Automated speech recognition (ASR) applications are poised to grow at a phenomenal pace. These systems allow you to speak naturally on the phone, while a computer system both understands what you say and answers knowledgeably. We all increasingly experience such applications when we telephone airline or financial companies for information. Other industries experimenting with these systems include automotive, security, and consumer goods companies. The key to the success of these systems is the design and development of effective voice user interfaces (VUIs). This is both an art and a science that requires an understanding of language, user needs, business requirements, and digital technology. This book provides an overview of this emerging field. It explains, both for managers and developers/designers new to VUIs, what the issues, challenges, and opportunities are, and gives a clear sense of what a well-designed system requires. Using real-world examples from successful, large-scale systems, it shows how a good speech recognition system can save a company money, increase customer satisfaction, and even grow revenue.