News

'Virtual Sales Associates' combine digital signage, speech recognition

June 10, 2007

ATLANTA — Message Technologies Inc., provider of interactive voice response (IVR), speech technologies and call center solutions, announced that it has formed a partnership with Fastrak Retail LLC, provider of in-store, interactive media solutions for retailers. The companies announced they will develop "Virtual Sales Associates," digital signage capable of holding actual spoken conversations with customers.

Customers speak with the Virtual Sales Associates while inside a store or through an exterior window by calling a phone number provided by the signage and speaking into their cell phone using natural language conversations. The first prototype presented a fashion show of one designer's clothing line and allowed interaction with the Virtual Sales Associate to obtain additional product information.

The personality of the Virtual Sales Associate can be customized to the retailer's branding and armed with product specifications, promotions, videos and even suggestions for alternative and add-on products. The product is especially effective for after-hours "window-shopping" or to eliminate in-store information booths.