ANTenna Blog -- Hardware & Software

Versata, an IT solutions provider to Fortune 500 and other large companies, has acquired Everest Software, a business management software vendor.

Everest, founded in 1994, is known for providing integrated software that addresses SMBs' operational needs. The company claims to have developed "the first all-in-one small business management solution," providing tools for accounting, inventory management, e-commerce, customer relations management, and more. The capabilities are also offered as a subscription service, Everest On-Demand.

Besides the Advanced all-in-one edition, Everest also offers eStorefront, an e-commerce system that manages dynamic processing, credit card processing, and order tracking. And Everest Point of Sale is software for retail outlets, managing credit card processing, gift certificates, barcode scanners, and more.

Last week, Everest announced that it had been acquired by Versata, a company specializing in working with enterprise IT departments to reduce spending. The company claims its "patented solutions cut IT expenditure by reducing hardware and associated maintenance, leveraging open source technology, and accelerating value delivery to business customers."

Everest will be run as a standalone operation within Versata, with its own customer service team. To begin with, Everest will implement Versata's Customer Success program, which focuses on matching product development to customer priorities.

According to Everest's vice president of marketing, Paul Gallagher, "Versata’s Customer Success program demonstrates a relentless focus on the customer. It will provide dramatic expansion to the Customer Outreach programs that Everest began in 2007. This is an exciting opportunity for our customers and employees."