What is the best web chat software?

[TheDude]

What is the best web chat software and why?

I'd like to implement web chat softwae that will ACTIVELY ask the visitor with a pop-up if they'd like to chat.  Other than that, I'm not sure I have any other needs.

[RyanKent]

For what platform?

.Net? Php? a given CMS?

A lot of software is restricted based on the language in which it was developed.

[TheDude]

It is just for a website, not the backend database.  So shouldn't it just be their script that I copy paste to implement the chat software on the site?

I should mention we do have some PHP scripts on the site, but no CMS or .Net currently in use.

[KeriMorgret]

I'm assuming this is for a customer service type of chat, and not a dating system type of chat?

I don't have experience with implementing one of these, but here are a couple of things I've seen go bad from the perspective of a user.

1. The chat software pops up on every single page of the website, not just once per visit. I have to hit an X to close it on each new page from the site I visit. The site had some things I might have been interested in ordering, but that chat was way too disruptive to me to stay on the site long and figure out my way around.

2. Who is going to be on the other end of this software? Do you have a service that will answer 24/7, or will you have a way to turn the chat software off if no one is there to answer?

[TheDude]

Keri, correct this is for customer service.

1. I agree.  It should be limited to pop-up.  I can do this via PHP if the software does not.

2. They automaticlaly just email the company when no CSR is online.

[LizIslCo]

I've previously used LivePerson. Not difficult to put into the site and pretty easy to use.

If someone's on it during the workday, it'll chime when someone is requesting a chat. If you are offline there are options to forward questions to an email address or alert your mobile phone.

They can also customize their chat window to fit with your site design and layout, etc...

Not sure if it's the best but pretty reasonably priced and easy to use.