CRM Market Awards
The CRM Market Awards are organized early (in 2008 it will be the 7th consecutive year) by the destinationCRM magazine, awards being published in September.
Infusion User Conference 2008
Infusion Software announced Infusion User Conference 2008, the 3rd annual CRM conference that is organized only for the clients of the Infusion CRM program. The event will have as attendees keynote speakers, Infusion CRM experts that will provide tips and tricks for successfully using Infusion CRM and the clients themselves, which makes a good opportunity for new networking events.
Oracle CRM On Demand 15
Oracle released on March 11, 2008 version 15 of its successful CRM On Demand solution. Release 15 of CRM On Demand introduces several powerful crm enhancements, such as the new social CRM feature that enriches social networking and collaboration. This really brings Oracle® CRM On Demand more into the Web 2.0 world, given that it already has end user customization options such as widget and gadget creation, that can be integrated into online portals (iGoogle, MyYahoo!, Bloglines) - this way users can access important CRM information (such as contacts and accounts) via web portals.
Convergence 2008 announcements
Convergence is a CRM event organized by Microsoft to present the latest improvements in Microsoft Dynamics, as well as future directions for the CRM business. Convergence gathers Microsoft Dynamics partners, customers and CRM experts providing a way to discuss the role of Dynamics in satisfying business needs. Convergence 2008 edition was held in Orlando on March 12 and had over 9,600 attendees from 65 countries, which makes it one of the most important crm event (tied to Microsoft Dynamics though). This years' edition was marked by the speech of Steve Ballmer and the announcements made regarding the future direction of Microsoft Dynamics.
Microsoft Dynamics Community contest
Microsoft launched the Dynamics Community, that comprises individual crm blogs, crm forums a way to network via the Microsoft Dynamics Connect Beta for Facebook (you can put your business card on Facebook) and also read articles posted by the Microsoft Dynamics team. To promote the Dynamics Community, Microsoft launched a contest, Cash In with Microsoft Dynamics, that ends on June 30, 2008. When you register for the Microsoft Dynamics Community you will be automatically entered to win Bose headphones, a Sony digital camera, a Bose stereo, Tumi luggage, an American Express Gift Cheque, and an all-inclusive trip for two to Las Vegas. The good part is that the contest is open to non-US residents too, and prize drawings are held twice a month starting April 1, 2008 with the grand prize drawing on June 30, 2008. Semi-monthly prizes are awarded by random drawing. The grand prize is awarded to the Dynamics Community member with the most points on June 30, 2008.
SugarCRM wins Infoworld's BOSSIE award for CRM
InfoWorld published the winners for the second edition of the BOSSIE awards. This is an annual event where InfoWorld's Test Center editors, analysts and reviewers choose from their nominees the best of the open source world. Over 60 winning open source products where selected from eight categories:
- Collaboration (mail/calendar, wiki, and social networking)
- Developer tools (such as AJAX and rich Internet apps, Web service testing tools and version control programs)
- Enterprise applications (ERP, CRM, BI and reporting)
- Networking (server monitoring, routing, Wi-Fi scanning, and VoIP software)
- Platforms and middleware (perating systems, databases, virtualization, and SOA integration)
- Productivity applications (such as office suites and 3-D modeling programs)
- Security (firewall, IDS, disk encryption, and security testing)
- Storage (monitoring and administration, backup, and NAS)
Sage Software launches beta program for ACT! for Palm OS 3.0
Sage Software announced a beta program for the upcoming ACT! for Palm OS 3.0. The beta program will run for 2 weeks, during which testers will be required to install the product, test and report any functionality issues. Once the beta program is finished, the active beta testers will receive a license for ACT! for Palm OS 3.0 and an ACT! 2008 or ACT! Premium 2008 license as a bonus.
Read more: Sage Software launches beta program for ACT! for Palm OS 3.0