Live Chat Software

[gibby]

Im looking for a live chat facilty for our website.

I would value any reccomendations from those already using such services and feedback on things to look out for.

Is it possible to buy software for your site to do it automatically, or do we have to use an outside firm?

Thanks

G

 

[ferrarasam2]

you can try crafty syntax live help
its free and open source
just search google for crafty syntax
because i am not allowed to post links here

 

[webgeek]

Compare whatever else you look at with Olark. It's a snap to install, integrates with tons of other apps and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

We've used it on several projects, and barring nuclear holocaust, will continue using Olark exclusively.

 

[sudarshancw]

Try ClickDesk - you get live chat, voice chat and help desk for the same price of a standalone live chat application.

 

[webhostuk]

You can also check Livezilla or Zopim.. both are pretty good.We personally use livezilla.

 

[amphis software]

we recommend Zopim. you just need to add some javascript to your pages and you're up and running. no software to install. it's also free if you only have a single agent answering queries.

Tom

 

[4little1s]

We have been using Comm100 for quite a while now. No complaints and it works well. Their website is here: http://www.comm100.com/

 

[Horton_Sakaria]

snapengage is very good.. as it works with Skype. When your online the feature is enabled on your website. Also very reasonalble in price.

 

[brendan70]

Skype , its free easy to use and very handy.

Ive used it for long time

 

[WebMeUp]

We're using http://www.kayako.com/

With all respect, I don't think Skype is a professional enough solution. But it depends, of course.

 

[bwglaw]

We have Zopim on our website and so far we have found it to be easy to use and very good.

 

[onlito]

I would also recommend to look for a hosted live chat tool. It only takes minutes to install and you don't need to deal with software updates and other maintenance. The tools I'd take a look at are:

Zopim
Great analytics, web client and a lot of advanced features like automatic triggers

Olark
Easy to use, no web client but very good IM integration and great design options

SnapEngage
Also very easy to use, web client but no real analytics feature.

In the end it depends on your requirements and what you are willing to spend. I'd recommend you try out the free plans and see if live chat works generally for you.

Any further questions, please let me know!

 

[EdgarEagan]

You could just use open source codes if you know how to integrate them... Most are written in Javascript and PHP

 

[freezeboy]

If you have wordpress blog then there are few free live chat plugins available. Just click on add new plugin and type "live chat", you will get many plugins for free. I have used bucklechat plugin for my wordpress blog. That is very good plugin. You might check.

 

[lynxus]

Webhostingtalk have a list of most providers here on their wiki.
http://www.webhostingtalk.com/wiki/Category:List_of_support_and_live_help_software_for_web_hosts

 

[SetupaCompany]

On a previous site we used livezilla.net

Reasonably priced and easy to install, its a fairly simple solution but it worked well for us.

 

[cart-com]

we use livezilla it was free but not now. I simply uploaded it to my website, created a database and entered the details... Works great and you can see whos on your website at the same time. I can help you install it if required.

 

[cruisetom120]

well i suggest you Live2Support. This is the best option for you.

 

[tecsys]

Livezilla and phplive is also good.

 

[GotLiveChat]

Really just depends on who you want running the server portion of the live chat software.
Some live chat developers will sell you the entire package, but it'll require you run it on your servers (check with your web hosting provider as they are often not allowed on shared levels).
Other live chat service providers will run the server for you, requiring that you add only the minimal chat coding to your web sites.

 

[lynxus]

Really just depends on who you want running the server portion of the live chat software.
Some live chat developers will sell you the entire package, but it'll require you run it on your servers (check with your web hosting provider as they are often not allowed on shared levels).
Other live chat service providers will run the server for you, requiring that you add only the minimal chat coding to your web sites.

Not sure if it helps, but SaaS is the one where you do minimal works.

2 things:

1) If you get software that you install yourself then YOU look after it. Updates, Etc..
2) SaaS you dont!... You simply add some code into your side and POW done.


1) Can cost less up front but a LOT more in the long run.
2) VERY cheap up front, but is a "monthly" payment. Ie: pay for what you use.

-GH

 

[bizrep103]

Olark.com is quite good. Costs about 180 dollars for the year. We use it on www.madeinthemidlands.com if you want to see it in action

 

[gibby]

Weve started to use Zopim. It was easy to install and set up but it has the strangest bug.

It suddendly changes the status from away to online, when we are away.
IM not sure why it does this as all our pcs are offilne at the time.

Its just done it again tonight and then sends lots of messages to my mobile.
Sadly its very poor using my android mobile as its difficult to mange the messages or reply.

G

 

[lynxus]

Weve started to use Zopim. It was easy to install and set up but it has the strangest bug.

It suddendly changes the status from away to online, when we are away.
IM not sure why it does this as all our pcs are offilne at the time.

Its just done it again tonight and then sends lots of messages to my mobile.
Sadly its very poor using my android mobile as its difficult to mange the messages or reply.

G

Not sure how it actually works, But is it possible you have some kind of software that is "waking" the software up?

 

[Growmyfans]

Im looking for a live chat facilty for our website.

I would value any reccomendations from those already using such services and feedback on things to look out for.

Is it possible to buy software for your site to do it automatically, or do we have to use an outside firm?

Thanks

G

Zopim is fantastic...very easy to setup and is FREE.