Chatbots.org Business News

Spike is more than a mascot, he’s an expert. Mobile enhancement puts Gonzaga University’s Bulldog on the cutting edge of customer self-service. Gonzaga University and software company Next IT announced the launch of a Virtual Agent capable of responding to questions over the mobile phone via SMS Text, allowing students to get the answers they need anytime, anywhere.

Gonzaga University’s mascot, Spike, is an online Virtual Agent that answers questions about campus life. And now, thanks to an enhancement in his core technology, he will respond to questions about the university via text message as well.

On the Web or via mobile phone, “Ask Spike” allows users to type-in any questions they have about Gonzaga, just as though they were having a chat with an actual person. Text your questions from your mobile phone to 699247 (MYZAGS) to try it. Spike quickly returns the answer they’re looking for, along with additional links to information that may be of use. He’s knowledgeable about a wide variety of topics, easily answering questions about everything from where to find a bite to eat, how to get in-touch with a community service organization, what time different facilities such as the library open, and more.

VirtuOz announced that the company processed a record 144 million conversations in 2010 on behalf of its customers, indicating increased adoption of virtual agent solutions by both companies and their users. In addition, the company announced 150 percent growth in the number of global companies headquartered in the US using its virtual agent solutions, complementing its historically strong performance in the EU.