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: Go to http://www.headsets.com. For corded headsets, click Corded Office Headsets, then click Headset Systems. Any of those models (Executive Pro Overture or Symphony, etc.) will work. For wireless headsets, click Wireless Office Headsets, then click Work with your existing phone. We recommend the Plantronics CS50.
  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: Go to http://www.headsets.com. For corded headsets, click Corded Office Headsets, then click “Telephones”. Any of those models (such as Executive Pro Chattaway or Plantronics T10) will work. For wireless headsets, click Wireless Office Headsets, then click Replace your existing phone. We recommend Plantronics CT11 or CT12. 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 for outbound dialing may be standard analog or digital T1-PRI (not T1-AMI) lines. 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.

 
 
Note: If you supply your own computer, make sure the computer’s case has enough room for these PCI slot voice boards. Type 1 PIKA boards are 7” long while Type 2 PIKA boards are full length (13”). Type 2 may require more than 1 PIKA boards, depending on how many agents and telephone lines you are using.
 

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”) 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.

 
Site Preparation
When purchasing a Predictive Dialer, there will be a number of issues to address prior to installation:
  1. Computers-Do you have the necessary server and agent computers and monitors? (See the brochure for Computer details.)
  2. Networking-If using Type 2 for multiple agents, do you have someone local to install your private Peer to Peer Network using a dedicated switch, or will you need someone to travel to your site for the installation? (See the brochure for Networking details.)
  3. Telephone Service-Do you know what kind of telephone service to order and by what date will the lines be installed by your telephone company? Do you have someone available locally who will wire the telephone lines to the server computer?
  4. Telephone/Headsets-Do you have the proper type of equipment for each agent? Do you have someone available locally to install and wire each telephone/headset from the server computer to each agent’s workstation? (See the brochure for Telephone/Headsets details.)
  5. Dialing Lists-Do you have telephone lists to dial?
  6. Do Not Call Lists-Are you registered on Federal and/or State web sites if required by law?
  7. Qualified Personnel: Do you have agents? Do you have an agent supervisor? Do you have a technical person readily available locally if your telephones or computer system goes down?

If you need help or do not know the answers to all of the above questions,
please contact us prior to purchase and/or prior to installation.
 

Liability & Responsibility

This product has the capability of being operated in a variety of ways. The Buyer/User assumes all liability and responsibility for only operating this product legally, according to federal, state, and/or local laws. Laws are complex and may change from time to time, and laws vary from country to country and from state to state. A violation of any such laws could result in significant penalties and other sanctions. The Seller and the Manufacturer and its Technicians and Representatives are instructed not to offer any legal advice or interpretation of laws regarding the use of this product; however, if any advice or interpretation of laws is given, it should not be relied upon. Prior to buying or using this product, the Buyer/User should consult with an attorney to determine the extent of permissible activities. This is especially important if the Buyer/User intends to use this product for solicitation purposes (direct marketing, telemarketing, etc.). In addition, the Buyer/User should be aware that he or she may be responsible for maintaining “Do Not Call” lists. There are also laws regarding “DROPPED CALLS” or “ABANDONED CALLS”. These are calls that are not connected to a live agent. Among other things, those laws may require: 1) not hanging up before a specific number of rings, 2) playing an informational message if the call is answered but an agent is not available, and 3) not abandoning more than 3% of calls. It is your responsibility to determine specifically what is legally required for your operation and to therefore use this product in a manner that will comply with any such laws. After purchasing this product, a refund is not available if any laws are later changed affecting the use of this product.

The Seller and Manufacturer strive to provide the highest quality software and hardware; however, there are a number of factors that can cause system malfunctions including, but not limited to, operator error, software corruption, software bugs, telephone line problems, electrical surges, hardware defects, and computer failures. The Manufacturer has provided the Buyer/User with tools to assist in cleaning the Buyer/User’s dialing lists of “Do Not Call” telephone numbers; however, the Manufacturer cannot guarantee 100% integrity or reliability of these tools. The Seller and Manufacturer and its Technicians cannot be responsible if the Buyer/User adds other software or hardware that corrupt the system or for any other malfunctions.

The Buyer/User is responsible for making frequent backups of his or her system to protect against any loss of valuable data. The Seller and Manufacturer and its Technicians cannot be responsible for loss of data for any reason whatsoever. The Seller or Manufacturer will not be liable for any lost revenue, lost profits, penalties, fines, legal judgments, or other expenses due to loss of data, hardware or software problems, or for any other reason.

By using this product, the Buyer/User accepts 100% of the responsibility and liability regarding its use and will hold the Seller and the Manufacturer and its Technicians and Representatives completely harmless from any fines, penalties, litigation, expenses, or claims for any reason.