World class customer service solution launched by Showtime

Built on Microsoft technology, Showtime Online uses innovative, leading edge technology to offer customers a simple user-interface for online transactions. The service makes it simple for subscribers to check, upgrade and change their personal details, subscription options and a whole host of other facilities.

Khosrow Afrasiabi, Showtime I.T director, explained: "Directly connected to the central customer database and online payment gateway, it is possible for existing and new customers anywhere in the Middle East to perform online transactions."

The service allows customers to perform all key functions including signing a new Showtime subscription or renewing or upgrading an existing contract, and ordering Home Cinema Pay Per View movies and events online.

Using the secure payment gateway customers may also change their method of payment, from cash and direct debit to credit card for example, and pay outstanding amounts and subscription fees.

Customers may also re-authorise their smart cards whenever needed, and verify or change their personal and address information to ensure that they receive email schedule updates and the monthly Showtime TV Guide on request.

"We worked closely with Showtime Online to ensure that customers enjoy an easy to use interface, with complete faith in the security features built in to protect their privacy," commented Microsoft's Enterprise Manager, Zaid Abunawar.

"In January 2002, Microsoft made security a top priority as part of its Trustworthy Computing initiative and put new internal processes in place to improve the security experience of customers. Microsoft's commitment to security is long-term and will be continually adapted to changing customer needs."

"The service provides customers with the convenience of performing transactions at any given time during the day or night in a self-service manner without needing to telephone Showtime's call centres," commented Mr Afrasiabi.

All transaction and session summaries are sent to customers directly via their registered email address. If a customer at a later stage has any enquiry regarding a Showtime Online session he can verify a query by telephoning one of the network's call centres and refer to the specific session number.

The service further enhances Showtime's customer service infrastructure. Last year the company introduced a state-of-the-art Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system to handle interaction with customers via its telephone call centers across the region.

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