Demandforce ~ Growth. On Demand.

Patent-pending system streamlines customer communications capability

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Oct. 16, 2007 – Demandforce, Inc., a web-based customer communication software company, today announced the launch of its two-way text-messaging functionality. The patent-pending technology allows Demandforce clients to effectively send Short Message Service (SMS) text communications to customers, receive a response, and manage those communications through their Demandforce user interface.

The centerpiece of Demandforce's software platform is a communications system that allows businesses to contact customers electronically to remind them about upcoming appointments. E-mail and text-messaging have been used for years, but the Demandforce system uniquely allows customers to confirm appointments by clicking or texting a confirmation back to the business. That information then goes directly into the business user's Demandforce portal where the customer status is automatically updated.

This data integration is the key element to the patent application. "Most of the time, when an Internet or mobile user hits 'reply' to an e-mail or a text message, a user on the other end has to read the content and enter data to complete the transaction," said Dr. Mark Hale, Demandforce's Chief Technology Officer. "Our patent-pending model automates the process of updating the patient's or customer's history."

How it works: A dental office or auto shop using the D3 platform sends out an e-mail reminder or a text message--or both, depending on the customer's preference--21 days before an appointment. A confirmation text-message is delivered four days before the scheduled date. The customer can now reply, or text "c," for confirm, back to the business. The system updates automatically, letting the office administrator know whether to expect the customer at the appointed time.

Businesses report that customers have responded enthusiastically to the reminder system, which is compatible with all mobile handsets and compliant with all voice/data carriers. The platform has demonstrated success at reducing no-shows and forgotten appointments, which can costs businesses thousands of dollars annually in lost revenue. It also reduces incoming calls to the business and reduces the cost of traditional reminders (like postcards and voicemails), which are expensive and often prove ineffective at reaching customers in the Web 2.0 era.

"People are texting more now than they're calling," said Demandforce President Rick Berry. "And e-mail is still the dominant online activity. These two forms of communication are in favor with customers, so businesses need to adjust accordingly and reach out to people where they want to be reached. The age of the twice-a-year postcard-lying unread in the recycling bin-is over."

Businesses can also use the system to send special offers, seasonal deals and end-of-year reminders about insurance paperwork and guidelines.

About Demandforce
Founded in 2003, Demandforce helps small businesses thrive in the Internet economy. The Demandforce D3 software-as-a-service application is used by thousands of customers to grow revenue, keep clients coming back, and manage operations more effectively. Demandforce's flagship product, Demandforce D3, connects Demandforce clients to over 80 million consumers via email communications, text messaging and online services. Demandforce has achieved 24 quarters of over 80% year-over-year quarterly growth and is led by a management team with a history of success developing and delivering web-based applications that drive real, tangible business value. Demandforce, Inc. is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. To learn more visit www.demandforce.com.