By: Robert Snoog
Help desks are now a fundamental and core part of good business service and operation. However, addressing the tricky issues, selecting the right tools, and managing the help desk correctly can actually be a very daunting task.
Typical help desk software functions include Helpdesk software systems range in complexity from basic ticket logging to fully integrated CRM systems, recording and tracking of support requests, reporting and service management and more, These are usually an automated benefit of the helpdesk application.
Sky Blue Support Help Desk Software (SBS) is is a flexable and strong CRM solution that puts you in control of your customer support needs. SBS uses the very latest technologies, to provide you with an efficient and easy to use Customer Relations Management Tool.
TSC2 Help Desk 4.1 provides a suite of integrated tools for managing a technical support department. It includes work order management, equipment inventory, scheduling, reporting, network auditing and a web interface. The software tracks all work order management system tracks all work requests and support issues, from computer errors and user-requested enhancements, to hardware and network upgrades.
LanHelpdesk 06.08.04, This stand-alone helpdesk solution is based on end-users submitting wizard-based Trouble Tickets directly from their computers. Users select from any of a large number of common computer problems, each of which requires the user to answer a series of relevant questions about the selected problem type. As the Trouble Ticket is sent, the local computer is automatically inspected, and dozens of relevant pieces of information about the user and the computer are attached to the Ticket.
LBE Desktop Helpdesk 4.0.152 is uses industry-standard databases like Access, Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle. Many reports are supplied. If you need more, you can build your own using any of the available reporting tools. You can group records and change fonts and colors.
DBS Help Desk 1.5a, This comprehensive tool lets IT support staff manage requests, computers, peripherals and program inventory. It is Web-enabled, so it lets users submit support request using Web browser.
QUAD Help Desk 2.5, Multi-user ready at no additional cost, this software provides basic functionality that does not require consultants to help you install and learn the program. Your CSRs will be able to record, search, update and report on calls about your products or services within minutes of installation. In addition, if you install the HTTP server on a PC with a static IP address, you won't have to install the Windows software on the computer. The Windows software includes wizards for querying and reporting on calls recorded in the database.
These Software provide a scalable, customizable, easy-to-use solution for your business. Help Desk software for Small Business provides a computer helpdesk or/and web enabled help desk solution, helping you to improve customer service and automate your customer service.
Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
Friday, January 26, 2007
How Important are Autoresponders to Internet Marketing?
By: Matthew Meyer
Internet Marketing and autoresponders essentially
go hand-in-hand. In today’s online business world,
you simply cannot succeed at Internet marketing
without the use of autoresponders. Autoresponders
are used to achieve many of the marketing tasks
that are essential to a successful online business.
Internet marketing can be very time consuming.
Whether you do affiliate marketing or market your
own products, an autoresponder is a big part of your
marketing arsenal. Autoresponders are used to keep
in contact with your past customers, and to develop
a relationship with potential customers.
An autoresponder can be used to deliver sales
messages to your opt-in customer list. It can be
used to deliver email courses, to send reminders,
and even to help you build an opt-in list if you don’t
already have one. There are many creative ways you
can use your autoresponder to make more sales and
to build customer relations.
Any successful marketer will tell you that there are
two tools that are vital to any type of online
marketing – an opt-in list and an autoresponder. In
fact, most marketers will agree that you could take
away all of their other marketing tools, but they
would fight to the death to keep the list and the
autoresponder!
Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
John Ugoshowa. For more information about auto responders see the auto responder section of The Free Ad Forum at: www.thefreeadforum.com/infowizards/SUB/Auto-Responders_104_1.html
Internet Marketing and autoresponders essentially
go hand-in-hand. In today’s online business world,
you simply cannot succeed at Internet marketing
without the use of autoresponders. Autoresponders
are used to achieve many of the marketing tasks
that are essential to a successful online business.
Internet marketing can be very time consuming.
Whether you do affiliate marketing or market your
own products, an autoresponder is a big part of your
marketing arsenal. Autoresponders are used to keep
in contact with your past customers, and to develop
a relationship with potential customers.
An autoresponder can be used to deliver sales
messages to your opt-in customer list. It can be
used to deliver email courses, to send reminders,
and even to help you build an opt-in list if you don’t
already have one. There are many creative ways you
can use your autoresponder to make more sales and
to build customer relations.
Any successful marketer will tell you that there are
two tools that are vital to any type of online
marketing – an opt-in list and an autoresponder. In
fact, most marketers will agree that you could take
away all of their other marketing tools, but they
would fight to the death to keep the list and the
autoresponder!
Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
John Ugoshowa. For more information about auto responders see the auto responder section of The Free Ad Forum at: www.thefreeadforum.com/infowizards/SUB/Auto-Responders_104_1.html
The Credit Card Debt Sector Both Sides Now
By: Adam J. Heist
Credit cards are used by hundreds of millions of people and are very convenient, with some added perks like cash back for certain purchases. Unfortunately, they can often be abused and then the consumer is left with a large debt that they have difficulty servicing.
Another way of looking at these issues is the huge amount of credit card debt, and the way that banks manage this. One weapon that banks have been using with increasing frequency, is the “universal default” clause of credit card agreements. A bank can check the consumer’s credit rating, his FICO score, and if it thinks that it is too high or has gone up, the bank can raise the interest rate on the consumer’s credit card debt. Some states have no limit on the interest rates that can be charged, there are no usury laws. That is why a large number of credit card operations are run from South Dakota, which has no usury laws. Your credit card rates can rise dramatically, of course if you are late in your payments. Studies show that about 35 million Americans pay the minimum payment on their credit cards month after month that can be as low as 2 percent of the balance. If a consumer does this, they end up paying a yearly interest rate of over 13 percent, which means paying more for your purchases. Many of these people eventually end up in debt counseling or bankruptcy. In fact, the high rate of defaults on unsecured debt was the main reason for the banking industry’s pressing for the passing of the 2005 Bankruptcy law, which makes it more difficult to write off unsecured credit card debt. After all, the credit card debt market is a fairly large sector, of about $2.2 trillion and growing every year.
Meanwhile, since late in 2005, the Bank of America has become the dominant player in the credit card field. They bought up the $35 billion MNBA Corporation, which is Delaware’s largest employer. The combined corporation has almost 120 million credit card accounts and a dominant position in the credit card market. The result is that three players; Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Citibank, control 55 percent of the total credit card market. This is a parallel development to the fact that these three banks control something like 90 percent of the derivatives contracts. Derivatives are speculative instruments derived from the value of either commodities like grain or oil, or financial indexes like interest rates, or more complex instruments like caps and swaps.
Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
Adam Heist is an expert in the field of loans and runs a highly popular and comprehensive personal loan web site. For more articles and resources on loans related topics and much more visit his site today.
Credit cards are used by hundreds of millions of people and are very convenient, with some added perks like cash back for certain purchases. Unfortunately, they can often be abused and then the consumer is left with a large debt that they have difficulty servicing.
Another way of looking at these issues is the huge amount of credit card debt, and the way that banks manage this. One weapon that banks have been using with increasing frequency, is the “universal default” clause of credit card agreements. A bank can check the consumer’s credit rating, his FICO score, and if it thinks that it is too high or has gone up, the bank can raise the interest rate on the consumer’s credit card debt. Some states have no limit on the interest rates that can be charged, there are no usury laws. That is why a large number of credit card operations are run from South Dakota, which has no usury laws. Your credit card rates can rise dramatically, of course if you are late in your payments. Studies show that about 35 million Americans pay the minimum payment on their credit cards month after month that can be as low as 2 percent of the balance. If a consumer does this, they end up paying a yearly interest rate of over 13 percent, which means paying more for your purchases. Many of these people eventually end up in debt counseling or bankruptcy. In fact, the high rate of defaults on unsecured debt was the main reason for the banking industry’s pressing for the passing of the 2005 Bankruptcy law, which makes it more difficult to write off unsecured credit card debt. After all, the credit card debt market is a fairly large sector, of about $2.2 trillion and growing every year.
Meanwhile, since late in 2005, the Bank of America has become the dominant player in the credit card field. They bought up the $35 billion MNBA Corporation, which is Delaware’s largest employer. The combined corporation has almost 120 million credit card accounts and a dominant position in the credit card market. The result is that three players; Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Citibank, control 55 percent of the total credit card market. This is a parallel development to the fact that these three banks control something like 90 percent of the derivatives contracts. Derivatives are speculative instruments derived from the value of either commodities like grain or oil, or financial indexes like interest rates, or more complex instruments like caps and swaps.
Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
Adam Heist is an expert in the field of loans and runs a highly popular and comprehensive personal loan web site. For more articles and resources on loans related topics and much more visit his site today.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Credit Card Fee Increases
Credit Card Fee Increases
In 2006 credit card statements are notices informing us that as of Oct. 1st we may be charged "more than two" late fees or over the limit fees" per month. What's going on?
Gwen
It's estimated that Americans charged $1.8 trillion in 2005 on the 690 million credit cards outstanding. According to a Government Accountability Office study released in September, 2006, 13% of credit card users were assessed over-limit fees and 35% were assessed late fees in 2005. So Gwen has a lot of company.
Let's try to do three things. First, understand what these fees are. Next, see how fees are changing. And, finally, what Gwen can do to keep from being hurt.
Credit cards have always had fees. Some, like for a late payment, are understandable. Others came along as credit cards took on new capabilities. Think cash advance and balance transfer fees. Still others, like over-limit fees, seem like they shouldn't be possible. You would think that they wouldn't allow you to borrow more than your limit.
There are also 'penalty interest rates'. If you're late with a payment or go over your credit limit you could see your rate bumped to 30% or more.
The 2006 GAO study looked at fees and penalties. It said that not only were fees increasing, but the credit card companies were doing a lousy job of informing consumers about those fees.
The credit card companies are obligated to tell you about any fees or penalties and how they're triggered. Some fees, like paying your credit card bill by phone, are sometimes not clearly disclosed. What Gwen received with her statement was a notice of a change in how fees would be charged. And, as long as she's notified they can get by with almost anything.
Late fees have nearly tripled in the last 11 years. And many cards have adopted a 'universal default clause' that says a late payment on any card will trigger the penalty interest rate.
Credit card companies say that the higher interest rates and fees are appropriate based on risk factors. If it weren't for the higher fees, they claim that they wouldn't be able to offer credit to riskier consumers.
In fairness, the GAO's survey found that (at least among 6 of the largest card issuers) 80% of accounts paid interest rates of less than 20%. So the vast majority of card users are not paying penalty rates.
But the study also found that the disclosures were written well above the eighth grade reading level and (surprise!) featured small print. They recommended that the Federal Reserve Board revise rules on credit card disclosures.
Now that we understand what's going on we can try to help Gwen avoid problems. The first thing is to recognize that the card issuers get to make most of the rules. And, whether those rules are fair or not isn't relevant. The best she can do is to avoid getting hurt by those rules.
Get familiar with each account. The only way to know exactly what's allowed is to read and understand the "Card Member Agreement." Tough duty. But necessary.
Watch out for unexpected fees. Like for balance transfers or increasing your credit limit. Know what could trigger fees or penalty rates.
Know exactly when your payment is due. Keep a list of due dates for your credit card accounts. If you don't get the bill, it's your responsibility to contact the company and still make a timely payment.
If possible, the best thing to do is to join nearly half of the cardholders who paid little or no interest. That's because they do not carry a balance.
Obviously, for many people that's not immediately possible. Then it's important to send in your payment as soon as possible. Being seven days early is better than being one day late.
If you find it difficult to get your payment in on time, you might want to authorize the credit card company to automatically debit your checking account for the minimum payment each month. You'll probably pay for the service, but that way the payment can't be late.
Talk to your card issuer. If your due date falls at a bad time of the month, they'll move it.
If Gwen is near or over the limit on any card, she should try to shift part of the debt to a different card. Some fees are even being assessed when an account is merely getting too close to the limit. Your best bet is to keep balances to less than half the available credit.
Although the higher late fees are infuriating, they do minimal damage. The real problem is in the universal default clause. Most credit card accounts now have a universal default clause.
Suppose your rate went from 15% to 30% on every open credit account. For every $1,000 you owe, an extra $150 interest would be charged each year. So if you're the type of person carrying a $10,000 balance, that one late payment could cost you $1,500 per year. For as long as you have the balance!
Gwen is right to pay close attention to her credit card accounts. With newer fees and penalty rates in place, it becomes more important to manage your credit. In fact, it's critical to your financial wellbeing.
_______________
Gary Foreman is a former financial planner who currently edits The Dollar Stretcher website . If you'd like to stretch your day or your dollar visit today! You'll find hundreds of articles to help you "live better...for less".
In 2006 credit card statements are notices informing us that as of Oct. 1st we may be charged "more than two" late fees or over the limit fees" per month. What's going on?
Gwen
It's estimated that Americans charged $1.8 trillion in 2005 on the 690 million credit cards outstanding. According to a Government Accountability Office study released in September, 2006, 13% of credit card users were assessed over-limit fees and 35% were assessed late fees in 2005. So Gwen has a lot of company.
Let's try to do three things. First, understand what these fees are. Next, see how fees are changing. And, finally, what Gwen can do to keep from being hurt.
Credit cards have always had fees. Some, like for a late payment, are understandable. Others came along as credit cards took on new capabilities. Think cash advance and balance transfer fees. Still others, like over-limit fees, seem like they shouldn't be possible. You would think that they wouldn't allow you to borrow more than your limit.
There are also 'penalty interest rates'. If you're late with a payment or go over your credit limit you could see your rate bumped to 30% or more.
The 2006 GAO study looked at fees and penalties. It said that not only were fees increasing, but the credit card companies were doing a lousy job of informing consumers about those fees.
The credit card companies are obligated to tell you about any fees or penalties and how they're triggered. Some fees, like paying your credit card bill by phone, are sometimes not clearly disclosed. What Gwen received with her statement was a notice of a change in how fees would be charged. And, as long as she's notified they can get by with almost anything.
Late fees have nearly tripled in the last 11 years. And many cards have adopted a 'universal default clause' that says a late payment on any card will trigger the penalty interest rate.
Credit card companies say that the higher interest rates and fees are appropriate based on risk factors. If it weren't for the higher fees, they claim that they wouldn't be able to offer credit to riskier consumers.
In fairness, the GAO's survey found that (at least among 6 of the largest card issuers) 80% of accounts paid interest rates of less than 20%. So the vast majority of card users are not paying penalty rates.
But the study also found that the disclosures were written well above the eighth grade reading level and (surprise!) featured small print. They recommended that the Federal Reserve Board revise rules on credit card disclosures.
Now that we understand what's going on we can try to help Gwen avoid problems. The first thing is to recognize that the card issuers get to make most of the rules. And, whether those rules are fair or not isn't relevant. The best she can do is to avoid getting hurt by those rules.
Get familiar with each account. The only way to know exactly what's allowed is to read and understand the "Card Member Agreement." Tough duty. But necessary.
Watch out for unexpected fees. Like for balance transfers or increasing your credit limit. Know what could trigger fees or penalty rates.
Know exactly when your payment is due. Keep a list of due dates for your credit card accounts. If you don't get the bill, it's your responsibility to contact the company and still make a timely payment.
If possible, the best thing to do is to join nearly half of the cardholders who paid little or no interest. That's because they do not carry a balance.
Obviously, for many people that's not immediately possible. Then it's important to send in your payment as soon as possible. Being seven days early is better than being one day late.
If you find it difficult to get your payment in on time, you might want to authorize the credit card company to automatically debit your checking account for the minimum payment each month. You'll probably pay for the service, but that way the payment can't be late.
Talk to your card issuer. If your due date falls at a bad time of the month, they'll move it.
If Gwen is near or over the limit on any card, she should try to shift part of the debt to a different card. Some fees are even being assessed when an account is merely getting too close to the limit. Your best bet is to keep balances to less than half the available credit.
Although the higher late fees are infuriating, they do minimal damage. The real problem is in the universal default clause. Most credit card accounts now have a universal default clause.
Suppose your rate went from 15% to 30% on every open credit account. For every $1,000 you owe, an extra $150 interest would be charged each year. So if you're the type of person carrying a $10,000 balance, that one late payment could cost you $1,500 per year. For as long as you have the balance!
Gwen is right to pay close attention to her credit card accounts. With newer fees and penalty rates in place, it becomes more important to manage your credit. In fact, it's critical to your financial wellbeing.
_______________
Gary Foreman is a former financial planner who currently edits The Dollar Stretcher website . If you'd like to stretch your day or your dollar visit today! You'll find hundreds of articles to help you "live better...for less".
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