Click-to-call

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Click-to-call (CTC) refers to the process of converting web-based traffic into direct telephony communication between an end user and some other entity. CTC processes vary depending upon platforms, but there are two general styles of CTC. The first style uses the computer to complete the call (typically PC-based VoIP.) Another style of CTC is the callback, where a user enters their phone number and an intermediary service connects the end user to the merchant or other respective third party. In this implementation, these services tend to be more of an automatic dialing service than an actual "click-to-call".

When a user is browsing using a mobile phone, CTC features tend to be more literal. Phone numbers are highlighted in the same manner a hyperlink would be. Clicking the phone number begins the calling process.

One significant benefit of click-to-call providers is that it allows companies to monitor when online visitors change from the website to a phone sales channel.

In August 2006, the Wall Street Journal reported a joint effort by eBay and Google which would offer CTC, but Google issued a statement by October 7, 2006, which said Google had reconsidered. The project was shelved.^{[citation needed]}

In November 2006, Google experimented with a callback process in its Google Maps product but eventually removed the feature [1]. As of January 2008, Google is testing click-to-call for businesses listed in search result pages [2].