Colloquis’ software enables users to ask routine questions using conversational language to elicit a response from an automated service.
Microsoft said it would sell services based on Colloquis’ technology, as well as bundle it into Microsoft products. Initially, it will sell a service called Windows Live Service Agents based on the existing Colloquis Automated Service Agent offering, which has been used by customers including Cingular Wireless, Panasonic, Time Warner Cable and Vonage Holdings.
Microsoft also will use Colloquis technology in an application called Windows Live Agents, which will let users interact via Windows Live Messenger. These agents will be used to entertain, encourage engagement with products or services, provide a new advertising opportunity for brand advertisers, and drive search and information retrieval, according to Microsoft.
