Partner Solutions 
Data Futures : Instant Messaging Integration for Call Transfers
This month's featured integration allows Angel.com customers to use Instant Messaging to provide live agents with caller information as the call is being transferred. We spoke with David Rubin, President of Data Futures, Inc., to provide details on the integrated offering from Angel.com and Data Futures.
Q: What was the business situation which caused Data Futures to turn to Angel.com, and how did you find us?
Aside from servicing our customers to best utilize our time and talent, we have created or are in the process of creating three other products that have been or will be spun off into their own companies, OnlineViolation, Inc.,ClassroomUSA, Inc., and OnlineApparelManagement, Inc. For all these companies, we still only have one 800 number. So how do you answer the phone when it rings? Which company do you announce?
With that dilemma, we searched the web for an ASP-based "receptionist" vendor and found a few sites that had technology that appeared either amateurish or slapped together. Upon finding Angel.com, we used the free trial and we were hooked... especially when we added our own IMConnectionTM software to the mix. Now Angel.com handles all our call answering needs, guides our callers to the appropriate input and transfers the call to us, letting us know via Instant Messaging who's calling and for what company/department.
Q: Tell us about the results of the solutions you've implemented through Angel.com.
Our own ability to determine how to answer our phone calls with the appropriate company/department will allow any company without an advanced phone system to handle calls like a major corporation. No longer does a company have to ask for your credit card number or account number. Now the information can "pop" on your Instant Message client (either AOL, Yahoo, ICQ or MSN) before the phone call is transferred so the live agent can access this data when answering the phone. With the appropriate setup, the "pop" can be clicked and your own data can be accessed to pull up customer information and more.
With its inherent flexibility, we anticipate that Angel.com's customers will immediately see the benefits of obtaining data and caller responses before receiving the phone call, being able to dynamically transfer a phone call to various operators and present information on the incoming call. Following Angel.com's current attractive pricing points, I'm sure this feature will be affordable and extremely popular.
Q: How can Angel.com customers gain access to your solution?
Angel.com will be offering IMConnectionTM integration into its products shortly. Currently, we are completing the integration testing and examining all the possibilities for IMConnectionTM's use by Angel.com's customer base. Angel.com customers should contact Ahmed Bouzid for more information on the integrated product.
Q: Are you planning to rollout other Angel.com solutions?
Definitely. We already have started the process with another solution that builds off of current Angel.com offerings and vastly extends it in another synergistic direction. We anticipate that it will be another fantastic offering that will be very popular. There is a bright future ahead for Angel.com and Data Futures, Inc.
Q: What is Data Futures and what types of customers do you serve?
Data Futures, Inc. was founded in 1986 with one goal in mind... to be the premier database information source employing the latest technology with the most reliable methodology. Data Futures, Inc. has accomplished this goal by developing a diverse portfolio of general consulting practices, database services, education services as well as partnerships with recruiters, general consulting firms and leading edge software firms.
The firm has worked for many large consulting firms, such as Andersen Consulting, Cambridge Technology Partners, System Consulting Group and Novell. It has also provided services for many large corporations including Kraft Foods, Inc., Marriott International, American Bankers, AutoNationUSA, Cigna Dental, Siemens, Office Depot, DelMonte, NABI, Cemex International, Nabisco, Cable Bahamas, Bed Bath and Beyond and many others.
