There are several important considerations that must be factored in when purchasing an IVR system. Chief among them is integration flexibility. IVR systems are usually integrated with backend databases, telephony lines, and PBX systems. Plum solutions integrate with practically any database, support all standard telephony protocols, integrate with most PBX systems, and support data exchange standards such as XML. Plum architects its VoiceXML IVR products with maximum flexibility and modularity. Callers expect automated phone systems to work without fail. Many competitive IVR systems are not built to achieve this ideal. Plum enterprise class systems are built for 24×7x365 performance and a zero call failure rate. Managing an IVR system can entail adding capacity, adding applications, modifying applications, and reviewing logs and reports. These activities are straightforward with a Plum system because a browser-based control interface allows for convenient administration from any workstation. The total cost of ownership includes both external and internal costs. Plum attempts to minimize both of these costs by offering superior products and expert services at reasonable prices. As with any enterprise solution, services and support are important factors for long-term satisfaction. The Plum team provides a full range of high quality services, including application assistance, system support, software upgrades, 24×7 monitoring, and real-time backup support for critical applications.
