Quester Releases DIY Access to Virtual Interviewer Software

In the US, linguistic research and technology firm Quester has launched the beta version of its self-serve 'Socrates OnDemand' solution, to provide access to its virtual interviewer platform Socrates and enable users to probe free-form text fields such as comment boxes or open-ended survey questions.

Socrates, which was designed and developed by Quester, is based on a highly disciplined approach to linguistic interviewing.

The new do-it-yourself 'Socrates OnDemand' system uses Socrates technology to clarify generalities and explore rationale for opinions, which the firm says provides 'richer verbatims' that offer an understanding of the factors impacting the commenter's decision-making process.

This builds on existing Quester offerings, including full service qual research, and 'Quester Inside', which integrates the firm's technology into other marketing research software platforms.

'For the first time, clients will be able to add Socrates' automated probing to any text-based conversation anywhere on the Internet,' explains Chairman Patrick Gorman. 'Socrates OnDemand will make the conversations more impactful by asking people to think at a deeper level, and more companies will now hear the voice of the consumer in their own thoughtful words.'

Web sites: www.quester.com and www.SocratesOnDemand.com .