Clarify acquires Newtonian Software
Front office software maker Clarify acquires Newtonian Software, a developer of interactive selling systems, in hopes to boost the delivery of its eFrontOffice suite.
Clarify said the acquisition will enhance its eFrontOffice suite of Web-based software that is intended to help businesses automate selling, customer service, and marketing needs. The suite has been generally available since April.
Recently, Clarify's chief executive Tony Zingale said Clarify will move quickly to market the Web-based suite--which will enable salespeople to use both the Internet and traditional sales force automation selling tools. The company competes against No. 1 customer relationship software maker Siebel Systems and Vantive in the front office market.
This is the first acquisition the company has made to help build its Web-based suite, Zingale said in an interview with CNET News.com.
Newtonian's interactive sales software enables users to track sales, price products, help configure items, and match products with appropriate services.
Under the deal, Zingale said there won't be any forced relocation of Newtonian's employees. Newtonian's facilities in Raleigh, North Carolina, will remain open, he said.
Newtonian's founder and chief executive Chaz Henry will join Clarify as vice president within its sales organization.
The deal is scheduled to close next month. Clarify said it expects the Newtonian acquisition will not impact 1999 earnings.