PeopleSoft Acquires Annuncio Assets

PeopleSoft Inc., the Pleasanton, Calif.-based Internet business software provider, today announced an agreement to purchase the intellectual property and certain assets of Mountain View, Calif.-based Annuncio Software Inc.

Annuncio’s marketing automation solution for email and web customer interaction, combined with PeopleSoft’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution, will enable companies to automate and personalize online customer business interactions a single integrated CRM solution.

PeopleSoft says this functionality will allow its customers to perform marketing campaigns over the Web using online dialog and personalized conversations with customers.

This dialog marketing capability automatically coordinates personalized interactions with customers through email, Web links, banner ads and direct mail.

PeopleSoft argues that companies can increase customer response rates through combining these personalized online communication channels with traditional marketing channels such as direct mail and telemarketing.

“This acquisition demonstrates PeopleSoft’s continued commitment to expand our pure internet customer relationship management (CRM) solution,” says PeopleSoft Senior Vice President and CRM General Manager Stan Swete.

“The expanded functionality will enable companies to build loyal customer relationships, increase revenue, and communicate more effectively through more interactive media — where costs can be lower, more information can be conveyed, and more personalized offers and promotions can be delivered,” he explains.

“PeopleSoft has made another smart acquisition in its drive to build its technology portfolio,” says Joshua Greenbaum, principal, Enterprise Applications Consulting, Daly City, Calif.

“Combining Annuncio’s software with PeopleSoft CRM extends PeopleSoft’s base of functionality and increases its competitiveness in the market.”

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of Annuncio’s stockholders. Stockholders holding sufficient shares to approve the acquisition have agreed to vote in favor. The acquisition is scheduled to close during the first quarter of 2002.

Annuncio was founded in 1997 and is a privately held company.