Comparative Analysis and Web-based Decision Tool Help Marketers Gain Expertise in Today's Marketing Automation Technologies and Manage the Capital Risks Associated With Implementation.

Business Editors

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 26, 2000

Quaero LLC, specialists in Customer Relationship Management (CRM), today announced the introduction of a Comparative Analysis and a Web-based Decision Tool to guide marketers in the evaluation and selection of marketing automation and campaign management software.

The software included in the study is instrumental in today's target marketing technologies using e-mail, the Web, and direct mail. Acquisition of these technologies typically requires significant research and a large capital investment that could reach $1 million. This new study is aimed at significantly reducing research and minimizing capital risks. The combined solution will be available for purchase in May at a price of $4,500.

The Comparative Analysis is the most comprehensive of its kind, and the first independent study to provide a thorough and objective analysis and direct comparisons on the basis of functionality, flexibility and price. "Unlike other studies in the market, our study is not sponsored by specific vendors and is the first to offer an independent, unbiased view of marketing automation and campaign management software," said Quaero's Director of Research Kathie Harper.

The bound report features over 30 leading marketing automation tools. In the first stage of the analysis, information was collected from the vendors through published sources and interviews, and was evaluated based on 85 functional criteria elements and 13 company criteria elements. In the second stage, selected tools underwent an analysis that included reference interviews with users and in-house testing that simulated real-world application.

The companion Web-based Decision Tool is unique in that it allows managers to customize the analysis. It provides managers access to real-time information and data used in the Comparative Analysis and the ability to weight criteria based on specific needs. Users simply point-and-click on those attributes important to their organization, and the Decision Tool provides a customized solution. The Decision Tool is accessed over the Internet and does not require special software.

Quaero's study responds to a growing trend in the marketplace. "Marketing professionals are being asked to make tremendous capital investment decisions regarding marketing automation tools," said Quaero founder and CEO Naras V. Eechambadi, Ph.D. Advances in technology and changes in consumer behavior are today driving companies to embrace CRM as a critical strategic focus. Capital investments in CRM technology are growing at an annual compounded rate of 54 percent and customer management software sales are predicted to grow from $1.9 billion in 1998 to $11.5 billion in 2002, according to analysts at Forrester and AMR Research. Nevertheless, many marketers have been slow to implement key technologies, citing a lack of knowledge and fear of costs and implementation difficulties, according to a recent study commissioned by the Direct Marketing Association. "This is why we initiated the study. We've completed the marketer's research and we've taken a great deal of the risk out of the decision," said Eechambadi.

The Comparative Analysis and Web-based Decision Tool will be available for purchase in May. Orders are accepted at Quaero's web site (quaero-corp.com/crm3), by telephone [phone]), or by facsimile (704/414-2195).

The Comparative Analysis and Web-based Decision Tool are the development of Quaero Answers(SM), the research and education group of Quaero LLC. Its researchers help ensure that Quaero's clients are kept abreast of new marketing trends and related technologies. "The primary goal of Quaero Answers is to provide our clients the kind of knowledge that empowers them to take decisive action," said Harper. Quaero Answers serves as the exclusive developer and trainer for CRM educational programs for the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) of New York.

The following software vendors are included in Quaero's study:

1. Amyyon
2. Annuncio
3. Aprimo, Inc.
4. Broadbase Software, Inc.
5. Ceres Integrated Solutions
6. ClickAction, Inc.
7. Database Connection, Inc.
8. Decision Software, Inc.
9. eGain Communications Corp.
10. E.piphany, Inc.
11. FloNetwork, Inc.
12. Group 1 Software
13. Harte-Hanks, Inc.
14. iLux Corporation
15. Kana
16. Lodgistics.com, Inc.
17. MessageMedia
18. NCR
19. Nestor
20. Net Perceptions
21. OpenSourceCRM
22. Oracle
23. Personify, Inc.
24. Prime Response
25. Primus
26. Recognition Systems
27. Responsys.com
28. Siebel Systems, Inc.
29. Trilogy
30. Unica
31. WiredEmpire
32. Xchange, Inc.

About Quaero LLC

Quaero is a Charlotte-based firm that helps businesses translate customer data into a systematic Customer Relationship Management (CRM) program. Quaero's technical, analytical and marketing professionals specialize in creating effective one-to-one dialog for customer acquisition, retention and expansion. The company is comprised of three groups: research and education, professional services and a marketing service provider.

Quaero's clients are among the world's most innovative companies, including CFN (Consumer Financial Network) (YouDecide.com) (Nasdaq:IIXL), LendingTree.com (Nasdaq:TREE), Lycos (Nasdaq:LCOS), Merck-Medco Managed Care, LLC (NYSE:MRK), priceline.com (Nasdaq:PCLN), SciQuest.com (Nasdaq:SQST), Sears Roebuck (NYSE:S), The Limited, Inc. (NYSE:LTD), The Motley Fool (Fool.com) and Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC).

For more information, telephone Christopher Albertson at Quaero 704/414-0200 or visit quaero-corp.com.