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VocalChat Brings Voice To Your Network

We tested VocalChat 2.0 at our Syracuse University lab on a 3.12 NetWare server. The VocalChat client requires a system capable of running Windows 3.1, 4 MB of RAM, and a Windows-compatible sound board with speakers and a microphone. On the server side, VocalChat supports Novell NetWare 2.x or higher, Microsoft Windows for Workgroups and the Windows Sockets API (1.1 and above) for TCP/IP networks. The server installation simplifies VocalChat client installs and provides a centrally located voice box for all users.The VocalChat client installs easily on a variety of systems, including an IBM PS/2 386, with VocalTec's Compact Audio Technology (The CAT), and a DEC 486 with a SoundBlaster-compatible sound board. The CAT is a portable sound adapter that plugs into your PC's parallel port and provides mini-stereo input and output, as well as a standard telephone handset jack for use with any standard phone handset.

A File Format for Everyone

Sending and Receiving Just Like E-Mail

VocalChat provides two ways to handle messaging: directly into a particular user's VoiceBox-called a voice message-or by sending a voice file, which lets you send an audio file to one or many recipients. Voice messages must fit into a one-minute time slice. Voice files, on the other hand, aren't time constrained. Both audio handling methods are painless to master.

Received voice messages or voice files are manipulated in an easy-to-use interface called the VoiceBox Browser. As with most Windows-based message browsers, you can play, delete, move or even save audio messages in message folders that you create. Playing a message is as easy as double-clicking on it.

VocalChat offers the ability to communicate in real time across your network, using half-duplex or intercom-like communications. One user speaks while the other user listens, and vice versa. This type of communication was awkward and initially difficult. VocalTec explained that the limitation is due to the current sound card technology and the company will provide full-duplex communication capabilities in a later release using its own sound card.

Although somewhat awkward, VocalChat's real-time communications did not use much of our Ethernet. The VDF format used approximately .33 percent or 33 Kbps of the network bandwidth. In addition, 8-KHz PCM utilization dropped to .23 percent, but voice quality was not as good.

Kevin D. Cooke works for the Network Systems Group at Syracuse University. He can be reached at kdcooke@syr.edu.

VocalChat 2.0 /10-user license: $239; The CAT: $179. VocalTec, 157 Veterans Dr., Northvale, NJ 07647. (201) 768-9400; fax (201) 768-8893.