Week in Review: November 21, 2003

RightNow Technologies has announced plans to double its European field organization in response to a growing demand for its customer service and support solutions. This expansion follows RightNow's earlier announcement of its plans to double its North American field organization. RightNow says it will also commit additional resources to expand its PRISM partnership program that supports VARs and systems integrators who sell and deploy RightNow's solutions in Europe. SSA Global announced this week it will offer ongoing support for its recently acquired Baan solutions and outlined a product roadmap into the future. Incorporating feedback from existing customers, the initiative includes enhancements, extensions, a new thin client user interface for existing Baan IV and Baan ERP 5 product lines and a commitment to the delivery of the next generation ERP platform SSA Baan ERP 6, the company says. Deals of the Week ACCPAC International, a subsidiary of Computer Associates, announced this week that CRMworldclass LLC, a global consortium of CRM-focused value-added resellers, has selected ACCPAC CRM as the principal CRM offering for its business clients. ePeople, a provider of customer interaction management solutions, announced that Network Appliance, a provider of enterprise network storage solutions, has chosen ePeople Teamwork to solve customer support issues. Executive Changes Brian Sommer has joined Aberdeen Group as vice president of field research services. Prior to joining Aberdeen, Sommer founded TechVentive, a technology consultancy. Best Software today announced the appointment of Jon Van Duyne to the position of senior vice president and general manager of the Best Software CRM Solutions Business Unit. Van Duyne previously served as managing director for Sage CRM Solutions, which markets Best Software's CRM solutions in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Surebridge, a provider of outsourced CRM solutions for mid-market companies, announced the promotion of David Boulet to vice president of its Microsoft Business Solutions Group. Boulet most recently served as director of value added services for the company.