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My site currently uses Volusion live chat but honestly, it sucks, since I need to run the tool and sit in front of it all day long. I'd like something more mobile where I can respond to chat inquiries from anywhere.

Google Talk has an official chatback badge but it would be nice to have something a little more...professional?

I'm not big enough to need multi user support or anything. I'm all by my lonesome :)

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6 Answers

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Yes, Olark chat is a common website chat choice for startups. It uses the open Jabber/XMPP protocol on the backend, which means that pretty much any multifunction instant messaging client can work with it. Some examples a GTalk, Trillian, Pidgin for the PC, and there will be several choices for mobile phones (iPhone, Android) as well. Olark itself is a SaaS startup, and the Olark chat is added to a website by adding their hosted Javascript files.

Also see these older discussions for helpful ideas and things to think of:

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Thanks Jesper. The last link is actually what had me thinking about a good mobile option. – Nick Mar 22 '11 at 13:21
The solution I mention on that thread is also Olark though I didn't pimp them there as it was more a general discussion on chats rather then specifics. Last few days seems to have been a host of queries about live chat – Tim Nash Mar 22 '11 at 15:48
up vote 3 down vote

Gtalk is XMPP, so you need a web based XMPP client.

A quick search found this: http://jaxl.im/

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I went to go check out the service at that link. It looked nice. I initiated chat with the site administrator as was invited on the page -- and it never connected with anyone. Just me talking to myself. I have always found my self more inclined to use a produce when the provide uses it too. :) – Joseph Barisonzi Mar 22 '11 at 3:55
up vote 1 down vote

I do not know of an live customer support tool which integrates with an current IM platform. I do know that there are those that have a blend of platform options that free you from sitting in front of your computer.

Our company's live chat platform has both an Android and iPhone Application which allows you to be logged onto your site's live customer chat from your smart phone where ever you are. Both can run in the background. I have had Google talk, the IM aggregate "trillian" and our live customer support tool all running on my phone at the same time with no problem.

Warning: the option of being available at all times anywhere has signifant costs to personal relationships.

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Thanks for the last warning :) I suppose I could log off the mobile application when I wanted. But Right now I'm up and down so often that I am never really available to answer chats "on demand". – Nick Mar 22 '11 at 13:20
up vote 1 down vote

I came across plupper a while back, seemed to be decent, have recommended it a few times and haven't had any negative come-backs. And it's free for a single user account. Give it a whirl.

http://www.plupper.com/

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up vote 1 down vote

Nick since you're looking for something simple, you may also check http://www.plugoo.com/ It's free and integrates well with Gtalk. I have been using it for quite sometime and it works well for me.

Also check this article on embedding chat solutions within website You will find lot of options there.

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up vote 0 down vote

Go for Livezilla, its free chat application which is similar to Live Person but they have not yet released any version for mobile. But its best option as the software is too good.

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He kind of said in his question that he needed something mobile... – rbwhitaker Dec 16 '12 at 21:42

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