Alcatel to release SDK for My IC Phone

The OmniTouch 8082 is due in the fourth quarter

Alcatel-Lucent is to launch an application development kit for its OmniTouch 8082 My IC Phone demonstrated at VoiceCon in March.

The kit will enable independent software companies or developers at enterprises to create applications that can then be hosted on an online store.

"Giving a platform for developers means the scope of the product can be vastly increased as it allows firms to ensure that the device can meet the requirements of their staff," said Mark Turner, general manager for northern region enterprise markets at Alcatel-Lucent.

"There will no doubt be applications businesses need which the phone could provide that we won't have thought of, so we are giving developers the chance to create applications that can meet specific business needs."

The phone is designed to act as a complement to desktop devices by displaying information on a 7in capacitive touch screen that also offers Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports to connect other devices.

Alcatel-Lucent said that the phone will be launched in the fourth quarter of this year, and is currently undergoing testing with some customers.

The company is confident that its recently announced Genesys G8 platform will prove popular for its ability to allow call centres to monitor cross-channel communications between customers and staff.