IVR is interactive voice response. IVR solution uses pre-recorded voice prompts and menus to present information and options to callers, and touch-tone telephone keypad entry to gather responses.

IVR technology does not require human interaction over the telephone as the user's interaction with the database is predetermined by what the IVR system will allow the user access to.

For example, banks and credit card companies use IVR systems so that their customers can receive up-to-date account information instantly and easily without having to speak directly to a person.

IVR can also be used to gather information, as in the case of telephone surveys in which the user is prompted to answer questions by pushing the numbers on a touch-tone telephone.