5.01 What is available

There are a range of communication technologies that work over the internet. Let's look at some of the alternatives to e-mail.

Messengers
To communicate using an instant messaging program both parties have to be connected to the internet and both have to be running compatible software on their respective computers. Messages appear in a pop up window as soon as they are sent and conversations can continue as alternating sentences continually visible to both parties.
If there was a single flavour of instant messaging program the technology would be more widely useful but there are several versions from different providers. This is their main disadvantage.

Web chat
Web chat is similar to instant messaging but works through a web page. Both parties need to be connected to the internet in order to exchange messages. You need some special software but the client you are talking to just needs a web browser. Lots of sites use a web chat program to provide technical support. There are possible applications for a practice web site including making appointments or for clients to request advice.

Conference
Instant messaging and web chat can be set up to work with multiple users simultaneously.

Texts
It is possible to both initiate and receive text messages, as sent between mobile phones in their billions, over the internet. To do so you need a subscription to a specialised service. Text messages have become widely used and accepted as a means of communication and you will certainly find a percentage of your clients happy to receive information that way.
The message “Spot is due for his vaccination, please call the surgery on 01234 567890 to make an appointment. The Vets” only uses half the available message length, and is cheaper to send than a postcard Entering a text message through your computer is much easier than with the fiddly buttons of a mobile phone and much of the process can be automated.

Voicemail and fax by email
Another subscription service can make your fax machine and answering machine redundant and free up an existing phone line. You are allocated a new phone number for fax and voicemail. When someone sends you a fax or leaves you a message they appear as attachments to e-mails. Messages come out of your computer speakers. Faxes appear on your computer screen. These can be collected at any computer and can be sent on, copied , printed off and archived.

Voip
This is a developing technology that will carry voice messages over the internet. A subscription is required and the main marketing thrust will no doubt be based on potential savings on your phone bill. One to watch.

Bulletin boards and newsgroups
These are an area on your web site where authorised users can put a message online for others to access and comment upon. We include them as they have potential for a private advice area for your clients. Clients with a question go to your bulletin board and “post” the details of their problem. You, or one of your staff, visit periodically and post relevant advice in return.

E-mail lists
These are a variation on the bulletin board above. Instead of having to go to the board to post a query, clients simply send it as an e-mail to the list. The list then copies this to all subscribers. Your response is also sent as an e-mail to the list and again copied to all subscribers. A conversation can continue by simply replying to the list in the same way as you reply to any e-mail. An active mailing list can act as a useful focus for members of your local community and provide you with an opportunity to promote your products and services.

Web-cam
A web cam is a video camera that sends pictures over the internet. With a broadband connection these can be of reasonable quality. There are possible uses in monitoring patients. The video feed can be made private to vets and nursing staff only. The ward needn't fill with wires as there are effective wireless versions available.

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