Again I’ll do my best to get back to anyone who emails or calls me ASAP.
Q: Why does it include a chapter on SAPI and Exchange?
A: Well I include a Chapter on creating a UM application using Exchange API. Alot of the UM features in Exchange are very canned. If you want a highly custom experience, such Voice Access, you could create a Speech Server application which uses the Exchange API to set/get information. I include a chapter on using the .NET 3.0 System.Speech namespace along with Vista SAPI 5.3 as these are very similar to a speech server application. (Such as Grammars, etc..)