Linked Calls through the API

Question

Hi all,
We are currently working on a web form that we want to have create a number of calls. Ideally we`d like a parent call and a couple of linked calls which would be created from the form through the API.
Looking at the doco, it seems you should be able to use the 'aCustomParameters’ field to achieve this. However, I`ve just seen KB 2010464 which seems to indicate that it may not be quite as simle as this (in 9.0 anyway).
Just wondering if anyone has actually done this.
We're currently on 9.1.5.
Cheers,
Ray

Answer 1

Hi Ray,
I am really not sure what this KB article is refering to but you souldn't blindly rely on every sentence has been written. Even in the knowledge base. Especially when VMware had never paid much attention to this product, unfortunately.
In my opinion (you should take it with caution as well) you have different options to link calls through API:
* Using CallUpdate transaction
* Using ExecuteQueryAction transaction with a standard query "UPDATE CALL LINK"
* Using ExecuteQueryAction transaction with your custom query (I guess that KB article is suggesting to use this particular method when referencing professional services help.)
Take in account that it's very important to supply required parameters (yes, as aCustomParameters) when using the first or the second option:
1. When updating a Child Call:
PARENT_CHILD = "C"
LINKED_CALL_NO = [PARENT_CALL_NUMBER]
UPDATE_LINKED_CALL_NO = [PARENT_CALL_NUMBER]
2. When updating a Parent Call:
PARENT_CHILD = "P"
That's it. Looks quite simple but... you have to be very careful when doing this - many related things should be checked or considered along with linking: are both calls not locked, how impact value should be recalculated and changed accordingly, how to update calls history to reflect the linking event, security check through partitions and system roles settings and maybe many others. I believe this is one of key reasons why KB is suggesting to request professional services to create a solution for Calls linking through API.
Still if you will decide to try and you will come across with any question, please don't hesitate to ask.
Regs, Gytis