Next IT releases text virtual agent

Spokane tech firm Next IT has released a text-message virtual agent, and Gonzaga University is using it as part of its Ask Spike service.

Ask Spike lets people ask questions and get relevant answers without human interaction. Gonzaga has used a Web version of the service for several years.

Next IT has previously sold its virtual agent to Continental and Alaska Airlines and the U.S. Army, among others.

The text-message version of Ask Spike responds with details and Web links to questions related to GU’s resources, classes, departments and amenities.

Tom Sowa