Oracle Buying NetSuite For $9.3 Billion

Oracle is buying ERP and omnichannel software provider NetSuite in a deal valued at around $9.3 billion, both companies announced.

The move reunites NetSuite CEO Zach Nelson with Oracle chairman Larry Ellison, who co-founded San Mateo, CA-based NetSuite in 1998. Ellison stepped down as NetSuite CEO two years ago.

Oracle CEO Mark Hurd said his company and NetSuite's cloud applications are complimentary.

"We intend to invest heavily in both products — engineering and distribution," Hurd said in a statement.

NetSuite — which reported a 30 percent year-over-year Q2 sales increase — provides cloud-based financials including ERP and omnichannel commerce software suites for distributors, manufacturers and retailers. Its software enables businesses to automate operations, streamline process and access real-time data on-demand.

NetSuite has more than 30,000 customers in more than 100 countries.

"NetSuite will benefit from Oracle's global scale and reach to accelerate the availability of our cloud solutions in more industries and more countries," said NetSuite's Nelson. "We are excited to join Oracle and accelerate our pace of innovation."

The transaction is expected to close this year.

Sonata to acquire Premier United States based Microsoft Dynamics Partner I.B.I.S., Inc.

Sonata Software, a global strategic IT solutions firm, announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the supply chain software and services provider I.B.I.S., Inc. (INTERACTIVE BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC.). Founded in 1989, I.B.I.S., Inc. has a strategic partnership with Microsoft for the Dynamics solution and delivers world-class supply chain solutions, including its proprietary Advanced Supply Chain Software solution. The acquisition of the United States based IBIS will allow Sonata, aBangalore, India based company to accelerate its footprint globally.

Advanced Supply Chain Software™ powered by I.B.I.S., Inc. is a total Dynamics® AX and CRM supply chain solution designed expressly to meet the needs of modern distributors, manufacturers, and retailers. A winning combination of industry supply chain expertise, world-class supply chain software, and 26 years of successful Microsoft Dynamics® implementations has culminated in making IBIS the preferred Microsoft Dynamics® partner and solution provider for distributors and manufacturers worldwide. The company already serves leading US enterprises.

Sonata’s vision is to provide digital transformation solutions to Retail, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), and Distribution companies. Microsoft Dynamics® AX and CRM solutions are being increasingly adopted globally by companies to transform their businesses. Sonata’s expertise, intellectual property, scale, and global presence with Microsoft Dynamics® AX, especially in the retail industry, along with IBIS expertise,intellectual property, and strong local footprint in the US within the distribution industry space will create a powerhouse that caters to Retail, CPG, and Distribution companies globally who want to deploy Microsoft Dynamics®.

Speaking on the occasion, Srikar Reddy, MD & CEO of Sonata Software said, “Sonata has a strong partnership with Microsoft on Dynamics globally. We have a strong footprint in Microsoft Dynamics® based Retail solutions. Together with IBIS, we now have a strong management team, world class Advanced Supply Chain Software™ for distribution companies, a solid referenceable customer base, and a strong and deep partnership with Microsoft in the United States. The marquee customers currently with Sonata and IBIS will both gain from the complementary capabilities we bring to the table.”

Andy Vabulas, founder and CEO, I.B.I.S., Inc. commented, “IBIS is excited to be a part of Sonata, which adds significant scale, a wider geographic footprint, and client base we can now access. We have built IBIS as a company over the past 26 years and believe my team and I have the right partner in Sonata to achieve our vision of a global scale Dynamics organization. Our clients, products, and services will gain from the rich engineering and delivery capability that Sonata has in the Microsoft Dynamics® portfolio. I’m sure this acquisition will enhance our product reach as we will be capable of delivering enhanced services while reaching many more clients globally. Our customers will benefit from the depth and breadth of the products and services that a global company like Sonata brings to the table.”

About Sonata Software

Sonata Software is a global IT services firm focused on catalysing transformational IT initiatives of its clients through deep domain knowledge, technology expertise and customer commitment. The company delivers innovative new solutions for Travel, Retail & Consumer Goods and Software Product Companies by integrating technologies such as Omni-channel commerce, Mobility, Analytics, Cloud and ERP, to drive enhanced customer engagement, operations efficiency and return on IT investments. A trusted long-term service provider to Fortune 500 companies across both the software product development and enterprise business segments, Sonata seeks to add differentiated value to leadership who want to make an impact on their businesses, with IT.

About I.B.I.S., Inc.

Founded in 1989, I.B.I.S., Inc. provides business solutions which enable companies with complex supply chain requirements to maximize their business success. Through a Strategic Developer Partner relationship with Microsoft, the company provides world-class solutions for enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), business intelligence (BI), and application development. I.B.I.S., Inc. specialties include Microsoft Dynamics AX and CRM solutions focused on the supply chain needs of distribution, manufacturing, and retail industries.

IBS Named 2014 Qlik Nordic Rookie Partner of the Year

Ability to drive joint business growth cited as key IBS strength.

International Business Systems, a global supply chain software leader, has recently been named 2014 Nordic Rookie Partner of the Year by Qlik, a leader in visual analytics. The award recognizes IBS' contribution to the Qlik business ecosystem and ability to drive joint business growth on the strength of its industry-leading IBS Analytics solution, a data discovery platform powered by QlikView that makes data actionable for every user. IBS claimed the award during its first full year as an official Qlik OEM partner.

Unlike tools that simply put a new face on the same old data, the IBS Analytics solution optimizes data structures and provides an analytical query engine, interactive user experience, highly graphical interface and collaboration tools to support the way humans naturally search for information. With it, users can explore complex data, detect patterns, share and compare information, and make proactive business decisions using easy-to-navigate dashboards and easy-to-understand visualizations.

"Our partnership with Qlik is just one more demonstration of our commitment to IBS customers to provide the most powerful, productive and results-oriented software in the supply chain industry," said Doug Braun, IBS CEO.  "It is a great honor for us to receive this award, which we consider to be only the first in a long-term relationship that will benefit our mutual customers moving forward."

The Qlik Partner Awards recognize the Qlik partner community for excellence in several categories.

"IBS is an important partner in our go-to-market strategy and helps us extend our leadership in delivering solutions for guided analytics and self-service visualization," said Johan Salenstedt, Vice President of Nordic Sales & Managing Director at Qliktech Nordic AB, and Country Manager at Qlik. "We are proud to acknowledge the achievements made in 2014 by IBS, and look forward to our mutual success in 2015."

About IBS

International Business Systems (IBS) is a leading global integrated ERP, WMS and supply chain distribution software solution provider. For more than 35 years, we have helped customers such as WORLDPAC, Fidelitone, Associated Pharmacies, Inc., GILLIG, Zwilling J.A. Henckels, Miele Inc., Tri Literal LLC, Mighty Auto Parts, Victory Packaging Inc. and many more streamline, automate and accelerate their distribution network processes, and drive profitability and efficiency.

For more information, please visit www.ibs.net or contact:

Renee Truttmann
Chief Marketing Officer
+1 760 201 6243
renee.truttmann@ibs.net

ECi Software Solutions Acquired by The Carlyle Group

Global Alternative Asset Manager to Support ECi’s Growth, Commitment to Small and Medium Size Businesses

 

ECi Software Solutions (www.ECiSolutions.com), a leader in industry‐specific business management and e‐commerce software solutions, announced it has been acquired by global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

 

ECi Software Solutions is a leading provider of industry‐specific business management and e‐commerce software for growing and midsize companies in a broad variety of industries, including office products,office furniture, office equipment, lumber/building materials, hardware, manufacturing, retail distribution and many more. ECi combines technological innovation with a dedicated customer focus to deliver fully integrated solutions that fuel the expansion and efficiency of every aspect of customers’ operations.

 

ʺWe are very happy to partner with The Carlyle Group to continue building our leading industry‐specific business and e‐commerce solutions across a variety of important industries,” said Ron Books, President and CEO of ECi Software Solutions. “Carlyle is committed to investing in ECi as we support the entrepreneurial spirit and profitable growth of small and medium size enterprises. I am confident that with Carlyle, we have made the right choice for the future of our employees, our customers, and our business partners.”

 

Charles Rossotti, Carlyle Operating Executive, said, “ECi has developed a proven and effective capacity to provide small and medium size enterprises with technology solutions that make them competitive with much larger businesses. We believe this capacity is a very special asset for the global economy, in which small businesses generate so much innovation and job growth.”

 

Steve Bailey, Carlyle Managing Director, added, “Carlyle’s investment will enable ECi to continue investing in its great people, delivering exceptional customer service, enhancing the functionality and features of its leading solutions, and expanding its global footprint.”

 

Equity for the investment came from Carlyle U.S. Equity Opportunity Fund, which is a Carlyle fund
focused on middle market investments. Carlyle has a long history of successful investments in leading middle market, industry‐specific application software solutions companies, including Compusearch, serving the government sector; Gemcom, serving the mining sector; Primatics, serving the financial services sector; Quorum, serving the energy sector; RMI, serving the rail sector; and SchoolNet, serving the education sector. Other select middle market investments include Dynamic Precision Group, an aerospace component manufacturer; Philadelphia Energy Solutions (formerly Sunoco Refinery); Service King, the third largest collision repair multi‐shop operator in the United States; and Worldstrides, a provider of educational student travel programs.

 

ECi was advised by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and Harris Williams & Co., and Carlyle was advised by Latham & Watkins LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

 

About ECi
The ECi Software Solutions family of companies provides business and e‐commerce solutions, offering onpremise and cloud‐based technologies. For 30+ years, ECi’s companies have served the manufacturing, office equipment, office supplies, contract office furniture, lumber and building materials, hardware and janitorial/sanitation sectors. Privately held, ECi is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, USA, with offices and companies throughout the U.S., Australia, England and the Netherlands. For information, email info@ecisolutions.com, visit www.ECiSolutions.com, or call (800) 959‐3367.
 

ECI

Traci Johnson, SVP Global Corporate Marketing

800‐959‐3367 x23276

tjohnson@ecisolutions.com

 

About The Carlyle Group
The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) is a global alternative asset manager with approximately $189 billion of assets under management across 118 funds and 100 fund of funds vehicles as of December 31, 2013.  Carlyleʹs purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, many of whom are public pensions. Carlyle invests across four segments – Corporate Private Equity, Real Assets, Global Market Strategies and Solutions – in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America. Carlyle has expertise in various industries, including: aerospace, defense & government services, consumer & retail, energy, financial services, healthcare, industrial, real estate, technology & business services, telecommunications & media and transportation. The Carlyle Group employs more than 1,500 people in 34 offices across six continents.

The Carlyle Group
Elizabeth Gill
+1-202-729-5385
Elizabeth.gill@carlyle.com

Demand Management Incorporates Business Intelligence into Demand Solutions DSX Platform

New Capabilities Help Companies Add Value Across the Enterprise

Demand Management Inc., a leading global resource for supply chain management solutions, has announced the availability of business intelligence (BI) functionality within its Demand Solutions DSX platform. The solution now incorporates native BI into its data tables to let users mine and share data efficiently across the supply chain.

“A common complaint among supply chain planners is that the most useful data lives in spreadsheets scattered across the business,” says Bill Harrison, president of Demand Management. “We’ve created a multidimensional cube that lets all stakeholders extract data from systems throughout the supply chain and work with that data through an intuitive web-based front end. By deciding which information they want to see and developing a meaningful view of it, users can learn more about their own businesses and make decisions that incorporate this knowledge.”

The BI functionality within Demand Solutions DSX is delivered by way of Foundation Analytical Packs that are available for the apparel, consumer packaged goods, energy, food and beverage, wholesale distribution, pharmaceutical and biotech, and general manufacturing and service parts industries. Users can leverage the best practices built into these packs to get their analytics activities up and running, but can also configure the packs over time to reflect the needs of their individual businesses.

“Our Foundation Analytical Packs are designed to save companies time and money,” says Harrison. “They incorporate Demand Management’s many years of experience working with customers in each of seven different vertical markets. We’ve done all the hard work of building the reports and linking them to our database so that customers can spend more time analyzing their results and taking decisive action.”

In particular, Harrison hopes supply chain planners who are frustrated at having to build their own reports will investigate Demand Management’s new functionality. These features can eliminate the need for planners to write reports.

“You shouldn’t have to implement your own analytics tools around your supply chain planning solution,” Harrison remarks. “Our BI functionality relieves this burden by providing complete drill-down capabilities from summary information into potential issues and opportunities. Ask us how it can help you extend your supply chain planning beyond the ‘how, when, and where’ stage and into running your entire business more effectively.”

About Demand Management, Inc.

Demand Management, Inc. is a leading global supply chain planning software company that offers affordable, easy-to-use tools for manufacturers and distributors who want to increase forecast accuracy, improve customer service levels and reduce overall inventory to maximize profits and lower costs. The company offers the Demand Solutions supply chain planning suite for forecast management, demand planning, collaborative forecasting and inventory planning as well as modules for advanced planning and scheduling (APS), sales and operations planning (S&OP) and point of sale analysis. Demand Management, Inc. has over 25 years of experience working with supply chain professionals and has incorporated best practices and real-world business requirements in its software from its extensive customer base in 76 countries. Demand Solutions customers include Lonely Planet, Trek Bicycle and Avery Dennison. Demand Management is a wholly owned subsidiary of Logility, Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Software (NASDAQ: AMSWA).

For more information, please visit www.demandsolutions.com.

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Launch

You want a powerful, agile, simple enterprise resource planning solution for your business. Microsoft has got it for you: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012.

It's launching September 8, 2011, and we'd like you to be a part of it. Register today to join the global virtual launch from the comfort of your home or office. You'll see the new product up close, hear from customers, and learn how Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 can meet your business needs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MICROSOFT DYNAMICS AX 2012