With so many options and features to weigh, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to choose the right call center software. You’ve got to schedule demos, examine features, compare solutions, and evaluate what’s best for your needs.
Wouldn’t it be great to get a call center expert to do all the legwork for you?
Look no further! We’ve thoroughly researched and ranked the best call center software available today. Our goal is to simplify your search and help you pinpoint the solution that aligns perfectly with your business requirements.
In this guide, we break down the top contenders, highlighting their standout features, benefits, and unique advantages. You’ll discover why these software solutions are ideal for growing call centers so you can make your decision with confidence.
What Is Call Center Software?
Call center software is a technology solution for handling a high volume of incoming or outgoing phone calls between multiple employees, known as agents. This software makes it super efficient in handling inbound and outbound communications. Besides voice-based calls, today’s call centers support additional contact methods, including website chat, email, SMS, and social media interactions.
However, it’s helpful to understand the difference between call center software and contact center software:
- Call center software focuses on voice communication only, making it ideal for businesses primarily relying on phone calls.
- Contact center software, on the other hand, provides omnichannel communication that includes a mix of channels like voice calling, video conferencing, website chat, SMS, email, and social media. This allows businesses to offer a more integrated and seamless customer service experience across multiple platforms.
The types of call centers can be categorized in a few different ways depending on the specific functionality you need. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
Call center deployments
- Cloud-based: These are the most popular option today because they’re scalable, easy to use, and require minimal upfront investment. A service provider hosts the entire application, so you don’t need to purchase or maintain your hardware.
- On-premises: On-prem software means it’s installed on your servers, which gives you more control over your data. However, setting up and maintaining can be more expensive and complex in the long run.
- Hybrid: Another option is to use a hybrid call center, which operates as another extension of our on-prem call center. It tends to be more complex than on-prem but is a preferred choice for companies migrating to the cloud.
Call flows
- Inbound call center software: Inbound call centers handle incoming customer calls, such as for customer service or technical support.
- Outbound call center software: Outbound call centers make outgoing calls, such as for sales or telemarketing.
- Blended call center software: This software can handle both inbound and outbound calls, which is great for account management and customer success.
In a nutshell, call center software is a must for businesses that want to scale their customer support and ramp up sales teams. It also allows call center leaders to gain specific insights into their performance and improve it.
Top 10 Call Center Software Providers
Provider | Pros | Cons | Standout Feature |
---|---|---|---|
Nextiva | Comprehensive features for businesses of all sizes. | No free trial. | All-in-one communication platform that seamlessly integrates voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools. |
Five9 | Longstanding AI legacy. | A separate provider is required for voice. | Advanced AI and machine learning that delivers intelligent routing, real-time analytics, and automated workflows. |
Ringover | Unlimited international calls. | Limited omnichannel functionality. | Seamless integration with popular CRM systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho. |
CloudTalk | Specialist in CRM integration. | Inflexible pricing. | Workforce management capabilities that are built directly into the platform, rather than being provided through a third-party solution. |
Talkdesk | Advanced call routing and workflows. | Expensive add-ons. | Artificial intelligence and no-code development that helps organizations rapidly scale their contact center. |
Freshcaller | Focus on remote-ready organizations. | Focus on sales, which may be off-putting for customer service functions. | Gamification feature that helps motivate agents and improve productivity. |
CallHippo | Automatic call logging and recording. | The most expensive pricing plan required for basic features. | Supports WhatsApp and shared inboxes for businesses, which can be useful for agents who work independently within specific areas of the business. |
Bitrix24 | Ideal all-in-one solution for very small teams. | Complex implementation for large businesses. | SIP connector for third-party calling that allows for more flexibility, cost savings, and the ability to integrate communication tools seamlessly. |
Twilio Flex | AI capabilities for sales and service. | A demo that isn’t self-service. | Programmable cloud call center platform that lets you create your digital environment based on your exact needs and communication channels. |
Dialpad | Dynamic call scripts. | Extra costs for basic features. | AI is native across all products, so you get instant insights like call sentiment analysis, real-time text transcription, and built-in AI for call scripts. |
1. Nextiva
Nextiva is the top pick for call center software thanks to its impressive track record in providing business communications for over 100,000 companies and north of a billion interactions every year. Its users have rated them the highest in customer reviews year after year.
Nextiva provides a robust call center platform flexible enough for just about any size company. Founded in 2006, the company is the leader in business phone systems and call center solutions, either provided in-house or via technology partners. You can choose from inbound, outbound, or blended contact center software alongside your core internal communications app.
Key features
Expect a wide range of features for inbound call centers, including call routing, advanced IVR, and analytics for measuring agent performance, caller behavior, and customer preferences. Omnichannel functionality opens up more email, web chat, SMS, and social media interactions.
For outbound call centers, expect computer telephony integration (CTI), a power dialer or predictive dialer, and extensive advanced reporting.
Out-of-the-box customer relationship management (CRM) system integrations include:
- Salesforce
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Teams
- HubSpot
- Zendesk
- Zoho
Why Nextiva is great for high-growth call centers
When you’re ramping up, everyone needs to stay connected. Nextiva shines when you create a two-way information exchange between internal users and frontline support agents.
Handling the integration behind the scenes, Nextiva enables seamless calling, messaging, and document retrieval via the NextivaONE app.
Agents have a single pane of glass to work from, benefiting from better productivity and higher customer satisfaction. Customers benefit from shorter wait times, a more personalized customer journey, and a higher first-call resolution rate (FCR).
For support teams handling high call volumes and those in high-pressure environments, new features, thanks to Nextiva’s acquisition of Thrio in 2024, include AI functionality, like:
- AI assistant for agents
- Dynamic scripting
- Native process automation
- Proactive customer notifications
- One intelligent display for all your agents’ needs
- High availability (zero downtime) even through updates
If you’re ready to supercharge your call center productivity, adding these AI capabilities can be drip-fed so you see a genuine, tangible difference.
Pros
Quick and simple setup
Affordable cost for businesses of all sizes
Advanced AI features from its Thrio acquisition
Cons
No free trial
No support for on-premises deployments
Lack of out-of-the-box integration for some niche lines of business apps
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2. Five9
If you’re looking for an advanced AI-powered contact center solution, Five9 hits the nail on the head.
Five9 has been a long-time call center provider since 2001. Their platform includes features like automated call routing and real-time analytics but caters to larger companies. The goal is to help organizations manage customer interactions more effectively.
One highlight of Five9 is its flexibility. Since it’s cloud-based, companies can scale the system up or down as their needs change. The platform also integrates with popular business applications. This can give contact center agents a broader view of customer data.
If you’re a large business with scalability concerns or want to let your agents handle more value-added tasks and automate daily requests, Five9 makes AI do the legwork so your agents remain productive.
Key features
You get what we’ve come to expect as standard call center features, like call queuing, IVR, and custom routing. However, some users have pointed out some reliability concerns and an outdated user interface.
However, Five9 excels in using AI to generate reports and provide sentiment analysis on your customer transactions. If you’re a data-driven organization with tons of customers and a decently sized service team, Five9 can be a great way to get control of your contact center, with features that include:
- Agent assist
- Call recording and transcription
- Workflow automation
- Digital engagement
- Conversational IVR
- Quality assurance
- Workforce management
Why it’s good for high-growth call centers
Five9 is easy to scale up agents and features as your business grows. Once its call center software is configured, more users and extra functionality can be added via a self-service portal.
If you have minor phone system requirements and plan to use the basic call platform for your collaboration needs, you can focus on agent efficiency without complex PBX or VoIP configurations.
Where Five9 comes into its own for high-growth call centers is the suite of analytics available to help identify areas for improvement and optimize performance. If your business relies on the outcomes of its calls, instant access to a range of actionable insights can prove invaluable.
Pros
Longstanding AI legacy
Focus on automation
Enterprise scalability
Cons
High price point for small businesses
An overwhelming solution for some new users
A separate provider is required for voice
3. Ringover
Ringover was founded in 2005 with the goal of replacing time-consuming manual tasks with intuitive features that allow call centers to optimize their conversations. Ideal for businesses of all sizes, this software seamlessly integrates VoIP phone systems, video conferencing, SMS, and collaborative tools into one unified platform.
Ringover offers a cloud-based contact center platform with features like call recording, IVR, and CRM integration. It aims to help businesses manage customer interactions through multiple channels.
Key features
Ringover is cloud-based software mainly used by small- and medium-sized businesses.
It offers unlimited international calls to various destinations and has robust basic voice call capabilities. The platform also includes advanced routing features to enhance call efficiency.
Focusing on sales and recruitment, Ringover integrates with specialist CRMs like Bullhorn, TextUs, Sense Messaging, and Loxo.
Ringover boasts that you can get going in minutes for teams that wish to get set up quickly. If you spend a little extra time (and money), this software supports emails, SMS, and social media.
At the top level, you get AI features like real-time transcription, predictive analytics, and remote coaching.
Why it’s good for high-growth call centers
Ringover’s international calling packages makes it attractive for global companies. These capabilities support global expansion, removing the need to approach local vendors in different geographies and having multiple phone bills to juggle.
Ringover’s mobile app is easy to use and is praised by many users. It makes agent access to call queues at short notice simple, eliminating the need for agents to be on-site to handle calls at short notice.
Pros
Unlimited international calls
Robust basic call routing
Specialist in sales and recruitment
Cons
Lack of support for lesser integrations
Limited omnichannel functionality
Lack of contact center market exposure
4. CloudTalk
CloudTalk provides high-quality call and CRM software integration with effective workforce optimization tools. It’s ideal for businesses prioritizing high call volumes and applying select call routing. It includes capabilities like call analytics, whisper coaching, and automated dialers.
As the name suggests, providing a cloud contact center gives CloudTalk the advantage of avoiding the hassle of an on-premises call center. Everything is scalable and flexible, promoting the benefits of consumable cloud technology.
Key features
CloudTalk offers AI routing and customer call prioritization capabilities, customizable call queue messages, and toll-free numbers. It’s geared toward enhancing phone support efficiency, making inbound calls as simple as possible.
Its AI-powered conversational intelligence module aims to “amplify human potential” by automating repetitive tasks that normally add work hours every week.
Why it’s good for high-growth call centers
While not a feature per se, there’s much to be said about a call center tool that’s easy to set up and use. Setting up for the first time to add new agents at the drop of a hat is simple, thanks to an intuitive admin portal. Likewise, an agent UI will be familiar to seasoned and novice call center agents.
With a pay-as-you-go pricing model, there’s no need to negotiate call bundles or unlock a new discount tier. Instead, you can focus on making and receiving calls as soon as agents get onboarded.
Pros
Specialist in CRM integration
Native workforce management
No on-premises legacy
Cons
Lack of some omnichannel support
Inflexible pricing
Slow communications process
5. Talkdesk
Talkdesk is a cloud-based platform predominantly used by support enterprises to enhance their customer engagement through automation and AI. Talkdesk’s strength is its AI and forecasting features, but lacks native phone system integration. Some online reports indicate some reliability and uptime concerns that could impact business continuity overall.
Key features
Talkdesk supports basic call routing functionality and multichannel communication (email, web chat, SMS, and social), allowing for workflow and interaction personalization. It also has a handy mobile app for managers to be aware of team performance.
You get all your basic call center software features:
- Agent dashboard
- Call forwarding
- Call queuing
- Agent callback
- Click-to-call
- Predictive dialing
- IVR
- REST APIs
- Call tracking
- CRM software integrations
- Call recording
- Voicemail inbox
The platform is best known as a premium call center solution with easy implementation and comprehensive features for call centers.
Why it’s good for high-growth call centers
Talkdesk is known for its easy implementation, but that doesn’t mean it lacks the scalability and customization associated with more complex deployment models.
Catering to your specific needs as you grow, Talkdesk can scale from a basic call center to a full-blown omnichannel contact center with advanced analytics for data-driven decision-making to optimize your call center.
Pros
Advanced call routing and workflows
Focus on automation and self-service
Easy implementation
Cons
Lack of enterprise case studies
Expensive add-ons
Poor support for lesser integrations
6. Freshcaller
Freshcaller is a call center solution created by Freshworks, a provider of multiple types of cloud productivity and business software. If you’re using Freshworks’ suite of office tools, this call center is one to check out. However, some users share concerns with its customer support and extraneous charges for common call center features (like phone numbers), per a Forbes review.
Key features
In addition to coming with standard call center features, Freshcaller focuses on gamification features to motivate agents by creating a sense of competition and camaraderie. In sales teams and during periods of high-pressure queries, adopting a sales-esq environment can help turn things around and improve agent productivity.
When opting for its call center module, you also get access to built-in collaboration tools for improved teamwork. Freshcaller removes the need to buy separate phone and call center solutions unless you need a complex PBX underpinning your call center software.
Backed by generative AI, Freshcaller also provides features like:
- Self-service IVR and skills-based routing
- Automatic call distribution (ACD)
- Agent copilots to ask for help with specific queries
- Real-time and historical performance analysis
Why it’s good for high-growth call centers
You can use a “day pass” whenever an occasional agent logs into your account, meaning temporary staff for unplanned occasions doesn’t need a monthly or annual license. The pass lapses at the end of the day and only costs a few dollars for access.
If you’re a sales team already using Freshworks for sales, marketing, or CRM, you have all your systems under one provider. This often makes combined growth easier to plan and implement.
Pros
Tight integration with other Freshworks products
Focus on remote-ready organizations
Easy-to-interpret live dashboards
Cons
Multiple customer service solutions in Freshwork’s catalog, which can be confusing
Large jump in price for enterprise plan
Focus on sales environments, which may be off-putting for customer service functions
7. CallHippo
CallHippo is an affordable and easy-to-use cloud-based solution that comes with a wide range of international calling capabilities.
Key features
CallHippo excels in basic call features like automatic call recording and call logging, making an agent’s role solely about providing a great experience and less about admin and reporting on metrics and KPIs.
The platinum plan grants you access to features like smart DID routing, predictive dialer, and compliance call recording.
While there is no formal omnichannel contact center offering, CallHippo supports WhatsApp and shared inboxes for businesses. This could prove a neat standalone offering for agents working in silos dedicated to a specific area of the business.
You get built-in integrations with popular CRM and business tools like:
- Salesforce
- Intercom
- Pipedrive
- Shopify
- Zapier
- HubSpot
- Slack
Why it’s good for high-growth call centers
CallHippo is a cost-effective option for budget-conscious businesses. If your goals don’t include implementing omnichannel or delving into the world of AI, it’s easy to set up and scale with CallHippo.
While not an all-singing, all-dancing contact center like others, it still offers a large number of integrations that allow you to share customer information between critical communications and business systems.
Pros
Ease of setup and use
International calling
Automatic call logging and recording
Cons
Lack of omnichannel
The most expensive pricing plan required for some basic features
Siloed channels for call center management
8. Bitrix24
Bitrix 24 isn’t solely a call center software. Instead, it’s a combination of project, task, and CRM management tools that businesses can use as much or as little as they choose. This novel approach comes with its share of challenges too — users cite limited features and less than thrilled with its customer support.
Key features
For smaller teams and startups, the free plan (five users) grants access to features like:
- Integrated workspace
- Live chat
- Call queuing
- CRM integration
- Built-in CRM
- Built-in website builder
- SIP connector for third-party calling
- Access to a single channel for communication management
If agents need to manage one channel, such as voice, email, or live chat, Bitrix24’s free plan does a good job of supporting them while providing access to other key business functions.
Why it’s good for high-growth call centers
If you’re looking to get one app for everything (HR, marketing, customer service, etc.), Bitrix24 is a unique choice to consider. Its free plan allows you to test the software before committing. If you’re a small business going all in on Bitrix24, you can play around with many components you may end up using when you scale.
This reduces the need to buy disparate solutions for other business needs like project management, task management, or CRM.
Pros
Extended business capabilities like collaboration, CRM, and projects
Ideal all-in-one solution for very small teams
SIP connector for third-party calling
Cons
Complex implementation for large businesses
Offers too much “more-of-the-same” functionality for businesses with mature communications environments
Expensive enterprise pricing
9. Twilio Flex
While not an off-the-shelf call center software, Twilio Flex is a programmable call center platform. This means you can create your digital engagement environment based on your exact needs and communication channels.
Key features
Twilio’s easy-to-navigate interface remains the same regardless of the components you configure, enabling high productivity across the board. And whether you choose per minute or agent pricing, you get access to agent copilots to help analyze agent interactions and provide auto-generated summaries and disposition codes.
Twilio also curates customer profiles based on sales, interactions, and customer data from other business systems. This helps provide estimates into reasons for calling, likeliness to buy again, and the most suitable agent to handle a call.
Why it’s good for high-growth call centers
Opting for Twilio’s per-hour or per-user pricing means you can scale up and down to manage the flow of seasonal peaks and onboard part-time agents. It’s common for some large call centers to have engineering resources available — if that’s you, you might like Twilio Flex — but if not, keep in mind you will need developers to bring the your ideas to life.
The configurable nature of Twilio Flex lends itself to adding new features to existing users who have been asked to take on further responsibilities. The consistent interface means management is similar to features they’ve used before, reducing training time.
Pros
Customizability
Rapid proof of concept
AI capabilities for sales and service
Cons
An overwhelming platform for most small businesses
A demo that isn’t self-service
Partner or customer support requirement for setup
10. Dialpad
If AI is seriously at the top of your mind and you want to eke out the most possible, Dialpad has been ringing that bell for quite some time. So, if you’re interested in providing real-time coaching insights and accessing next-generation analytics, Dialpad is a good option.
However, some customers mentioned issues with its reliability and lacked features like a real-time dashboard to help boost team performance.
Key features
Entry-level features include call sentiment analysis, real-time text transcription, and built-in AI for call scripts. Agent prompts based on the context of live conversations can help serve customers efficiently.
With a specific focus on sales teams, Dialpad’s AI suggestions can prompt agents to mention new products and identify the ideal time to close a deal. Its outbound calling solution also features AI, including smart call monitoring and call queues included in the same Dialpad pricing plan.
If AI isn’t your sole requirement, Dialpad provides unlimited calling, number forwarding, and custom call routing options for those looking to check off the basics.
Why it’s good for high-growth call centers
As somewhat pioneers of agent-assisted AI, Dialpad’s AI-powered cloud-based business phone system with call center features stands out from those that have only just introduced AI into their feature set. This gives customers the confidence to rely on AI capabilities to automate tasks and improve agent efficiency.
Being able to lean on self-service call routing and real-time coaching empowers existing agents to improve while you get new agents up to speed. The more you can automate and hand off to AI, the more time you can dedicate to new hires.
Pros
Longstanding leader in AI coaching
Next-generation analytics
Dynamic call scripts
Cons
Potentially overwhelming AI
Undisclosed enterprise pricing
Extra costs for basic features like eFax
Helpful Uses of Call Center Software
Call center software has numerous practical applications to improve almost all aspects of a contact center. Companies use call centers to keep the business thriving through sales, support, and market research.
- Customer care: Handling inbound inquiries, complaints, and requests from customers across phone, email, chat, and other channels with an emphasis on first-call resolution.
- Sales and lead-generation: Making outbound calls to nurture sales leads, qualify prospects, and close new business using automated dialers, call scripts, and customer data integrations.
- Appointment booking: Booking and managing customer appointments, reservations, and orders. Streamlining workflows for taking and fulfilling customer requests.
- Debt collection: Contacting customers to collect on past-due payments. Leveraging analytics and reporting to optimize collection strategies.
- Market research: Conduct surveys, interviews, and polling to gather valuable insights about customer preferences, behaviors, and satisfaction.
- Customer outreach: Reaching out to customers with updates, promotions, alerts, and upsell opportunities. Semi-automated outbound call campaigns and multichannel messaging helps reach out at the right time.
Essential call center functions
By taking advantage of these core functions, your business can significantly enhance operations, increasing customer satisfaction and efficiency.
- Automating Call Routing: ACD makes sure that incoming calls are directed to the most suitable agent based on factors such as skill set, availability, and call priority. This reduces wait times and improves customer satisfaction.
- Centralizing Customer Information: CRM integration provides agents with a comprehensive view of customer history and interactions, enabling personalized and informed service.
- Improving Quality Assurance: Call recording and monitoring features enable supervisors to review calls for quality control, training, and compliance purposes, ensuring that agents maintain high standards of service.
- Optimizing Workforce Management: WFM tools help schedule shifts, forecast call volumes, and manage agent performance, ensuring optimal staffing levels and efficient operations.
- Providing Omnichannel Support: Omnichannel capabilities integrate various communication channels (phone, email, live chat, social media) into a single platform, allowing agents to seamlessly handle customer interactions across multiple channels.
- Streamlining Reporting and Analytics: Advanced analytics and reporting features provide detailed insights into call center performance metrics such as average handle time, first call resolution, and customer satisfaction, enabling data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Enhancing Customer Interaction: IVR systems allow customers to interact with automated menus to quickly reach the department or service they need, reducing the burden on live agents and speeding up resolution times.
- Facilitating Remote Work: Cloud-based solutions enable agents to work from any location with an internet connection, supporting remote work and improving flexibility in staffing.
- Enhancing Customer Self-Service: AI and chatbots provide automated responses to common customer inquiries, reducing the load on human agents and offering 24/7 support.
- Managing Campaigns and Outbound Calls: Outbound call management features support proactive customer outreach for sales, marketing campaigns, or customer follow-ups, improving engagement and lead conversion.
- Ensuring Compliance and Security: Compliance tools help make sure that call center operations adhere to regulatory requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, and other industry-specific standards, while robust security protects customer data.
- Supporting Multilingual Service: Language support and translation features enable call centers to serve a diverse customer base by providing support in multiple languages, enhancing accessibility and customer satisfaction.
- Improving First Call Resolution: Knowledge base integration gives agents quick access to information and resources needed to resolve customer issues on the first call, reducing repeat contacts and improving efficiency.
The practical uses listed here solve all the common pain points that drive most businesses to seek this kind of software.
Call center features
As with any call center solution, there are many technical features and terms to know about. They really do matter and are among the top reasons why companies opt for a dedicated platform to manage it all.
- Automatic Call Distribution (ACD): ACD routes incoming calls to the most appropriate agent based on factors like skill set, availability, and workload.
- Interactive Voice Response (IVR): IVR allows callers to interact with a computer system using their voice to select menu options or enter information.
- Call Recording: This allows you to record and review customer calls for quality assurance purposes.
- Workforce Management (WFM): This software helps you schedule agents, track their performance, and forecast call volume.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Integration: This allows you to integrate your call center software with your CRM system giving you a complete view of your customer interactions.
- Omnichannel Support: This type of software allows you to interact with customers through numerous channels, such as phone, email, chat, and social media.
Now, let’s look at these recurring issues that inconvenience your organization and annoy your customers.
Signs You Need a New Call Center
Call center platforms are no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses who want to keep getting those five-star reviews from their customers.
If you resonate with the following pain points, your call center is due for an upgrade.
1. High call volume and long wait times
If your issue is an inability to handle high call volumes efficiently, this will inevitably lead to long wait times and frustrated customers.
Call center software with Automatic Call Distribution and Interactive Voice Response systems can route calls effectively and provide self-service options – which means much shorter wait times.
2. Inconsistent customer service
Have you ever called a company seeking help and then called them again for additional assistance only to receive a different answer? It’s frustrating and makes you think that the business doesn’t know what it’s doing. Inconsistency in the quality of customer interactions is usually due to a lack of standardized processes.
Software that provides call scripting, CRM integration, and comprehensive training modules can help ensure consistent service.
3. Poor workforce management
Difficulty in scheduling and managing agent workloads can lead to overstaffing or understaffing and thus affect productivity.
Workforce management functionality within call center software that offers scheduling, forecasting, and real-time monitoring capabilities can easily solve this issue.
4. Switching between several apps
Have you ever experienced the frustration of manually transferring data between different systems, resulting in errors and delays? Disconnected systems lead to inefficient workflows and data silos.
Most importantly, a lack of integration causes a lot of human error, which is prevalent with copying and pasting, saving notes, or simply getting distracted (or bombarded) by the next incoming call.
Software that integrates seamlessly with existing CRMs and other business systems can make sure that you enjoy smooth data flow and unified operations.
5. Limited analytics and reporting
Without software, you may have inadequate insights into your call center performance and customer interactions.
But when you have advanced analytics and reporting features, you’ll get detailed metrics and insights so you can continually improve and give your customers what they want.
6. Compliance and security concerns
Have you ever experienced the anxiety of a potential data breach or the complexity of navigating regulatory requirements? These days, they’re all too common. Challenges in meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring your customers data is secure are significant concerns for any call center.
A modern call center software include robust security features and compliance tools so you can safeguard customer data and adhere to regulations.
7. Scalability issues
And the last issue we regularly see is an inability to scale operations as your business grows.
The perfect solution is cloud-based call center software that offers flexibility and scalability to accommodate your growing needs. If you find yourself working around your call center provider’s “maintenance windows,” it might be time look into Nextiva.
Why Legitimate Call Center Software Matters
So, the question on the mind of consumers is if that unknown incoming call is legitimate.
Trust is key with the rise of robocalls, scam calls, and voiceprint technology. Mobile phone providers have collectively elevated the industry standard to authenticate the sources of large volumes of calls. Examples include STIR/SHAKEN and 10DLC (for text messages) to curb misdeeds and abuse of phone systems.
Legitimate call centers have:
- Call encryption between agents and call center providers
- STIR/SHAKEN compliance (attestation)
- 10DLC compliance for SMS/MMS texting capabilities
- FCC registered and features to meet all telephony laws
- Fully disclosed address with points of contact
- Hosted data centers for customer and call data
Highly-rated call center providers like Nextiva already do the heavy lifting for businesses needing a call center solution. Many self-hosted PBXs lack the third-party verification technology to convey these trust signals to phone carriers. As such, they may be blocked or restricted from high-volume dialing. (Consumers appreciate that.)
This is why call center operators must choose a trusted partner that has secured relationships and active monitoring with all the major PSTN providers.
Qualities to Look for in a Call Center Provider
While every business is different, there is some common ground that you must be aware of when deciding on your next call center service provider.
Here’s what to look for when choosing call center software.
High importance:
🟢 Scalability: Can your call center platform handle increasing call volume and agent count? How easy is it to upgrade licenses or add more users? Will you need a period of planning, implementation, or downtime, or is it a matter of click-and-go?
🟢 Features: Does your chosen solution cover the basics like call routing, IVR, and CRM integration? Does omnichannel mean access to every channel, like chatbots, email, SMS, and social media? What types of in-call or in-chat capabilities do you have?
🟢 Support: What kind of customer support do you get with your call center provider? How can you contact them — via the phone, email, and chat? What is the response time and service level? Is there an extra cost just to talk with a call center expert?
Moderate importance:
🟡 Pricing: Does the pricing model fit your budget and growth trajectory? Can you afford to pay what the vendor is asking for on a monthly basis? Does it reflect the value you’ll gain from it? Do they provide a discount for annual billing?
🟡 Ease of use: Does the provider offer a demo, free trial, or helpful videos of the platform in action? Is it easy to set up and get going quickly?
🟡 Customization: How much do you need to tailor the platform to your needs? Are you going to make use of configurable options? Are the advanced enterprise solutions overwhelming?
Low importance:
🟠 Omnichannel and multichannel: Does it at least offer multichannel? Do you really need (and need to pay for) omnichannel? What channels are included in omnichannel (phone, email, social media, live chat)?
🟠 Integrations: Does your chosen call center solution integrate with every internal tool? And don’t forget about other business systems like:
- Cloud call center like Nextiva
- Integration tools like Zapier and AppyPie
- Line of business apps for HR, sales, and marketing
- SaaS ticketing solutions like Zendesk, Intercom, and Zoho
- Task management tools like Notion, Trello, and Monday.com
- E-commerce stores like Shopify, Klayvio, and WooCommerce
- Collaboration tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Webex
How to Select the Ideal Call Center Solution
Choosing the right call center software can be a game-changer for your company’s customer service operations. Here are some key aspects to consider:
1. Identify Essential Features
First, pinpoint the features that are crucial for your operations. Look for features like:
- Automated Call Distribution: Ensures calls are efficiently routed to the right agents.
- Interactive Voice Response Offers self-service options to customers, reducing agent load.
- Analytics and Reporting: Provides insights into performance and areas for improvement.
2. Evaluate Communication Channels
Determine which communication channels are most relevant to your customer base. Choose software that supports multiple channels like:
- Voice: Traditional phone support.
- Email: For less urgent inquiries.
- Live Chat: Real-time support on your website.
- Social Media: Engagement through platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
3. Consider Scalability and Flexibility
Your business needs will evolve over time. Opt for software that’s scalable and flexible, allowing you to add new features or expand user capacity as needed.
4. Analyze Pricing Structures
Carefully examine the pricing models of each option. Some common structures include:
- Pay-per-user: Ideal for smaller teams.
- Tiered Pricing: Offers different levels of features at varying costs.
- Subscription-based: Regular monthly or yearly fees.
Make sure the pricing aligns with your budget and growth plans. You can also reduce costs from redundant customer support tools, so consider those cost savings as well.
5. Prioritize Security and Compliance
Security is paramount, especially when handling sensitive customer data. Look for software that offers:
- Data Encryption: To protect information from unauthorized access.
- Compliance Certifications: These include GDPR or PCI-DSS, which ensure regulatory standards are met.
6. Seek Out Customer Reviews
Finally, read user reviews and testimonials to get real-world insights. Platforms like G2 and Capterra can be excellent sources of user feedback.
By thoroughly considering these factors, you will be better equipped to choose the call center software that perfectly aligns with your company’s needs.
Nextiva: Simply the Best Call Center Phone System
When choosing call center software, look for something easy to use, scalable, affordable, and capable of supporting remote agents.
Then, narrow your choices by the available features and whether your chosen vendor can deliver them at a price that represents value and sits within your budget.
We’re confident that Nextiva delivers all this and then some!
Customers say, “It’s been an incredibly reliable way to connect with our fans and create a better customer experience.”
With industry analysts like Frost & Sullivan recognizing our approach, which “provides actionable intelligence and significant ROI for customers,” it’s no wonder Nextiva ranks among the Deloitte Top 500 fastest-growing companies in North America.
You’ve made it this far, so it’s worth a shot to get a personalized demo. You don’t have to have all the details now, but we’ll help you make the best choice for your team.
You’ve found the ultimate call center.
See how Nextiva transforms the sales and support team productivity.
Call Center Software FAQs
Most call centers use a combination of the following software functions:
– Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho help manage customer interactions and data.
– Automatic Call Distributor (ACD): Systems like Genesys, Avaya, and Nextiva route incoming calls to the appropriate agent or department.
– Interactive Voice Response (IVR): Solutions like Cisco, Aspect, and Nextiva allow customers to interact with a computer-operated phone system to route calls or provide information.
– Workforce Management (WFM): Tools like Nextiva, NICE, and Verint help schedule and manage agent workflows.
– Call Recording and Monitoring: Software such as CallRail, Talkdesk, and Nextiva record and monitor calls for quality assurance and compliance.
– Unified Communications (UC): Platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Nextiva integrate various communication channels (voice, video, chat).
Yes, you can integrate your CRM with your call center, especially if it’s Nextiva. This integration means your customer service reps have access to all customer information. There will be no more manual data entry and fewer mistakes.
Connecting your CRM with your call center software also improves the customer experience. Agents can immediately see the customer’s history and preferences, making support more personalized. This not only makes customers happier but also builds loyalty. Plus, you get better data analytics to understand customer behavior and improve your services.
Call centers employ a variety of technologies to streamline operations and enhance customer service:
– Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): Enables voice communication over the internet, reducing costs and increasing flexibility.
– Automatic Call Distributor (ACD): Routes incoming calls to the appropriate agent based on predefined criteria.
– Interactive Voice Response (IVR): Automates customer interactions using voice recognition and touch-tone input.
– Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: Manages customer data and interactions.
– Workforce Management (WFM) Software: Optimizes staff scheduling and productivity.
– Call Recording and Monitoring: Captures calls for quality control and training purposes.
– Chatbots and AI: Provides automated customer support and handles routine inquiries.
– Omnichannel Communication: Integrates multiple communication channels (phone, email, chat, social media) for a seamless customer experience.
The cost of virtual call center software depends on the provider, features, and scale of implementation, but here are some general price ranges:
– Basic Plans: $20 to $50 per user per month. These plans typically include essential features like call handling, basic CRM integration, and reporting.
– Mid-Tier Plans: $50 to $150 per user per month. These include advanced features like IVR, call recording, workforce management, and more robust CRM capabilities.
– Enterprise Plans: $150+ per user per month. These plans offer comprehensive features, including omnichannel support, advanced analytics, AI-driven insights, and extensive customization options.
For more info, check out our guide to call center pricing.
For effective management of outbound campaigns in a call center, there are four main features to consider:
– Click-to-call simplifies the calling process by allowing agents to make calls by clicking on a number, eliminating the need for manual entry and reducing the risk of dialing errors.
– Automatic dialing, or auto-dialers, are even more advanced; they automatically place calls to the next contact on a predefined list when an agent becomes available. This function also has to be configured to respect time zone differences, among other aspects, to stay in compliance.
– CRM integration helps agents understand and be knowledgeable about a prospect’s interests and keep data sources clean. Likewise, when someone indicates interest in your product, you can instantly track it (and even close the sale).
– STIR/SHAKEN provider authentication helps your team reliably dial people with mobile phones. The entire telecommunications industry strongly urges — if not requires — that outbound dialers authenticate each call for maximum security and trust. Nextiva is one such provider that fully meets these requirements for businesses.
Call center software platforms surface actionable data into call patterns and team performance (especially for supervisors!). Its advanced analytics capabilities are indispensable for enhancing team efficiency, providing critical insights through a range of tracked metrics.
These important metrics include:
– Length of time an average call takes
– Rate at which issues are resolved on the first call
– Time agents spend idle
– Rate at which agents are actively engaged in calls
– Frequency of transferring calls
– Average time customers wait in queue
– Rate at which calls are abandoned before resolution
– Cost associated with each customer contact
– Success rate of calls in achieving their objective, particularly for outbound operations
– Customer satisfaction scores by agent, team, or queue