Device makers building with AVS can now create products that can be registered with Alexa for Business, and managed as shared devices in organizations
Organizations using Alexa on Echo devices can now get all the benefits of Alexa for Business without having to install any new hardware.
Amazon has updated Alexa for Business to allow device makers building with the Alexa Voice Service (AVS) to create products that can be registered with Alexa for Business, and managed as shared devices in organizations
Launched last year, Alexa for Business is designed to introduce its voice assistant technology and Echo devices into a corporate setting. It lets customers efficiently introduce Alexa to their organizations and provides the tools to manage Alexa devices, users, and skills at scale.
“With a simple extension to the AVS Device SDK, device makers can leverage Alexa for Business to bring the power of voice to enterprises,” says Amazon.
The update will allow Alexa for Business customers to centrally manage and deploy supported products with Alexa built-in – whether it’s built by Amazon or third-party device makers.
Collin Davis, GM, Alexa for Business, noted that the update was made considering the request of customers using Alexa on Echo devices who asked them to enable the same experiences on their existing equipment.
The company says together, the solutions allow for:
- deployment of third-party devices to shared spaces such as conference rooms, hotel and dorm rooms, lobbies, kitchens, break rooms, and copy rooms
- device management as part of the device makers’ existing management flow, such as room designation, device health monitoring, and location setting
- skill management, such as public and private skill assignment for shared devices without publishing to the public Alexa Skills Store.
Amazon says it’s already working with popular brands like Plantronics, iHome, and BlackBerry, and solution providers like Linkplay and Extron on integrating Alexa into their own devices.
The company further claims that since its launch, Alexa for Business have been used by companies like Express Trucking, Fender, and Propel Insurance to add Amazon Echo devices to meeting rooms, workspaces, and other shared environments, enabling employees to interact with the technology at work using just their voice.
With Alexa for Business, organizations can provide shared Alexa devices for anyone to use in common areas around the workplace as well as personal Alexa devices for employees to use.
