SSPA Support Technology Buyers Guide Now Available.

Online Directory is the First to Focus on Support Technology Products and Services

SAN DIEGO -- The Service & Support Professionals Association (SSPA), the largest and most influential association for technology service and support professionals, today announced the availability of the online SSPA Buyers Guide, the first guide of its kind that provides a comprehensive listing of support technology products and services vendors.

Much more than a simple directory of companies, each listing also includes commentary from SSPA Vice President of Research John Ragsdale that is designed to streamline the selection process for products and services, and allow members to make more informed buying decisions.

Companies in the Buyers Guide are searchable by company name as well as functional area of offerings, including eService, CRM, contact center, field service and business consultants. The guide further offers a drill-down listing of specialties within each area. Under eService, for example, product and service categories include Web collaboration, proactive chat, email response management, agent knowledgebase, agent diagnostic tools, customer knowledgebase, customer self-service problem diagnostic/self-healing, forums and remote control/remote diagnostic/self-healing.

"This is by far the most thorough guide of its kind, with products categorized in 28 functional areas, serving as an 'online advisor' showing not only what support technology offerings exist in each area, but also providing an independent, unbiased assessment of the value and benefits each partner provides," said Ragsdale.

A recent survey conducted by Ragsdale and published by the SSPA reported that North American technology service and support spending is expected to top $1.4 billion this year.

"It's clear that our members will be making serious spending decisions in the coming months that must translate to value for their customers. Whether shopping for a single functional module or an end-to-end suite, we want members to be assured that the SSPA is a trusted resource for advice on the specific technology solutions that can make a positive impact on their bottom line," said Ragsdale.

The SSPA Buyers Guide is available at www.thesspa.com/buyers_guide.

About the SSPA

As the industry's foremost professional association, the Service & Support Professionals Association (SSPA) is a key resource for the information and best practices needed to make better business decisions. It brings together the best minds from across the industry spectrum - from established companies with successful track records to the pioneering newcomers with out-of-the-box ideas. The SSPA also partners with thought leaders such as J.D. Power and Associates and the Wharton School of Business to create programs that benefit the industry. The SSPA is a member of a global network of associations that includes the Technology Professional Services Association (TPSA). For more information, visit www.thesspa.com.