Advances in automatic speech recognition (ASR) technology promise new
products and services that capitalize on the enhanced capability of hu
man-machine communication. This paper: Addresses several key issues in
the design of a deployable ASR, Discusses new dimensions and developm
ents of the technology, Presents several examples of successful applic
ations of the ASR technology in AT&T's products and services, and Desc
ribes the research effort needed to realize many new telecommunication
s applications in years to come.