March 11, 2005

CUSTOMER WINS FrontRange Solutions has announced that Connecticut Basement Systems is deploying its GoldMine solution to automate several business processes without increasing its staff. Consulting firm SagaSolutions matched GoldMine features with the company's needs, including using GoldMine to schedule appointments, a switch from the company's previous process of using paper-scheduling binders for its 10 mobile salespeople. The solution also allows the company to automate its follow-up service system and its contact management process. IN THE NEWS Open Solutions, an integrated data-processing solution provider for banks and credit unions, has acquired CGI Group's US Services to Credit Unions business unit and its CyberSuite product line for about $24 million in cash. In turn, US Services to Credit Unions will become part of Open Solutions' Core Systems Group. Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories and Veraz Networks, a communication networks provider, have announced integration capabilities. Integrating the Genesys Voice Platform: Network Edition with the Veraz ControlSwitch softswitch platform enables service providers to connect IP-based customer interaction and contact center applications with existing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) interfaces, using Primary Rate Interface (PRI) and SS7 ISDN User Part (ISUP). Additionally, the two companies are working on implementing new connectivity features to further help carriers maximize existing resources. NEW PRODUCTS Epicor Software announced Epicor Vantage HRMS, a solution powered by human resources and payroll software Open4 from BMH, which streamlines organizations' human resources processes, at National Manufacturing Week 2005 in Chicago. Vantage HRMS is available with Epicor Vantage, an end-to-end manufacturing system, is equipped with built-in workflows that manage the entire order cycle. Also at National Manufacturing Week, SYSPRO, an enterprise software provider for manufacturers and distributors, announced enhancements to its SYSPRO Collection solution for small to midsize manufacturers and distributors. The Collection Module features the ability to assign overdue invoices to collections based on the customer, customer class, location, or branch, and a screen that captures Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) credit information and creates monthly ageing reports to submit to D&B on each account that D&B checks have been obtained. ON THE MOVE Rainmaker Systems, an outsource provider of sales and marketing programs for service contracts and lead generation services through Sunset Direct, has announced senior management changes as a result of Rainmaker's February acquisition of Sunset Direct. Rainmaker President Martin Hernandez will depart effective immediately and Michael Silton, Rainmaker CEO, will become president while retaining his post as CEO. Additionally, John Houtsma, formerly CEO of Sunset Direct, will become Rainmaker's vice president of sales; and Edwin Okamura, formerly vice president of marketing of Sunset Direct, will become vice president of marketing, effective immediately, replacing Diane Brundage, formerly Rainmaker's vice president of sales and Mike Davison, formerly Rainmaker's vice president of marketing. Related articles: FrontRange Solutions Previews Its IT Service Management Suite 6 Ways to Maximize Contact Center Profitability Easing the Pain of Integration