If I wanted to create an autodialer script...
 

Any suggestions on what apps or procedure I would take to begin a task? Any pointers in the right direction would be appreciated? I want it to dial numbers, input send some dtmf tones and record the output from the host.

I suggest you start with a shell script and programs like dtmfdial (available on Ubuntu through synaptic).
You'd need some basic bash scripting experience to do this at least. just type 'dtmf' into the search bar in synaptic to get an idea of what is already available. If you have some more advanced programming experience, there are libraries that handle the translation.

What is the expected output of the host? Just tossing out an idea it might be possible to tweak mgetty using a vociemodem to accomplish your task.

dtmfdial uses the sound card. Be aware that you can not directly connect your sound card to a telephone line. A special line interface module is required to protect the telephone system. And at least in the United States 75 VDC is present when the phone rings.

the output would be a recorded voice response.

dtmfdial does provide the necessary tones so that is cool.

the script would use a list of numbers, call one, provide additional tones to access the appropriate person and record the output or response.


any follow up suggestions would be helpful. you peeps already provided me with some very helpful starting points.

Open Source Autodialer software with Voice broadcasting, fax broadcasting and Sms messaging
 

Here I like to share a complete open source based unified communication autodialer software based on Drupal CMS and Plivo Communication framework named ICTDialer, Unified Communication Autodialer