How do IVR systems work?

by | Mar 5, 2014 |

IVR is the abbreviation for Interactive Voice Response systems. Professional businesses use these systems to answer incoming phone calls and to direct clients through the switchboard’s appropriate channels. How do Interactive Voice Response systems work? First of all, an IVR system works by connecting a computer to the company’s telephone line. The computer needs IVR software and special hardware called a telephony board or telephony card. When a client phones the company, the IVR software gives the caller a pre-recorded greeting and then asks the caller to choose an option from a set menu. For example: by pressing the number “one” on the keypad and outgoing phone calls are routed through the regular Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or over a VoIP network. TCP/IP network: a standard internet network that provide Internet and intranet connectivity. VXML telephony server: a special server that serves as a middle man between the phone – and the internet network. Databases: real-time information that can be accessed by the IVR applications. Web/application server: the home of Interactive Voice Response system software. There might be several different applications for different functions. Are these systems expensive? Nope! Plus you have the added bonus of eliminating negative human factors. For example: consultants that don’t show up for work or extra money spent on overtime. IVR systems can operate night and day; through rain or sunshine. It is a reliable investment that will pay for itself in the long run. Do you need Interactive Voice Response for your business? Drop us a line at Integrat and we will gladly help you to boost your client...

What is Bulk SMS marketing?

by | Mar 3, 2014 |

Bulk SMS marketing is the sending of text messages (in bulk) to you customers. The reason why this marketing method is so effective is because, simply put, people are attached to their phones like wet on water. One of the most important things you have to keep in mind about SMS marketing is the limitations. Luckily there are few and the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Text messages have a character limit. Just like Twitter limits users to 140 characters per tweet, SMS is traditionally limited to 160 characters. This character limit is a really important factor to consider, because it directly affects how much you can say. But think about it this way: if you can say something significant/ compose a core message on Twitter, you shouldn’t have a problem doing the same on SMS. The benefits of Bulk SMS marketing? It is a cheap and quick way to reach many individuals at the same time. Messages can be personalised for the individual because the company already has a relationship with them. Subsequently, text messages can be used to further the relationship between the business and their clients Unlike mail, which sometimes remains unopened, the majority of recipients are likely to open the message – at the very least. This can lead to a response rate of 15% to 80%, depending on the industry. Where did it all start? According to Wisegeek.com, one of the first groups why not give us a...

Decisions that every Mobile App owner need to make

by | Feb 28, 2014 |

Owning a Mobile App goes hand-in-hand with a lot of decision making – from the development to the hosting thereof. What are some of the most important decisions an application owner will have to make? What is the purpose of your app? Your app should add value to the lives of your customers in some way or another. If it isn’t perceived as addressing a problem or providing convenience/ comfort, your customers will lose interest very quickly. Will your app be free or paid for? Are you going to Engine Optimization (SEO) for better rankings in search results. Or you can provide a link from your website to your application. It is always a good idea to make use of multiple strategies. Looking for a Mobile Application host? Contact Integrat today and talk to any of our knowledgeable...

The 101 of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data

by | Feb 24, 2014 |

What is of mobile marketing, but the simplicity factor is precisely what makes it so effective. For the business it provides a pretty cheap and easy form of customer service, and customers in turn will find it equally easy to understand and operate. It is a win-win for...