September 13, 2005

NEW PRODUCTS Concerto Software is extending its VoIP functionality in several principal products, with new releases scheduled to be launched in the next two quarters. The releases will include support for SIP to connect the agent to the contact center and the contact center to the network. In addition, Aspect Communications, recently acquired by Concerto Software, is celebrating its 20th anniversary as a provider of enterprise customer contact solutions. To celebrate, Aspect has launched the Anniversary Edition of Aspect Call Center. New enhancements include improved call routing, a new user interface, and configuring resources. WebTrends has launched WebPosition 4, which now offers the insight to optimize a Web site's relevancy with search engines to achieve higher organic search positions that drive greater numbers of qualified visitors. The reporting environment in WebPosition 4 was completely redesigned, introducing a dashboard view of critical metrics, enhanced visibility reports on paid and organic engines, and new trending capabilities. Surado Solutions released Surado Small Business CRM. The solution includes all the features of Surado CRM 5.0 Enterprise, plus intuitive design for fast user adoption, rapid installation in under 30 days, Dynamic Workflow, dashboards, and integration with Microsoft Project. Oracle announced the availability of Telecommunications Billing Integrator, an application that allows communication service providers to integrate Oracle CRM applications with third-party billing systems. The design eliminates the need to develop customized integration solutions. IN THE NEWS Green Beacon Solutions has added ERP and accounting systems services to its portfolio of service offerings. The new services will focus on the needs of enterprises. Services being offered include new system implementation, system upgrades, system optimization, add-on modules, reporting, integration, and training. ON THE MOVE Business Objects has named John Schwartz CEO. Founder Bernard Liautaud will continue as chairman of the board and assumes the new role of CSO, focusing on longterm vision and strategy. Schwartz now leads the Business Objects team and reports to the board of directors. "I have the unique opportunity to join a company with leading market share and tremendous momentum," Schwartz said in a written statement. In addition, the company named Pat Wynne vice president and general manager, Asia Pacific. Wynne will be responsible for sales and operation for Asia Pacific, China, and Japan. CDC Software has named Rick Marquardt president of Pivotal, the CRM division of CDC Software. ClientLogic has appointed Dale Salville executive vice president of corporate services. He will be directly responsible for the strategy and direction of ClientLogic's global human resources and IT functions. Sento has named Tam Bevan the company's new vice president of human resources. Bevan will oversee all human resource efforts. Related articles: Concerto Gains a New Aspect Pivotal and CDC to Merge WebTrends' 7.5 Includes a Recipe for Cookie Cutters