Computer Telephony Strategies

Computer Telephony Strategies Jeffrey R. Shapiro A Survival Guide for Technical Professionals Computer telephony services, such as voice mail and audiotext, have been around since the 1970s, but today this broad spectrum of computer and telecommunications technologies is poised to empower the enterprise with mixed media messaging services, interactive voice response, human-computer dialog, interactive fax technology, call processing, and much, much more. In this real-world guide for decision makers, expert computer telephony consultant Jeffrey R. Shapiro illuminates every aspect of this vital tool for competitive advantage—from assessing your organization's needs and making the transition to legal implications and cost justification. Most importantly, Shapiro maps out the kind of strategic planning that ensures success by anticipating the effects that a computer telephony project is likely to have on workers, corporate culture, and customer satisfaction. Read this Insider's Guide to Understand:

• The benefits of integrating computers and the enterprise network with the telephone system
• How to assess your organization's computer telephony potential — complete with practical checklist
• Microsoft's and Novell's telephony APIs, Internet telephony applications, and interactive telecommunications
• Computer telephony components, including PBXs, operator consoles and control panels, automated attendants, voice messaging systems, and fax systems
• How to compare vendor services and pick the right one—the first time
• The role of digital and analog technology