While they may all use the term call centers or contact centers in their names or to discuss what they do, all call centers are not the same. Good call centers all have certain features in common. These features can be broken down based on the following:

1. Top of the line technology

Software is one of the most important aspects of any successful call center. Some features of call center software that shouldn’t be overlooked are:

• Use of IVR (Interactive Voice Response) systems. IVR works by enabling call center agents to make more productive use of their time. With this software, callers follow prompts that enable them to input information using their telephone keypads which can give the caller some information that they need. This is quite common with banking and utility companies’ customer support call centers or customer service call centers.

• They must have some form of routing software so as to help direct callers to the agent who is best able to assist them.

Software should be able to support any form of contact, such as telephone, email, instant messaging and video.

The platform used must be reliable as downtime money is lost.

2. Web support services

Any call center that does not offer web support services is way behind the times. Almost all call centers, whether they are based onshore or offshore must be full-service contact centers, that is, they should use all forms of communication to get the job done.

3. Properly trained and knowledgeable call center agents

Since customer support and interaction are the major functions of most call centers, good call center agents are important. International call centers that provide call center outsourcing services that take the business seriously will employ trainable and trained agents to work in their businesses. Staff should be competent in order to respond to customers professionally while providing the needed information. They should have a good command of the English language and speak clearly.

4. Flexible billing or payment schedules

Clients like having a flexible payment schedule. Some call centers are now moving in this direction by offering what is known as performance based payment. One call center that is already doing this is InSO International. The beauty of performance based payment is that the client only pays if the call center delivers.

5. Onshore and Offshore locations

Having call centers based offshore and onshore is a good idea as it is unlikely that both locations may be hit with problems at the same time. Plus, some clients would rather use a call center in their home country or one that is at least closer to home.

International call centers such as InSO International are able to fit the criteria of what a good call center should be. At InSO, the company keeps abreast of new developments in the software used to enable call centers to remain efficient and competitive. With the need to deliver the best in telemarketing services, InSO makes sure they have the right tools for the job.

With over eight years in the provision of call center services, InSO International understands the business inside-out. In fact, the company has provided a wide range of services such as technical support, customer care, telemarketing, and telephone ordering to name a few. They provide these services to companies in sectors such as:

-              Finance

-              Tourism

-              Telecommunications

-              E-commerce

-              Health and Supplements

-              Technology

To learn more about InSO International Call Center’s performance based payment or to request a free quote, visit them online at www.inso.us.

“Santa Ana, CA – December 7, 2009 – Ansafone Contact Centers, a leading provider of contact center outsourcing solutions, announced that Geoffrey C. Barlow has joined the company as VP of Client Relations and Global Services.  Based in Weston, CT, he will be an integral part in developing the strategic and tactical direction of the business development efforts.

“I am thrilled to welcome Geoff to the Ansafone team,” said Randy Harmat, Ansafone’s CEO.  “Geoff’s outsourcing background and outstanding track record in delivering strong and sustainable revenue growth in competitive markets will play a pivotal role in helping us drive growth to new verticals.  His target-driven approach to business will be invaluable in helping us providing world-class, innovative contact center solutions to our clients.”

Mr. Barlow has over 10 years of experience within the contact center industry with specialization in acquisition, retention and customer care activities in the financial services, education, healthcare and retail industries.  Most recently, he was the Vice President of Integrated Sales with Protocol Global Solutions.  Geoff is excited to be joining Ansafone and has commented that “it is a great fast growing company that provides an entrepreneurial environment focused on the customers who we serve.”

Mr. Barlow holds a B.A. Degree from St. Lawrence University.