Ventana Research has released its latest Benchmark Research, The Unified Agent Desktop and the Customer Experience. Ventana Research commenced this research to gain insight into current agent desktop practices, as well as efforts to manage customer interactions and improve customer service. The new research shows that the primary channel for customer service remains interaction with agents in contact centers. Acquiring and maintaining customer loyalty requires consistency at every touch point and continuous improvement in customer interactions.. Currently, fewer than ...

Across the health information exchange (HIE) market, providers are expressing dissatisfaction with their vendors as connectivity issues persist. This and other key findings were released in a new KLAS report "Health Information Exchange 2012: Muddled in Interfaces." More than 200 providers weighed in for this latest research, citing inadequate support around building timely interfaces for even the highest rated vendors. "Building and supporting interfaces continues to be a big challenge for all vendors," said report author Mark Allphin. "Providers ...

Dulce Vida, the world's only certified USDA organic, 100 Proof tequila, announces the release of its "Lone Star Edition" anejo tequila. This vintage anejo has been aged in Garrison Brother's Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey barrels, making this limited edition anejo an exceptional and flavorful tequila. "As an artisan distiller of fine, handcrafted tequilas, we are pleased to announce this 600 case, limited edition anejo," stated Richard Sorenson, Founder & CEO of Dulce Vida Spirits. "What makes our Lone Star Edition special is the personality ...

Arthritis affects over 50 million Americans, according to US Center for Disease Control statistics. Orange County arthritis specialist Dr. Ralph Venuto (http://www.drvenuto.com) is seeing improved outcomes using multifaceted treatment plans for arthritis patients. Encouraging use of minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of arthritis, Dr. Venuto believes that while there is not yet a cure for arthritis pain, several proven treatment alternatives are available, including viscosupplementation and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. These treatments can produce ...

Castellano Cosmetic Surgery Center (http://www.castellanocosmeticsurgery.com) is now offering free consultations to patients seeking cosmetic surgery in Tampa. The offer applies to all procedures performed at the Center, including breast enlargement, liposuction, tummy tuck, facelift procedures and more. "I'm pleased to offer free consultations for patients," says Dr. Joseph J. Castellano, founder of the practice. "The consultation is a vital part of the surgery process. It's where the patient and surgeon get to better know one another as well as what ...

Texas taking new approach to parole decisions Defying its tough-on-crime image, the state of Texas paroled more prisoners this past fiscal year than in any other in the last decade -- 24,342 from September 2010 through August 2011. This means about one-third of parole applications were granted, a rate about six percent higher than it was 10 years ago. What is parole? Parole, according to Black's Law Dictionary, is the "conditional release of a prisoner from imprisonment before the full sentence has been served." Parole is normally conditional on the convicted ...

While people across the country continue to watch their bills pile up and face mounting credit card debt, some have recently been looking for a new approach to resolve their financial troubles. Sensing people's concern -- and, at times, desperation -- a new industry of "debt settlement companies" has arisen, claiming to be the answer for which many people have been searching. Unfortunately, this primarily unregulated business often takes advantage of the very people it claims to help, leaving people with larger debts than they had originally. Debt settlement ...

As many large and small business owners know, the decisions made early on in the life of the business can have significant implications down the road, as the business continues to succeed. One of the first decisions a future business owner must make is where the business should be incorporated. At times, people look only to the one or two states with the most business-friendly reputations, without considering the potential financial and logistical complications. Often, incorporating right at home in Maryland is the best option for future business owners. When incorporating ...

In an effort to stop teen alcohol use, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn recently signed a law that makes giving alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21 a misdemeanor. Under the new law, it does not matter where the alcohol is served -- which means that it is a crime to serve alcohol to someone underage in public or inside of someone's own home. In addition, the new law - House Bill 1554 - states that if you serve alcohol to someone who is underage and they subsequently go on to hurt someone else or themselves because they were intoxicated, as the adult who served the alcohol, ...

Owners of small businesses typically have numerous issues and responsibilities monopolizing their time. As a result, particularly for those without a background or expertise in accounting or tax law, it can be difficult to ensure the financial structure of the business is organized in the most advantageous fashion. In addition to the tips set forth below, in many cases, it may be wise to consult with an attorney with proficiency in financial legal issues to protect the financial security of the small business. Small business owners often forget to reconsider the business ...

This is the question that many Arizona city and county officials are asking as they attempt to determine how red-light cameras impact road safety. There is debate whether such programs decrease auto accidents, and if red-light cameras should continue to be used. Red-light cameras are used in intersections to enforce traffic laws. The cameras take pictures of motorists who run traffic lights and the city then issues a traffic citation to the driver through the mail. Camera companies - two of which are based in Arizona - opine that red-light cameras are safe, cost-effective ...

Speeding kills. According to government statistics, approximately 12,000 Americans die every year in car accidents caused by speeding. Officials have attempted to reduce speeding on United States roads in many different ways, but nothing has had a dramatic impact. A new study, however, may have found a way to decrease speeding and keep our roadways safer. In a study partly funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), researchers placed a small GPS device in participants' cars. The GPS system reported the speed of the car against the posted speed ...

The advent of hydraulic fracturing has brought a whole new economy to Pennsylvania. Fracking -- which uses pressurized water, sand and chemicals to force natural gas out of underground pockets -- has unlocked a huge and previously untappable reserve of gas in the Marcellus Shale. In 2011 alone, the Marcellus Shale supplied 6 percent of America's natural gas. That number is only expected to grow as fracking technology becomes more advanced. Many people stand to make money off the Marcellus Shale fracking boom. Of course, the oil and gas companies have the most to gain, ...

Recently, the federal government announced a new process for some individuals to gain authorization to work after requesting consideration of deferred action. On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security outlined the "Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals" plan. The new process will allow some people the opportunity to remain in the United States for a period of at least two years, with the chance to apply for a renewal thereafter. "Deferred action" means the government will choose not to pursue a removal action against the ...

Picture in your mind the last time you got pulled over by the police. Between the loud siren, the flashing lights and the approaching police officer -- never mind the looming threat of an expensive traffic ticket -- you were probably pretty nervous, right? Maybe you fumbled with your wallet a little bit or acted anxious when you spoke with the police officer? If so, you probably didn't think that your reaction was all that unique or suspicious. In a recent case, the Massachusetts Appeals Court agreed. It ruled that nervous behavior alone is not sufficient evidence to ...

Wisconsin safety agencies are extremely concerned with the dangerous habit of distracted driving, which is commonly practiced among teen motorists. Did you know that car accidents kill more teenagers in Wisconsin than any other cause of death? Distracted driving is a major issue that contributes to this statistic. To combat the issue, Wisconsin recently passed a new state law that prohibits drivers with an instruction permit or probationary license from using a phone while driving. The law takes effect in November 2012. A driver violating the restriction on cellphone ...

Recent events involving widespread E. coli, listeria and salmonella poisoning, as well as pharmaceutical steroids tainted with fungal meningitis, serve as a troubling reminder of the hazards we all face from food and drugs on a daily basis. Businesses and institutions that are entrusted with providing safe and sanitary food and medicines to others are rightfully subject to product liability or premises liability claims when their products or unsanitary conditions cause illness or wrongful death. More than 100 attendees at the Cleveland County Fair fell ill in October ...

Paralysis works almost unimaginably profound changes on the lives of those it touches. Daily activities become difficult and nearly insurmountable challenges. While technology has made some strides to help people deal with paralysis, paralyzed New Yorkers and other Americans have long waited for a bigger breakthrough. Two areas are showing increasing promise and paralyzed people may have a new reason to hope for more progress. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new human study to continue exploring a treatment program that worked well in animals. ...

Atlanta pest control company Team Pest USA would like to take some time to discuss the correlation between heat and insect population growth. You may have noticed the incredible amount of insects that seem to be buzzing around and biting each summer. There is in fact quite a disparity between insect populations in warmer months over fall and winter.. Last winter and fall were unusually warm. What this meant for insect populations was a lengthened breeding season. This longer breeding season last year lead to larger populations this past summer wreaking havoc on outdoor ...

Danny Bacher, CEO of Atlanta limousine service Topper Worldwide, will be speaking at the 2013 International LCT Show, to be held February 5th through 7th, 2013, in Las Vegas. Bacher is a repeat presenter at the International LCT Show, having most recently presented at last year's conference. The International LCT Show is the largest limousine, charter, and tour industry show in the world. For 29 years, the International LCT Show has offered talks from a wide variety of industry experts, as well as networking opportunities, product showcases, and seminars at the MGM Grand ...

Georgia health insurance broker McCart Insurance knows that going away to college can lead to home sickness, but that's not the biggest concern that dormitory residents face. Every year, college students face upper respiratory infections, stomach flu, conjunctivitis and mononucleosis. Some even face meningitis. The common thread of these dorm illnesses is that they are virus spread through human contact. While some, like the flu, are most often just an inconvenience, some dorm illnesses can be very dangerous to someone without a Georgia health insurance plan. Mononucleosis ...

GreenStar Waste would like to recommend that you use a roll off dumpster in Atlanta for your empty nest clean out. When the kids move away to college, the house can start to feel a bit empty. That is, until realize that massive amounts of junk that they have left behind. Once you have made your peace with living in a home that is a bit more peaceful and feel ready to reclaim all of your space, it is time to work on clearing out the wreckage. By utilizing GreenStar dumpsters, the job will be a breeze. After you have decided which items are too precious to part with, ...

Atlanta tree removal company Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts would like to remind residents of Alpharetta that the company offers complete tree services in that area. Whether you need a tree removed or trimmed, the Alpharetta tree services team at Yellow Ribbon can help. "We serve the entire Atlanta metro area, including Alpharetta," explains Gary Robertson, owner of Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts. "If you are in Alpharetta and need a tree removed, inspected, or trimmed, Yellow Ribbon can help." The Alpharetta tree removal team at Yellow Ribbon can do it ...

One of the hardest hit industries during the worst of the recession was the temporary help industry, which lost over a third of its workforce. However, TRC Staffing Services, Inc., a staffing agency in Atlanta, has noticed that the demand for temporary help has risen almost back to pre-recession levels. Though this time of year traditionally sees an increase in temporary staffing due to the upcoming holiday season, this improvement appears to be a longer term trend. Temporary staffing has regained over 87% of the workers it lost during the recession's lowest point. Historical ...

Atlanta granite countertop fabricator Premier Services is proud to announce that its new "In the Community" page is up and running on the company website. To access the page just visit the Premier Services website, hover your mouse over the blue "About Us" tab at the top of the screen, and then click "In the Community". Or, you can simply jump there directly at http://www.premiersurfaces.com/Community.htm. Once you are on the page you can learn about all of the past and current ways that Premier Services reaches out to the community, ...