EnterpriseWizard releases customizable CRM

EnterpriseWizard this week is releasing the 2.0 version of its CRM application, a product built on top of its SaaSWizard Web application development platform and designed to be easily customizable.

EnterpriseWizard 2.0 employs templates and drag-and-drop-style customization of tables and fields through a browser-based interface. Users can also define business rules, sketch out workflows, and generate reports. Other new features include an improved search engine and the ability to automatically transmit information from a client computer when a trouble ticket is sent out.

The SaaSWizard platform represents "man-centuries of development," rather than the man-hours usually used as a measure, according to CEO Colin Earl. But EnterpriseWizard is not alone in offering end-users the ability to change its application. SAP's recently unveiled CRM 2007 product features an Web 2.0-style interface that users can manipulate to their liking.

A difference lies in EnterpriseWizard's underlying business model. Earl said his company is looking to partner with systems integrators and value-added resellers. The company hopes they will use the core SaaSWizard platform to create and sell customized applications -- both CRM and other types -- to customers in vertical industries.

"Our vision is not to build these products ourselves," he said.

Many on-demand software companies have the wrong idea, he argued. "What I see happening in the market is the SaaS vendors have a direct sales model, and they are effectively trying to take the whole pie for themselves. I think this is a strategic mistake," he said.

While the J2EE-based product is available on demand, it is also possible to deploy it on an internal server, a fact that drew a nod from one close observer of the CRM scene.

"Generally, the fact they offer both on-premise and SaaS is great -- we feel customers like the choice of being able to move seamlessly between the two environments, assuming the two products are functionally the same," China Martens, an analyst with the 451 Group, said via e-mail.

"It's impressive they've retained high-end customers over years such as Chevron and have a bit under 400 customers in total," she added. "If they do want to garner more attention amid the plethora of their competition, we'd expect them to seek some VC funding, also advice from VCs as to how to best grow their business."

The company has about 40 employees and financially is "very healthy" these days, according to Earl, though he acknowledges that the years spent developing SaaSWizard were "pretty lean."

EnterpriseWizard costs $65 per staff user per month for the hosted product, and $950 per staff user if it is purchased outright on Linux, with unlimited end-user access, according to a spokesman. The company also offers the software for purchase on Windows or Solaris for about $1,150 per staff user.

End-users have limited capabilities, including the ability to submit and update their own records, whereas staff users -- such as sales representatives -- have a more sophisticated interface and can gain the ability to change records from other users, the spokesman said.