June 24, 2005

IN THE NEWS Merced Systems has joined the Genesys InterWorks Partner Program, through which Merced will develop tightly integrated analytical applications with Genesys' products and make them available to Genesys customers. Joint customers will have access to contact center interaction data from Genesys products, making it easier to measure and manage operational performance, according to Merced. SAP AG has acquired Lighthammer Software Development, a privately held supplier of enterprise manufacturing intelligence and collaborative manufacturing software. The acquisition will deliver value through improved manufacturing performance with rapid time-to-value for SAP's customers, the company says. Lighthammer's Collaborative Manufacturing Suite will be delivered as an SAP xApps composite application on the SAP NetWeaver platform. WorkforceLogic has entered into a software licensing agreement with Comensura, the BPM arm of the Corporate Services Group Holdings. By integrating WorkforceLogic's software into its implementation and operational methodologies, Comensura will enable its customers to reduce operational costs and increase visibility and control of their contingent or non-permanent employees, according to WorkforceLogic. Cingular has added Antenna Software as a partner in its Data Solutions Providers Program. Antenna is now certified and available for Cingular users. By teaming Antenna's software with Cingular's GSM/GPRS/EDGE voice and data network coverage, customers will enjoy greatly expanded options in provisioning their wireless workforce, according to Antenna. NEW PRODUCTS Avaya and XO Communications are collaborating to offer a suite of communications solutions that combine applications, hardware, and service for SMBs. XO Communications is offering the solutions through XO One, the company's managed services division, which provides bundled tools that combine customer premise equipment, networking, and professional services. XO will bundle Avaya solutions with XO network services. Multisite customers will have a single provider and bill. CUSTOMER WINS NetSuite has announced a 1,000-user implementation by U.K.-based Opal Telecom, NetSuite's largest customer win deal to date. Opal Telecom's decision to standardize on NetSuite is based on factors including NetSuite CRM+ functionality, which offers order management and partner relationship management. Opal Telecom's entire partner and retail network eventually will be able to tap into NetSuite over the Internet to create the orders. ON THE MOVE Knova Software has named Tom Muise CFO, effective June 23. Prior to coming to Knova Muise served as CFO and vice president of operations for Embrace Networksand as CFO and vice president of finance of Solopoint. BearingPoint has named Connie Weaver executive vice president and CMO. Weaver will have global responsibility for the company's marketing, branding, investor relations, and communications. She comes from AT&T, where she served as executive vice president of public relations, marketing, and brand. FrontRange Solutions has appointed Jim O'Gara as vice president of business development, and named Paul Stedman vice president of professional services. O'Gara has more than 28 years of experience in sales, channel sales, alliance development, and executive management. Stedman has more than 21 years of consulting, strategy, sales, software development, and leadership experience. Related articles: Knova's New Resolutions Talk Amongst Yourselves Avaya's new, enhanced call center products use SIP capabilities and instant messaging to immediately help agents help themselves. SAP Snatches Up Competitive Talent