Convio teams with salesforce on new database platform.(BUSINESS BRIEFS)

The buzz about a new database program built by Convio on a salesforce platform was unveiled. Code named Aikido, it's an open, Web-based constituent relationship management (CRM) system for tracking all constituent interactions across all channels, online and offline.

Built on Salesforce.com's Force.com platform, the product offers an on-demand solution that integrates with other open systems to provide tools. Currently deployed by selected nonprofit organizations, the product is expected to be generally available in the second haft of 2008. Convio declined to discuss pricing for the product.

According to Gene Austin, CEO of Convio, the program provides:

* Feature rich donor management and gift tracking capabilities, as well as advocacy and volunteer management features;

* A single view of constituents and better management of all interactions be they online or offline;

* A system built on an open technology platform, Force.com, for greater flexibility and more highly customizable features.

There is access to numerous third-party applications available from the Salesforce.com AppExchange marketplace, Salesforce.com partners and Convio Fusion partners who provide a wide range of consulting, implementation and other services. There currently is not an accounting function but the application can be adapted via custom programming.

Salesforce.com is the market and technology leader in Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) with more than 43,600 customers. Aikido capitalizes on the enthusiastic reception to the Salesforce.com Foundation's version of the Sales-force CRM application for nonprofits, which has been deployed by more than 3,500 organizations, according to Austin.

"Using the Force.com Platform, Convio has developed a cost-effective and full-featured solution tailored to the specific needs of nonprofits," said Clarence So, chief marketing officer at Salesforce.com. "Convio's Aikido Charter Program is testament to the power of the Force.com Platform in enabling Software-as-a-Service pioneers to quickly build and deploy next-generation solutions to their customers."

For more information visit: www.convio.com/crm

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