CRM start-up raises $9 million

Software start-up Proficient Systems said Wednesday that it has raised $9 million in a second round of venture capital financing, bringing total funding raised since its launch in 2000 to $12 million. The Atlanta-based company makes software designed to help companies close sales with online customers. The applications allow salespeople to assist customers browsing on a Web site via online chat, telephony and collaborative browsing.

Proficient Systems said it has also added a new board member, Michel Akkermans, formerly chairman of banking technology company S1. Akkermans, now chief executive of online payment company Clear2Play, also contributed as an investor to the S1's recent round of funding.