Australian AI-powered telecom voice technology company Nordwood Systems has launched CogVoice OpenSpan (OpenSpan), an AI voice platform built on Microsoft Azure. OpenSpan provides Communication Service Providers (CSPs) with the tools to modernise and monetise their voice services using AI-powered features and functionality. The company said the platform addresses a "critical gap" in operator networks: while traditional CSP core infrastructures are optimised for reliability and scalability, they generally lack the flexibility to natively support emerging AI-powered applications.
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Bridging the AI Gap in CSP Networks
At the same time, new AI-powered voice services often lack the native integration required to function seamlessly at scale within CSP core environments. OpenSpan bridges this gap by leveraging Azure's AI services (Azure AI Speech and Azure OpenAI service), combined with Nordwood's proprietary expertise in real-time, scalable, cloud-based media handling and manipulation, to connect CSP's existing networks to advanced, in-line AI-powered voice applications, the company explained.
According to Nordwood, this integration enables CSPs to integrate real-time voice intelligence seamlessly into their networks, enabling capabilities such as fraud detection, live translation, and automated call summarisation.
Microsoft and Norwood
Nordwood further highlighted its ongoing collaboration with Microsoft in AI-driven voice technologies. Earlier this year, Norwood, announced an integration initiative, leveraging Azure OpenAI service and Azure AI Speech to develop agentic voice applications for CSPs. The integration laid the groundwork for the OpenSpan platform, the company said in an ASX Announcement on December 17.
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"OpenSpan, powered by Azure, is designed to help CSPs unlock new revenue streams, enhance customer engagement, and accelerate the deployment of AI services," Nordwood said, noting that "OpenSpan enables CSPs to monetise both legacy voice and new AI-driven services."
Paul Ostergaard, CEO and Founder of Norwood Systems, said: "OpenSpan is a game-changer for CSPs striving to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Built on Microsoft Azure, OpenSpan offers a robust and scalable platform that not only bridges the gap between traditional telecom infrastructure and next-generation AI services but also empowers CSPs to unlock new revenue streams and deliver exceptional customer experiences."
"By integrating OpenSpan on Azure and cutting-edge AI applications seamlessly into their networks, CSPs can innovate faster, reduce complexity, and achieve unmatched agility in delivering new value-added AI Voice services," he added.
Global Engagement and Future Vision
Rick Lievano, CTO of Worldwide Telecommunications Industry at Microsoft, added: "OpenSpan exemplifies how CSPs can leverage Microsoft Azure's powerful AI and cloud capabilities to redefine their voice service offerings. By working with Norwood Systems, we are enabling CSPs to accelerate innovation, deliver personalised customer experiences, and transform the way they operate in a rapidly evolving digital landscape."
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The announcement also noted that Norwood and Microsoft are actively engaging with CSPs worldwide to showcase OpenSpan's capabilities.
