Self-Service With a Smile

It's not exactly drive-through service, but it's getting closer. TeleGea Inc. has unveiled a platform that enables telecommunications service providers to offer self-serve options to customers.

Its not exactly drive-through service, but its getting closer. TeleGea Inc. has unveiled a platform that enables telecommunications service providers to offer self-serve options to customers.

The Emporium Enterprise platform reduces the complexity and time spent buying and managing telecom services. An Extensible Markup Language-based system, it integrates with a service providers back- office systems (order handling, invoicing, customer management) to create an online procurement environment.

Businesses can manage all aspects of their services from one Web interface, including ordering, adding, activating, changing or canceling services; and reviewing account activity.

The software is slated to improve communication among suppliers and customers and give buyers independence in monitoring their own services.

TeleGea, of Waltham, Mass., touts the product as a way for service providers to set up efficient business processes and add sales channels.

The base price for Emporium Enterprise is $500,000.