Apple tags first Canadian company for its Business Chat service

With the release of iOS 11.3, Apple Inc. has launched its Business Chat service in beta for users in the U.S., and the Cupertino, Calif.-based tech giant has chosen a Waterloo-based company to help power it.

InTheChat is one of the six customer service platforms (CSPs) supporting Apple Business Chat, and is the lone Canadian company involved. Through InTheChat, companies like TD Ameritrade and Newegg can use the new chat feature to communicate with customers directly through iMessage. InTheChat offers solutions such as self-service automation, routing, and bot integration, and for Business Chat, it routes customer inquiries through iMessage to an automated assistant or live agent.

Apple’s Business Chat was one of the new features announced by Apple for iOS 11 last year, and with 11.3, users in the U.S. can finally test it out on beta. If you’re familiar with how businesses are using Facebook Messenger to communicate with customers, this feature works similarly: Apple users can connect with businesses via iMessage to speak to either bots or live agents, schedule appointments, or even make purchases through Apple Pay.

And for those worried about privacy concerns, Business Chat does not share a user’s contact information with any businesses. Considering the troubles that Facebook has been dealing with in that department, Apple has the perfect opportunity to engage with businesses and consumers with Business Chat.

Recently, Apple unveiled a new iPad and complementing software for education, and partnered with IBM to create smarter mobile apps.

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

Alex Radu
Alex Raduhttp://www.computerdealernews.com
is a Video Producer for IT World Canada. When not writing or making videos about the tech industry, you can find him reading, watching TV/movies, or watching the Lakers rebuild with one eye open.

Featured Story

How the CTO can Maintain Cloud Momentum Across the Enterprise

Embracing cloud is easy for some individuals. But embedding widespread cloud adoption at the enterprise level is...

Related Tech News

Get ITBusiness Delivered

Our experienced team of journalists brings you engaging content targeted to IT professionals and line-of-business executives delivered directly to your inbox.

Featured Tech Jobs