Mailing lists can be very powerful and cheap. Cookies and server databases help customize web views based on customer preferences, characteristics, selections, surveyed information, etc. These tools maintain information on each customer to determine what to present to them on the web. Push technology can broadcast selected information . Compelling uses for push technology have been limited to PointCast and this metaphor wears thin quickly.
Presentations can save travel costs but don t benefit the customer .
Several companies like Contigo Software offer technology to hold virtual presentations over the Net while you talk to the customer via a regular phone or not at all if audio is included. I dismiss these as cost savers not relationship enhancers. Browser control is coming and features a new level of interaction. New technology allowing representatives to take and give up control of a customer s browser enable new applications in the areas of customer support, troubleshooting, assembly, and basically any interaction that would normally need more than a phone call. An overview of web technologies that help build customer relationships.