December 17, 2004

NEWS Aastra Technologies Limited has announced that it will acquire the EADS Enterprise Telephony Business. The latter supplies communications systems and networks based on technologies that include IP telephony, multimedia applications, and call centers. The net cash consideration, which is subject to customary closing adjustments, will be about E72.5 million. The transaction is expected to close in the first calendar quarter of 2005.
NetSuite has announced the availability of multicurrency credit card processing for its e-commerce customers through the company's integration with WorldPay, part of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Now NetSuite e-commerce customers can accept credit card payments in 120 currencies and receive settlement in any of 14 currencies. The feature will allow businesses that use NetSuite to host their e-commerce site and show prices in any currency. Credit card processing is seamlessly integrated into the Web-store checkout process and order-entry NetSuite screens with verification to help protect against fraud. CUSTOMER WINS CommercialWare, a cross-channel commerce infrastructure software provider for retailers, has announced that Bliss, a spa and beauty product company, is deploying CommercialWare's CWDirect, CWStore, CWData, CWAnalytics, and CWIntegrate software for its order management, fulfillment, and point-of-sale needs. The solutions will allow Bliss to manage the retail-transaction life cycle, while creating what the company refers to as channel transparency across customer touch points like its call center, catalog, retail storefronts, and the Web. Vettro, a mobile enterprise applications provider, has announced that Paraco Gas Corporation has deployed Vettro Rainmaker for Salesforce.com across its sales division. With the solution Paraco Gas can more effectively manage its pipeline, respond to leads and customer requests faster, and increase selling time in the field by accessing Salesforce.com via tools like BlackBerry devices. All relevant data captured is updated in Salesforce.com in real time, and additionally, Vettro RainMaker's SmartLog feature automatically records all phone calls and emails launched through the application. NEW PRODUCTS Prophet 21, an enterprise software solution provider for distributors, has announced the availability of CommerceCenter 10.5, a Windows-based, SQL Server solution for distributors. Key features include wireless warehouse management, handheld bin management with PDA integration, vendor quote processing, and improved contact management capabilities. Prophet 21 customer Industrial Supply Company uses CommerceCenter to enhance customer service. "CommerceCenter 10.5 item master inquiry gives us a quicker response time," says Brian Williams, director of IT for Industrial Supply. "It has been a huge time-saver, and has improved our productivity--to be able to go to one screen and click around on different tabs and find everything you need is extremely helpful." ON THE MOVE LRA Worldwide, a consulting and research firm, has announced that Ted Fisch has been hired as director of new business development. Fisch, who most recently served as the director of business development at Fry Inc., an e-business consulting firm, has 17 years of sales and marketing experience in the manufacturing, retail, and interactive industries. Related article: 40 Contact Centers, One Platform