What is EASE for Amazon Alexa?

The Admissions Assistant demonstration product, available on the Alexa App Store, responds to questions using data from an Evisions sample data source. The skill is useful for learning more about how EASE for Amazon Alexa works, and what information can be available to you.

Evisions can create a custom skill for you that accesses your data, and supports the questions that are important to your institution.

What Can a Custom EASE for Amazon Alexa Skill Do for You?

Your custom skill, built for you by Evisions, responds to your questions with data from your own database. The data that you currently have in the Evisions Argos system is made available to you when you need it.

For example, some of the things that you might ask include general admissions questions like:

  • How many students applied in Fall 2016?
  • How many applicants were classified as transfer student applicants in Fall 2017?

You can also ask 10-year trend questions, such as:

  • What is the ten-year total of male applicants?
  • What is the ten-year total of applicants seeking an Associate of Arts degree?

Demographic data is also available:

  • In Spring 2015, how many applicants were Asian?
  • In 2016, how many applicants were female?

And, you can ask for information related to majors and degrees specific to your institution:

  • How many applicants are seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in Fall 2015?
  • How many applicants were Economics majors in Fall of 2010?

How EASE for Amazon Alexa Works

Once into production, your data is completely and readily available on any Alexa-enabled device where the private skill is enabled. Evisions leverages Alexa for Business, from AWS, to deliver the skills directly to the client. Alexa for Business grants complete control over who and which devices can access the skill. EASE for Amazon Alexa uses the Argos development platform to allow for maximum flexibility.

Graphic demonstrating how EASE for Alexa connects to the data source and AWS, with example questions from various users.

Where Can I Find More Information About Amazon Alexa?

For general information about Amazon Alexa: https://www.amazon.com/b?node=17934671011

For information about Alexa for Business: https://aws.amazon.com/about-aws/whats-new/2017/11/alexa-for-business-is-now-generally-available/