ATG Unveils Version 6 of CRM Software

ATG6, currently in beta, offers improved functionality for ATG Commerce, ATG Portal and the ATG Relationship Management Platform. The software maker added key features to the platform as well, such as ATG Publishing for accelerating the creation, approval and maintenance of the assets such as catalogs, promotions and service information. New modules also include ATG Analytics, which provides analysis for sales trends and user behavior patterns, and ATG Search, which offers rapid access to online product and self-service information.

"We're adding modules to makes the solutions more cost-effective and easier to deploy," said Fumi Matsumoto, vice president of technology at ATG. "Our customers can't wait 12 to 18 months for CRM."

Also new to the platform the ATG Integrations module, which helps connect ATG solutions to enterprises systems powered by rival CRM software makes such as Siebel Systems and SAP.

ATG last year decided to phase out its application server business and instead focus on its CRM and e-business platform. The company began selling its CRM software on application servers other than its own Dynamo product and has since found success by partnering with IBM and BEA Systems. In addition, Web-based CRM applications have been well-received by enterprises looking for less-costly CRM solutions that are easier and quicker to deploy than traditional client server software.

"Our vision has been online CRM," Matsumoto said. "A lot of large CRM vendors are getting into online CRM and building applications that run on the Web, even though they may not have a true online product."

Most parts of ATG6 will be released in the fourth quarter this year, Matsumoto said, with the remaining components launching in the first quarter of 2003. ATG is hoping the newest version of its platform will resonate with partners. The company has made efforts to build its channel and increase indirect sales.

"We're seeing record sales numbers from the channel," Matsumoto said. "Our goal is to get 15 percent of sales from resellers before the end of the year, and we think the interest is there."