Speech recognition software featuring voice recognizer engines, voice compression coders, and a voice activated automated attendant for voice and speech processing and voice activated dialing; directory management tools, namely, directory manager software that uses speech recognition to detect spoken names of telephone directory entries and to modify and delete telephone directory entries; application programming interfaces, graphical interfaces, visual debuggers, personal voice dialer software that enables a user to dial a telephone by talking to it and which contains performance evaluators, namely, software to monitor the length of time without a user response before repeating a prompt, to monitor the number of times a user may make an entry before disconnecting the user, and to control confirmation of a user's spoken commands; engineering and configuration tools, namely, voice compression coders, generators and ringers, service logic and execution environment, namely, software that manages the operation and customization of automated telephone directory features; developer kits comprising an application programming interface and auditory signal design and status indicator; and software application builder tools, namely, compilers for voice messaging, managing call centers, and performing automated attendant and interactive communications, a carrier-grade framework, software start-up splash screens, namely visual screens with audible earcon accompaniment, and audible introductions prefaced, suffixed, or overlaid with audible earcons; and user manuals sold therewith