Service provider

About: Service provider is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 55107 publications have been published within this topic receiving 894381 citations. The topic is also known as: external service provider & internal service provider.

Method and apparatus for originating voice calls from a data network

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing voice communications between two parties using computer controlled telephony hardware which is separate from the PSTN is described. The voice communications may be voice over Internet or PSTN voice connections, or any combination of the two. The apparatus includes a WEB server, a computer telephony server, a Voice over IP gateway and an operations, administration and maintenance server. The apparatus is suitably installed and operated by a service provider such as an Internet Service Provider. The advantage is unexcelled control over call setup, transfer and conference functions. A further advantage is the rapid, unfettered development of new services without compatibility issues with the PSTN.

System and method for providing electronic multi-merchant gift registry services over a distributed network

Abstract: An online Gift Registry Service provides registration of information for a gift registrant and allows access to the registry by potential gift giver users. In addition, users can tag items of interest at participating Service Provider (SP) sites and the SP sites will register these items with the Gift Registry Service on the user's behalf. It further provides a streamlined checkout process for purchasing these gift items with the registered SP sites (e.g. World Wide Web sites) over a distributed public network. Users and Service Providers (SP) initially register with the Gift Registry Service and are provided additional functionality. For users, a reminder service is provided to notify individuals automatically upon the trigger of certain events, such as important dates or product sales from online merchants. In addition, there are various occasion planning services available such as distribution lists, discussion groups, and other related resources for multiple events including weddings, baby showers, etc. These other resources include sending out announcements, reserving halls, and contracting services of related businesses for the occasion. A distinct advantage of this system is that users can perform all the planning for the event online in the comfort of their home or office. Service Providers on the other hand, can register system notification messages to be triggered on pre-determined events. In addition, Service Providers can obtain marketing information to tailor their products and services.

Service behaviors that lead to satisfied customers

Abstract: Examines service provider behaviors that influence customer evaluation of service encounters. Develops a list of service provider behaviors relevant to customer evaluation of a service encounter. Examines performance of these behaviors in specific restaurant and medical transactions. Then examines the relationship between performance of each behavior and encounter satisfaction. Behaviors are grouped, using factor analysis from consumer surveys, into three dimensions: concern, civility, and congeniality. Each is defined using multiple behavioral measures. Measures include concepts not widely addressed in current services literature, including conversation, respect, genuineness, attitude, and demeanor. These dimensions and constituent behaviors provide a framework for future research and service training and management.

Research Note---Effects of Individual Self-Protection, Industry Self-Regulation, and Government Regulation on Privacy Concerns: A Study of Location-Based Services

Abstract: This study seeks to clarify the nature of control in the context of information privacy to generate insights into the effects of different privacy assurance approaches on context-specific concerns for information privacy. We theorize that such effects are exhibited through mediation by perceived control over personal information and develop arguments in support of the interaction effects involving different privacy assurance approaches (individual self-protection, industry self-regulation, and government legislation). We test the research model in the context of location-based services using data obtained from 178 individuals in Singapore. In general, the results support our core assertion that perceived control over personal information is a key factor affecting context-specific concerns for information privacy. In addition to enhancing our theoretical understanding of the link between control and privacy concerns, these findings have important implications for service providers and consumers as well as for regulatory bodies and technology developers.