Calico Releases Suite For Web Selling

Calico Technology Inc. rolled out a new version of its eSales Suite today that will help companies guide customers through Web sales, making it simpler for customers to customize the products they're buying.

With the new version, Calico extends interactive capabilities to the customer that were available only to sales representatives in previous versions. For instance, eSales Suite contains a configurator module that helps match product features to customer requirements. Previously, that required a sales representative in a call center or using a notebook computer to enter information.

The company says the technology will help customers initiate accurate sales transactions over the Web. For instance, if a computer company such as Gateway, a Calico customer, lets customers configure their own computers on its Web site using typical E-commerce software, the user could ask for features that are not meant to go together. When the computer arrives, it could end up misconfigured and non-functioning, a problem that can cost vendors millions of dollars. The new Web version of Calico Configurator would guide users through the process and alert them if parts are incompatible.

eSales' other modules similarly guide the buying process. eSales Catalog pushes appropriate information such as product datasheets and product reviews to customers as they order products, and eSales Quote provides immediate price quotations for selected products, then enters that price into an order-entry system if the customer decides to buy the product. eSales Workbench, for the IT organization, helps a company set up business logic and models for the products it sells.

ESales Suite is available immediately. Pricing for a typical implementation starts at $250,000.