Within next-generation call centers – including those that utilize Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – users expect and demand access to multiple newly introduced capabilities, including SIP long distance service, an extremely stable network, local 24/7 NOC (News - Alert) support, on-staff voice engineers to continue to ramp up quality of service on all calls, and video conferencing functionality.
In a recent blog post written by VoIP call center provider PowerNet Global (News - Alert), it was revealed that Airtime has entered into the live video chat services industry. The company is spearheaded by Sean Parker and Shawn Fanning, a twosome whose names might seem familiar. That’s because these two men are touted as powering Napster back in 2000, an extremely popular and free music-sharing website that was forced to shut down after many people voiced concerns about the record industry losing tons of money.
With the goal of interjecting a human touch to Internet-based communication, this service is likely to skyrocket.
A major factor behind the growth behind video conferencing is the fact that most smartphones and tablets now come complete with the ability to video chat with virtually anyone around the world. According to a study from the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project, approximately 40 percent of teenagers who use the Internet also engage in video chats.
This has led to Skype (News - Alert) being used much more routinely as this offering can be used to increase productivity and keep all geographically separated divisions of a company on the same page. With some striking similarities to the widely known video site, Airtime will enable users to chat with people they already know or virtually anybody that has been 'friended' on Facebook (News - Alert). But this innovative solution also allows users to talk with strangers, matching up users based upon mutual interests that Airtime determines from any 'likes' made on the social media mega site.
Fanning said in a statement, "This is something very important to people, and their personal happiness, that the Internet isn't doing well.”
In the future, analysts are predicting that the video chat space will soon be looked upon as a replacement to emailing or texting. One thing is for sure, if you have the option to look at someone as you are conversing with them, seeing their facial gestures and their true reaction to whatever you may be talking about; wouldn’t you jump at the chance? I know I would.
Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2012, taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. For more information on registering for ITEXPO click here.
Edited by Allison Boccamazzo