Calico Commerce Inc – which changed its name from Calico Technology Inc back in April – has launched a new Java-based application, eSales Loyalty Builder, for building and maintaining customer loyalty online. It has been integrated into Calico’s mainstream eSales Suite. The new application, along with other additions to eSales, are the result of technology Calico acquired from FirstFloor Software Inc, almost exactly a year ago (CI No 3,440).
Calico says the product helps personalize online buying for customers by giving them more control over the process. It uses Calico’s agent technology so that customers view targeted dialogues, post sales information via email, updates and offers. Along with the new product, Calico introduced a software developers kit and eSales Enterprise Connectors, to help customers and developers merge its systems with existing order entry, front office and backoffice enterprise applications from Oracle Corp and others. The SDK includes a set of open APIs for integration through standard Java interfaces.
Other recent additions to eSales include a Configurator product configuration module said to be ten times faster than the original version, an enhanced Quotes module, and increased integration between Configurator, Quotes and the InfoGuide supporting information package, which associates relevant data sheets, reviews and competitive notes to sales quotes.
Calico, based in San Jose, California, recently partnered with Vignette Corp, which calls itself an internet relationship management software company. Vignette’s product is a tool for web designers who want to build customer retention features into their web sites. E-business web hosting service company Asera Inc, of Redwood City, California, has become the first joint customer.
