Alternative Solutions

The biggest question is whether to have the callback capabilities in the network or on the customer's premises. There are no other Long Distance providers which offer the network based solution, other than AT&T.

Significant advantages of a network based solution include:

Minimal capital requirements

Protection against obsolescence

Low business risk

No in-house staff expertise is required for design, implementation or maintenance

Because there are no hardware or software components to purchase, this approach is particularly well suited for the rapidly evolving Internet technology environment.

The network solution uses three interfaces: Inbound Toll Free Service (800 Service) and Routing Features, Whisper Tone technology and Touch-Tones.

Several equipment manufacturers, including Lucent, SpanLink, Rockwell and Versatility offer premise-based solutions. Most of these companies offer the "second line" option. The cost of upgrading the premise equipment is normally between $10,000 and $100,000.

However, most of these providers can not provide the push technology, which allows the Call Center to send pages to the consumer during the interactive portion of the call.

To See What These Companies Can Offer, You Can Visit The Following Sites

Spanlink Communications

Netspeak Corporation

Rockwell Electronic Commerce Division