Our Two Types of Predictive Dialers
Type 1: Single Agent Predictive Dialing Station
This type dials on 1 to 3 telephone lines for each agent. Each agent is independent from any other agent. With this type, you can have only one agent or you can have multiple agents, but they will be independent of each other. This type is the simplest and least expensive method of predictive dialing. Three hours or one year (whichever comes first) of Technical Support by telephone and/or by email is included.
Type 1 Requirements:
(Also see "Site Preparation" on the last page of this brochure.)
1)Computer (see recommendations in this brochure).
2)Powered Telephone Headset System for each agent (a stand-alone telephone is not used). We do not provide these headsets because there are a wide variety of choices and preferences. Recommended corded headset: Plantronics S11 (priced from $50 to $80). Recommended wireless headset: Plantronics CS50 or CS55 (priced from $175 to $250). Headsets may be purchased from vendors such as: www.headsetexperts.com or Office Depot. For best prices, go to: www.google.com/products.
3)Telephone Lines (either 1, 2, or 3 standard business or residential analog lines)
Type 2: Multiple Agent Predictive Dialing System
This type can dial on many phone lines from one computer and connect the calls to multiple agents as they are available. The predictive dialer software and the list of telephone numbers are located on the server computer and each agent uses a work station computer with agent station software. Three hours or one year (whichever comes first) of Technical Support by telephone and/or by email is included. Networking of computers is required with this Multi-Agent System.
Type 2 Requirements:
(Also see "Site Preparation" on the last page of this brochure.)
1)Server type computer with Windows XP Pro (Windows Server operating system is not needed). See more specific computer recommendations in this brochure.
2)Workstation type computer (desktop or laptop) for each agent (see recommendations in this brochure).
3)Telephone/Headset System for each agent. We do not provide these because there are a wide variety of choices and preferences. Recommended corded headset: Plantronics T10 (priced from $60 to $90). Recommended wireless headset: Plantronics CT11 or CT12 (priced from $50 to $100). Headsets may be purchased from vendors such as: www.headsetexperts.com or Office Depot. For best prices, go to: www.google.com/products. Note: Installation should be done locally (not included in our Technical Support). We highly recommend a dedicated twisted pair wire run to each agent station from the station breakout box at the server. Cat5 wiring is ideal as long as a dedicated twisted pair is used for each agent station. Station wiring is always analog wiring -- even when a digital T1 system is installed.
4)Telephone Lines may be standard analog or digital T1-PRI (either 4 ESS or 5 ESS or DMS 100). Note: T1-AMI lines are not supported. The telephone company feature "call transfer disconnect" or a PBX will be needed if call transfers will be used. Phone lines are NOT needed for any agents because the PIKA voice boards fulfill that need. Note: Telephone cables are NOT supplied with the Type 2 Predictive Dialers due the unknown lengths that each customer requires.
Networking (not included in our Technical Support)
Prior to installing the Predictive Dialer (PD), the Server and each Agent Workstation computer will need to be networked together with a private peer to peer network using a dedicated switch (not an internet switch or router). The number of agents you can network will depend on several factors including your data base type and size, how many users are on the network, and the speed of the network. It is highly recommended that someone on your staff be a proficient network technician or that you have a network technician available locally for the initial installation and to help whenever your network goes down. If needed; however, on-site installation and/or training is available for an additional charge. Also, the Server and Workstations’ network must be dedicated to the PD when in use. If not dedicated, there may be delays in transferring the data to the agents, resulting in hang-ups and lost calls. Surfing the internet or using other programs over the network will interfere with the speed, performance, and security of your PD. A second network card should be installed on workstations that need to use the internet while also using the PD. These network cards should connect to a separate switch and workgroup that is not connected to the PD dedicated network.
Computer (should be dedicated to the Predictive Dialer)
If you provide a computer-recommended specifications:
Server PC: At least 2 GHZ processor, 512 MB of RAM (or 1 Gig if 8 or more agents), 20 gigabytes of AVAILABLE hard drive space, CD ROM Drive, Super VGA Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, and Surge Protector and/or Battery Backup for the electrical and telephone lines. The computer’s case and motherboard should have PCI slot(s) and enough room for the PIKA voice board(s) described on the order form. Note: If you will be importing large lists of telephone numbers, you may need a faster processor, more megabytes of RAM, and more hard drive space. The Type 1 Single Agent works with either Windows XP Home or Pro, while Type 2 Multiple Agents needs Windows XP Pro (Windows Server is not required). Important: The PIKA voice boards used with Type 2 are full length (13 inch) so make sure the computer case is large enough to fit the boards.
Uninterruptible Power Supply: We strongly recommend that you use a Battery Backup-Surge Protector to protect your hardware and valuable data in case of power surges or power outages.
...and...
• If purchasing Type 1 Single Agent system, the Agent may also use the Server PC as an Agent Station or use a separate Agent Work Station as described below.
• If purchasing Type 2 Multiple Agents system, each Agent will need the Agent Work Station as described below.
Agent Work Stations (desktops or laptops): At least 1 GHZ processor, 512 MB of RAM, 10 megabytes of AVAILABLE hard drive space, Super VGA Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, and Surge Protector and/or Battery Backup for the electrical lines. Works with Windows 2000 or XP Home or Pro (Pro preferred). Note: Inexpensive work stations can be purchased from various manufacturers.
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