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Advantages WebConference LiveHelp! was designed with a fresh visions. Some of the advantages to using this solution include: Fast, Lightweight footprint WebConference LiveHelp's core components are written entirely in C. What does this mean? C is by far much closer to actual machine code than any of the other languages being used to code solutions like ours. C is a compiled language, and not an interpreted language like PHP, PERL, or Java solutions. As a result, you get blazing server-side speed and a tiny server footprint capable of handling hundreds or even thousands of customers. Because C is so close to the operating system (which is mostly written in C also), much more detail in programming architecture and system calls is possible, enabling us to keep our software lean and performing without any "programming baggage". Compatibility The WebConference suite of products has been designed to provide the best compatibility avalable to your end users. Not all Internet users are using the latest and greatest browsers. Many Java solutions require very recent browser versions and experience cross-platform issues. Some of our new customers have even told us that the Java solutions they were using before from reputable companies were incompatible with Macintosh browsers as new as version 4.5. WebConference uses a unique server-push method of delivering real-time information to the end user. This streaming method provides faster and smoother messaging than any refresh-based PERL or PHP solutions (although PHP solutions fake it pretty well). Browsers that are incapable of handling a server-push (such as older web browsers and some third party browsers) will be serviced with a refresh-based chat session, enabling them to communicate with your representatives. What will they get with a commercial solution? Most likely a gray box. Other solutions sometimes cost more than they save Many other solutions claim to save you money, when in reality they are simply redirecting your money from being spent on phone lines and personnell to being spent on their software, and new hardware to support it. WebConference LiveHelp proves as a true return on investment. Here are some ways you will spend money with some of commrecial solutions:
Control Ask most commercial solution providers if you can run a copy of their software locally and they'll tell you, "No Way!". They insist on running the service as a monthly plan, meaning higher costs, contracts, and lack of control on your part. Running WebConference LiveHelp!, you are in control of your own systems:
Performance and Scalability Unlike most commercial solutions, WebConference LiveHelp! performs in real-time, without delays between messages. Our distributed chat server maintains all temporary information in resident memory, rather than in a SQL database (although it can log to a SQL database with little effort). This means faster, more scalable performance for you. When you hit that submit button, your message is immediately sent to the other user with a delay of less than 1/5th of a second (factoring in the user's internet connection is, of course, necessary). When it comes to scalability, WebConference LiveHelp! has been designed to support hundreds and even thousands of connections, or more! Customization Other solutions are fairly static in their representation, and provide little room for customization. Most other open-source solutions are poorly written and require you to know the language it's written in; what's more if you make any changes you lose both upgrades and support. All of WebConference LiveHelp's HTML output is read directly from a set of HTML pages and templates. As a result, you have the ability to customize these templates to dramatically change the look and feel of your implementation. Many commercial solutions require high monthly rates just to customize their tool with your logo. WebConference LiveHelp provides customization abilities to the fullest extent, including an extensible plug-in archiecture allowing you to write your own plug-ins to add functionality. And unlike the other solutions, you'll still be able to upgrade if you've customized using our APIs (instead of hacking at source code). Features Many of the less mature messaging solutions today do not offer the wide range of features WebConference LiveHelp does, or charges significantly more for them. Rather than focus on a bunch of features you don't need, we provide you with enterprise class features such as automatic call distribution, plug-in support for integration with your internal CRM systems or databases, and many other features other solutions either don't have or want to charge you thousands extra for. WebConference LiveHelp comes standard with features such as Typing Status Notifications, Memo Service, Banning Mechanisms, Profanity Filtering, Emoticons, Disallow Lists, Call queue monitoring tools, and much more. Talk to any customer service representative who uses a commerical solution. Many of them will express their frustration at the "little" features lacking in their tools. Some examples of these "little" features lacking in most other packages include: Interoperability WebConference LiveHelp can be integrated, either by a professional IT organization or by professional services, with in-house tools to provide seamless information exchange. Imagine being able to bring up a customer's account information or trouble tickets the minute they log in. Expandability WebConference LiveHelp includes a C-based plug-in API enabling any software developer (including our own professional services) to develop plug-ins to expand LiveHelp's features and behavior. Need a special feature unique to your company? Take advantage of WebConference LiveHelp's extensible plug-in architecture. Other Advantages... Screen Real-Estate Most other solutions' interfaces are quite large consuming a significant portion of the screen. Most call centers are finding that the money they have to spend on second monitors and machines for each station is overwhelming. WebConference LiveHelp uses a unique, compact interface allowing the operator to switch seamlessly between users using only a small portion of the screen. Not only will you save money using our software, but you'll also save money in the hardware you won't have to purchase to support other solutions. Zero Load-Time Because our solution doesn't use Java or Flash, there is virtually no load-time. Dial-up customers will find themselves delayed waiting for applets to load with Java solutions, potentially frustrating the customer. Our software doesn't make your most valuable asset wait a second more than necessary. |
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