Setting up IVRs

In this first section, we will set up our basic IVR with a simple phone tree.

When a caller calls in, we'll give them a list of options. Pressing 1 will give them the store hours, and pressing 2 will prompt them to enter the extension of an agent.

Getting ready

The complete source code for this recipe can be found in the Chapter8/Recipe1/ folder

How to do it…

Let's set up the basic IVR system. The basic system will consist of a simple company directory, which would display the incoming calls.

When a user calls in, it will greet them and then prompt them to make a choice.

1. Upload config.php on your website and make sure your phone tree variables are set:

   <?php
     $directory = array(
       '1'=> array(
         'phone'=>'415-555-2222',
         'firstname' => 'Joe',
         'lastname' => 'Doe'
       ),
       '2'=> array(
         'phone'=>'415-555-3333',
         'firstname' => 'Eric',
         'lastname' => 'Anderson'
       ),
       '3'=> array(
         'phone'=>'415-555-4444',...