Viral marketing for voice-accessible information service

US6327572A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Talk Technologies, Inc. · US

Inventors

• David L. Morton · Sandy, US
• Bradley W. Barham · Sandy, US
• Brian Charlesworth · North Salt Lake, US
• Jeffrey Hays · Sandy, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 16, 1999
• Grant date: Dec 4, 2001
• Expiry date: Dec 16, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S379/90
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Methods for introducing information services to potential customers. The information services can provide Internet access, value-added telephone services, and the like. As a non-customer or, in other words, a potential customer, issues a communication request to a customer of the information service, the potential customer is allowed to access certain features of the information service. The communication request can be a telephone call directed to a customer. For example, as the potential customer holds while waiting to speak with a customer, the potential customer can browse the Internet using a telephone interface. The potential customer is also informed how he or she can become a subscriber or the information service. As the potential customer interacts with the information service, the potential customer's interaction is tracked and stored in order to customize the information service to the particular potential customer during a subsequent interaction. Potential customers can also access the information service in other situations, including when a current customer sends e-mail to a potential customer, places a telephone call to the potential customer, or submits to the infor…