"What is IVR?" is one of the most frequently asked questions! Most people do not know what IVR is or what the definition of IVR is. "IVR" is an abbreviation for Interactive Voice Response. Simply put, it’s the advanced communication of a telephone and computer for the input and retrieval of data and information to facilitate a business process and save money. A good example is the use of IVR in the banking industry. Most financial institutions utilize IVR in many ways, especially for inbound customer service calls for balance inquiries. Most credit cards hold a toll free number on the back of the card. When you dial this number, a computer will answer your call and prompt you to enter your card number. Once you do this, the system will automatically provide your account balance, your last payment, etc. This is IVR!

IVR Roots

The real beginning of IVR started back in the late 1970's, early 1980's. A patent was issued during this time for the first commercially available voicemail system. This was actually the birth of IVR.

Today, IVR has found its way into many, many businesses and industries. IVR is used extensively by the media for marketing campaigns to collect consumer names, addresses, etc. IVR is used in the transportation industies, for things like package delivery tracking. IVR is used by pharmaceutical companies, for simple things like information collection and Frequently Asked Questions and Answers to more complex IVR applications like new drug trials. The majority of IVR implementations are done using an out-sourced provider. This arrangement is a very convenient and cost effective alternative to purching the necessary equipment, hiring and training the required talent and maintaining the needed software and hardware to provide the service.

The list of businesses and industry using IVR in some way, shape or form goes on and on and on.

IVR is definitely an effecient, cost effective solution to many business challenges.

IVR Technology Group. We specialize in custom, hosted IVR applications and will create your IVR application to your exact specification, no matter how simple or complex it may be.

Call us today to discuss your computer telephony IVR needs: 1.800.438.1709 / 716.250.2800 or
Click Here to request further information.

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