An on demand call center is a hosted software option that offers all the utilities associated with running a customer service outfit in a pay-as-you-go plan. This means that managers don’t need to buy prohibitively expensive hardware, but rather can add what they need as they go.

There are several advantages to call centers on demand, including light startup cost with virtually no equipment to buy, flexibility in usage and elimination of maintenance. Because the software items are constantly upgraded and maintained on a provider’s server, companies get the benefit of newer more effective software without the need to rip and replace components. Call center managers also enjoy a virtually worry free tech setup that grants constant availability for customer service. This leaves managers with more time to deal with office issues rather than technical problems. Literally every function once relegated to hardware can now be processed from a remote location, through use of hosted call center technology.

While relinquishing total control was at one point a major concern for customer service operations moving to hosted solutions, the benefits were too numerous to recant. A recent Frost and Sullivan poll estimates that revenue in the hosted call center sector is likely to reach $1.5 billion by 2015. A huge portion of this growth will likely be attributed to the rise of the home agent, fueled by the adoption of on demand call centers.

Coupled with the advantages of the on demand call center, home agents offer more customer service deployments more coverage and the ability to recruit skilled agents. The strategy also eliminates the operational costs of running an office passing further savings on to the hosted call center manager.

On demand call centers have advanced substantially over the last several years and offer a compelling alternative for communications operation that need to go to market quickly with little up-front cost. The software also allows customer service professionals the ability to employ a home-based agent strategy that could take savings even further. When upgrading your call center considering an on demand option can result in substantial savings and flexibility for your business.