4.5 Run Windows Batch File

In order to avoid making outbound calls while the incoming call is still active, we need to delay the launching BroadcastByPhone program. Here we'll use a Windows batch file to accomplish this task.

Windows batch files, also called batch programs or scripts, can simplify routine or repetitive tasks. A batch file is an unformatted text file that contains one or more commands and has a .bat or .cmd file name extension. When you type the file name at the command prompt, Cmd.exe runs the commands sequentially as they appear in the file. For more information, please search the topic online or Microsoft's website.

Prepare the Batch File

The following batch file launches BroadcastByPhone program after 30 seconds delay. Use Windows Notepad program to enter the following lines, and then save it as runvcast.bat under the folder C:\Call List.

REM delay for 30 seconds
REM use ping command as a workaround since there is no sleep command

ping 127.0.0.1 -n 30 -w 1000 > NUL

REM now launch broadcastbyphone
REM add -noexit if you want to keep the program up after broadcast

"C:\Program Files\Voicent\BroadcastByPhone\bin\vcast.exe"
     "C:\Call List\mylist.voc"
     -startnow -cleanstatus -wavfile %1

The line starts with REM is comments. The %1 refers to the first argument when the batch file is invoked.

Run the Batch File

You can run the batch file from windows command window, or select Windows Start button, select Run..., then type in the following command:

"C:\Call List\runvcast.bat"
      "C:\Program Files\Voicent\MyRecordings\sample_message.wav"

This batch file first wait for 30 seconds and then launch BroadcastByPhone program. The sample message is used for the broadcast. In the IVR sample, we'll pass the recorded audio file as the batch file argument.