Software Technology Insight from Touch Ahead Software LLC

Applications and the Cloud: An Ideal Union

2010-08-19T14:45:00.001-04:00

Network World published an article about the rise of SaaS implementation, based on a study by Gartner. The article states that “More than 95 percent of organizations expect to maintain or grow their use of software as a service (SaaS).” Clearly there are a lot of organizations discovering how to maximize the Cloud for their needs.

However, there are some skeptics who are very leery of implementing a SaaS solution.

The good news is that there are numerous benefits to using a hosted application or SaaS that just aren’t available with traditional software.

Automatic Updates

When using a hosted application, you don’t have to worry about updates that are standard with standalone software. I can’t tell you how many times I have logged onto my PC to see that another one of my programs has another update available. Even worse is when my operating system updates my computer, then tells me I have 15 minutes to restart or it will do it for me (I usually postpone it for an hour but I digress). A SaaS solution will automatically update itself at the host’s end, meaning you don’t have to waste time waiting for the program to upgrade itself.

Data Backup

One of the strongest attributes SaaS has in comparison to desktop based software is the fact that your data is continually backed up. If your computer crashes, or your laptop has to get sent off for repairs, you can still access all of your data because the SaaS operates over the internet. The mobility of SaaS is perfect for those who travel frequently. Updates made across the country will show up when you log on back at home.

The Bottom Line

Hosted applications have some incredible benefits. I’m not saying ditch all of your current programs for SaaS solutions, but at least consider SaaS the next time you find yourself window shopping in the software department.

Implementing CRM Solutions Without A Staff Overhaul

2010-08-13T14:16:00.002-04:00

I came across David Taber’s article in CIO titled “The CRM Talent Shortage: Here, Now” and agreed with some of his points, but there were some things he said that struck a chord with me. The article talks about how there is currently a shortage of CRM talent, and due to the fluctuating economy CRM professionals are hard to come by.

According to Taber, “there’s [an] increasing demand for external staff and consultants.” He also says that the vacant openings include “system administrators, operations types, data analysts, and power users.”

I have to say, I disagree.

Before you even look into outside support for you CRM solution, before you even consider implementing a CRM solution, you need to find a CRM that is easy to use. You can’t waste valuable time and money dealing with a complex application.

Ease of use allows for a smooth user adoption experience. CRM is all about having information available, easily, and right at your fingertips.

A point Taber mentioned that I do agree with is about growing your own talent.

“Grow your own talent, investing a junior technical person to give them CRM and business domain knowledge.”

I’m going to take this point one step further and say that not only should your CRM solution be easy to use, it needs to be easy to learn. Complex tasks should be limited. Yes, your organization should have a trained professional on staff or readily available for support needs. However, education should not stop with the initial introduction of the CRM solution. Your organization should provide ongoing CRM education to make sure the CRM application is being used to its fullest potential.

Make sure you review all of your options before selecting a CRM solution. Don’t just assume you need an entire team to maintain your organization’s CRM. Implementing an easy to use, easy to learn CRM will help you quickly and efficiently train your current team to help streamline your business processes, without wasting valuable time and resources.

The Benefits of Mobile CRM

2010-06-17T13:08:00.003-04:00

How Deployment of Mobile CRM Can Help Your Business

Because pads of paper aren't enough!

Chances are that your employees already use a smartphone such as a BlackBerry for work. With the ease of mobility and the convenient size of the smartphone and other web-enabled handheld devices, why not choose to make your CRM application accessible on there, as well? Employees who work remotely are able to access client data in a matter of seconds with mobile CRM.

Mobile CRM can be very helpful to your team. Many businesses have employees on-the-go, and yours could very well be one of them. What's surprising is that not as many businesses as you may think have taken advantage of mobile CRM - which is an opportunity for your business to get ahead.

The ability to access client data and manage complex business relationships while out of the office is invaluable. Why not take advantage of the opportunity to increase productivity while improving organization and communication?

Using a CRM application that has mobile capabilities helps you to stay on top of data entry. For example, if you just met with a client, and you agree to set a date for another meeting, you have your CRM at your fingertips. With some solutions that have Outlook and calendaring integrated, you could immediately check what dates and times work for you and enter the appointment right then and there. This decreases the chances that you will forget about your future meeting or forget to put it on your calendar. Many CRM applications allow you to enter your points of contact with a person, whether it is a meeting, phone call, or E-mail. Mobile CRM allows you to enter this information instantly before you get back to the office and while the information is still fresh in your mind.

Mobile CRM is an easy, secure way to get the information you need, when you need it. An interesting statistic is provided by the maker of BlackBerry, Research In Motion. It collaborated with Forrester to research the market for mobile CRM, and they found that more than half of the people who responded to their study lost business opportunities before they made their CRM available on the road, because they couldn't access the information without being in the office.

This is another reason why making CRM available on-the-go is so important. Try not to use lack of time and money as an excuse to not invest in mobile CRM, because the business opportunities that are lost as a result of inaccessible information will cost you time and money in the long-run.

CRM SaaS Exhibit at Boston ACG Conference

2010-06-17T12:52:00.003-04:00

CRM SaaS Exhibit at Boston ACG Conference
EquityTouch® CRM to Be Exhibited at ACG Conference

Boston, MA, June 3, 2010 - Touch Ahead Software, developer of EquityTouch® CRM, will be exhibiting at the June 9 & 10 ACG Capital Growth Conference in Boston. Touch Ahead Software has attended past ACG conferences, both locally and nationally. One of these includes the recent 39th Annual ACG InterGrowth Conference in Miami Beach, Florida, which took place from May 4-6.

The ACG Boston Growth Conference takes place annually and attracts the private equity and alternative investments industry. The conference consists of guest speakers and networking opportunities. When exhibiting EquityTouch® at past ACG conferences, Touch Ahead received a great deal of positive response from attendees.

John Binda, Director of Sales, left, and Nancy Keddy, Co-Founder & CEO, right

John Binda, Director of Sales at Touch Ahead, says he is looking forward to Touch Ahead being a silver sponsor for the upcoming ACG conference. He says, "This event gives us a huge opportunity to showcase EquityTouch®, since it is designed specifically for the alternative asset community, whose members will be attending the conference, as well."

Nancy Keddy, Co-Founder and CEO of Touch Ahead, is also thrilled about the event.
"I look forward to connecting with the many successful deal makers and finding out what is on the horizon."

Binda and Keddy are not the only ones excited about the upcoming Boston conference. According to Co-Founder and CTO Tim Lasonde, "ACG is a great place to connect with experts in the deal world and get an understanding of what is happening in our economy. I am interested to learn what companies are using to get deals done in this new landscape."

Touch Ahead just released an updated EquityTouch® 2.1 on Friday, May 21. This update included the ability to use keyboard navigation in search results, color coding, and advanced relevance sorting. Touch Ahead is constantly coming up with new ways to improve user experience, which is another reason to get excited about what is to come at next week's ACG conference.

About Touch Ahead Software LLC
Touch Ahead Software is a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions company, focused on providing unparalleled benefits of advanced technology to the alternative asset community. The benefits include higher user satisfaction and increased deal sourcing productivity by utilizing user-friendly collaboration tools, as well as a dramatically reduced cost of ownership and time for implementation. Touch Ahead Software is the developer of EquityTouch®, the premiere deal CRM service for the financial industry and other specialized industries. For more information, please visit http://www.touchahead.com.

Press Contact
Cathie Briggette
Touch Ahead Software LLC
(p) +1 866 960 9301
(e) cmb@touchahead.com

Touch Ahead Software Releases Updated EquityTouch® 2.1

2010-06-17T12:35:00.004-04:00

Touch Ahead Software Releases Updated EquityTouch^® 2.1

Popular CRM deal sourcing application receives update; including Keyboard Navigation in Search Results, Color Coding, and other enhancements.

Boston, MA, May 26, 2010 – Touch Ahead Software, LLC released EquityTouch^® version 2.1 this past Friday. EquityTouch, a customer relationship management (CRM) software application is unlike other CRMs on the market in that all transactions or communications are recorded as “Touches” that are then easily referenced to multiple companies or individuals. Ideal for Private Equity and Venture Capital firms, EquityTouch allows users to easily organize and chronicle the deal cycle.

Founder and Senior Partner, Nancy Keddy says that the updates provide additional functionality and ease of use. “EquityTouch makes you feel like you are using an application locally, yet it is on the web.” The newest version contains multiple program enhancements such as Keyboard Navigation, Color Coding, and Advanced Relevance Sorting. “These additions give users a more efficient method of working through their data, making them more productive,” says Keddy.

EquityTouch 2.1 Updates Include

Keyboard Navigation in Search Results

Users can now use the keyboard arrow keys to navigate search results.

The feature offers ease of use, eliminating the need for multiple mouse clicks. Users can move back and forth with simple keystrokes.

Color Coding in Search Results

Company search results can now be configured to be color coded based on Company Type.

The Color Coding option is available under the Administration section.

Advanced Relevance Sorting

Companies with the exact search string in their name or alternate company name will be placed at top of the search result list.

The results are then sorted by where the search string appears in the Company Name.

Current EquityTouch users automatically received the update. Any technical questions/concerns can be directed to Touch Ahead Support via email (help@touchahead.com) or phone (1-866-960-9301).

For additional information on EquityTouch or to request a demo, please visit http://www.touchahead.com/equitytouch.html.

About Touch Ahead Software LLC

Touch Ahead Software is a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions company, focused on providing unparalleled benefits of advanced technology to the alternative asset community. The benefits include higher user satisfaction and increased deal sourcing productivity by utilizing user-friendly collaboration tools, as well as a dramatically reduced cost of ownership and time for implementation. Touch Ahead Software is the developer of EquityTouch, the premiere deal CRM service for the financial and other specialized industries. For more information, please visit http://www.touchahead.com.

Press Contact

For more information, please contact:

Cathie Briggette

Touch Ahead Software LLC

(p) +1 866 960 9301

(e) cmb@touchahead.com

Touch Ahead Lends a Hand to Children's Hospital Boston

2010-05-20T10:40:00.002-04:00

Boston-based software development firm participates in 6th annual Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament for Children’s Hospital Benefit

Boston, MA, May 20, 2010 – Touch Ahead Software, creators of EquityTouch® deal sourcing CRM software, recently participated in the 6th Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament for the Children’s Hospital Boston. Held in the Wharf Room of the Boston Harbor Hotel, the event drew the best in business from Boston and New York as well as World Series of Poker Champion and Celebrity Apprentice Star, Annie Duke. In addition to purchasing tickets that allot a stack of chips and a seat at the table, the tournament also held an auction, which included prizes such as “Friends and Family” seats at a Red Sox game with VIP On-Field Access.

Touch Ahead joined other business leaders in hopes to raise funds for continuing care and research at Children’s Hospital Boston. Nancy Swan Keddy, founder of Touch Ahead, was accompanied by Director of Marketing for Touch Ahead, Cathie Briggette. Both volunteered as “dealers” for the tournament and the two had a wonderful time. According to Briggette “Both of us were a little nervous. We thought it was going to be really serious, however because no one was a winner (in that all proceeds were going to the hospital), it was a very fun and causal atmosphere.”

The event, co-hosted by Tony DiNovi of Thomas H. Lee Partners and David Filkow of General Catalyst Partners has raised over $2,000,000 to date for the hospital. “The tournament was a lot of fun” claims Keddy. “You could feel the excitement escalate at the table when the river card was about to be turned.” As a company that provides deal sourcing collaboration tools, Keddy is committed to making connections outside of the workplace. “We are in the business of building relationships and it is important to build and maintain relationships with the community.”

For more information about the tournament and how you can get involved for next year’s event, please visit: http://howtohelp.childrenshospital.org/texas.

About Touch Ahead Software LLC

Touch Ahead Software is a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions company, focused on providing unparalleled benefits of advanced technology to the alternative asset community. The benefits include dramatically reduced cost of ownership and time for implementation, as well as higher user satisfaction and organizational profitability through deal sourcing and powerful collaboration tools. Touch Ahead Software is the developer of EquityTouch, the premiere CRM service for the financial and other specialized industries. For more information, please visit www.touchahead.com

Press Contact
For more information, please contact:

Cathie Briggette
Touch Ahead Software LLC
(p) +1 (866) 960 9301
(e) cmb@touchahead.com

What Makes CRM Work?

2010-04-23T14:58:00.013-04:00

Building A Relationship With Your CRM

Ask anyone you know if they are using, or have used a CRM solution and you are bound to get the same response...What a painful experience!

Why is it that users see CRM as a hindrance, and not a productivity tool? The answer lies in the selection process and the way it is implemented. Most users are told that a decision has been made on a new CRM solution, and the training will begin on Monday. How would you feel if someone else made the decision to put you in a new car, or dress you in a new outfit, not great huh?

Selecting A CRM Solution

Here are a few suggestions that will make this whole experience less painful:

1. Get users involved early in the selection process. They will have a vested interest in the outcome.

2. Solicit user feedback on possible enhancements and new functionality.

3. Reward power users with bonuses and get them to talk about how they use CRM.

4. Provide proper upfront training and plan for periodic updates.

5. Get senior management involved by using reports, this will show the importance of user adoption.

6. Keep making improvements to the existing CRM solution. You business is changing and so should your CRM solution.

A successful CRM project really depends on user adoption, and you can make this a reality by taking a few extra steps.

Top down support is crucial, and giving the users a voice is a key. Be sure to keep them involved as your CRM solution evolves. You want your users to say they could not work effectively without their CRM solution.

Touch Ahead Software Releases EquityTouch® Version 2.0

2010-03-16T11:36:00.004-04:00

EquityTouch, the popular private equity/venture capital deal sourcing software receives Outlook integration, advanced search options, and other enhancements in new release

Boston, MA, March 15, 2010 - Based on the "Touch" concept, EquityTouch^® is unlike traditional customer relationship management (CRM) software systems. With EquityTouch^®, Touches are any transaction or communication involved in daily business activities that include emails, events, phone calls, and meetings. These Touches are then organized in the application by company, contact, and Touch type for easy reference. The newest version contains multiple application enhancements and customizable options that allow users to import data easily with fewer keystrokes and mouse clicks.

Outlook^® Integration: EquityTouch^® 2.0 features a downloadable plug-in for Microsoft^®Outlook. Users who are running Outlook 2003 or 2007 can install the plug-in to push emails, calendar events, and contacts directly into EquityTouch from Outlook. The EquityTouch Outlook integration allows users to push emails/events to EquityTouch as a Touch, and all recipients become participants of the Touch. EquityTouch then matches all email/event recipients to contacts already existing in the application. If a match is not found, a pop-up window appears that allows them to either create a new contact or manually match them with an existing contact to resolve the difference.

"Or" Searching: Version 2.0 of EquityTouch allows users to perform "or" searches under the Advanced Search tab. Previous versions would allow for single variable searching in all fields. "Or" searching now allows users to select multiple variables in a single field. The new feature is accessible under the Advanced Search tab.

Created/Modified By: EquityTouch 2.0 also includes "Modified By" and "Created By" searching that allows users to look up information based on what other users have been working on in the application. A created and modified date and time stamp will appear on company and person summary pages as well. These options are available under the "Company" and the "Person" search fields in Advanced Search.

Enhanced Filtering: The new release also contains improved filter settings that allow a user to save their filter settings under the "Touches" tab. Users can select the Touch types they would like to see, and then select "Apply Filter." Once the search is run, the user can save the filter under tools settings.

Current EquityTouch users will automatically receive the update. The only action required on the user side is the option of downloading and installing the Outlook plug-in. Any technical questions/concerns can be directed to Touch Ahead Support via email (help@touchahead.com) or phone (1-866-960-9301).

For additional information on EquityTouch or to request a demo, please visit www.touchahead.com/equitytouch.html.

About Touch Ahead Software LLC

Touch Ahead Software is a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions company, focused on providing unparalleled benefits of advanced technology to the alternative asset community. The benefits include dramatically reduced cost of ownership and time for implementation, as well as higher user satisfaction and organizational profitability through deal sourcing and powerful collaboration tools. Touch Ahead Software is the developer of EquityTouch, the premiere deal CRM service for the financial and other specialized industries. For more information, please visit www.touchahead.com

CRM Usage and Experience Within Alternative Asset Firms

2009-07-14T11:52:00.019-04:00

At both the ACG Intergrowth Conference in Las Vegas and the Growth Conference in Boston in 2009, we conducted a survey to gain insight regarding the alternative asset community’s CRM usage and experience. The survey was administered to those who represented a private equity, venture capital, or any alternative asset firm. The survey was comprised of ten questions with multiple parts.

The following information summarizes Touch Ahead Software's findings.

CRM Software Satisfaction

42 out of the 55 companies (76.4%) questioned about satisfaction with their current CRM software responded that they were dissatisfied.

CRM Brand Usage

27 of the 61 different companies surveyed (44.3%) use a Microsoft Office application (i.e. Outlook, Excel, Access) in some way as a part of their total CRM experience.

7 (11.5%) use a Microsoft Office application to supplement another brand of CRM.

Of the total 61 companies surveyed:

o 22 (36.1%) use non-CRM Microsoft applications
o 10 (16.4%) use Salesforce
o 9 (14.7%) use ACT
o 5 (8.2%) use Microsoft Access or Dynamics CRM

o 4 (6.6%) use SalesLogix
o 3 (4.9%) did not know or gave no response

The remaining 8 companies (13.1%) use other CRM brands.

Most Valued Features for CRM Users

Survey participants were also asked to rate CRM features in order of what is most valuable to them.

The options consisted of the following:

o ‘Ease of Use’
o ‘Web-based’
o ‘Integrates with Outlook’
o ‘Integrates with External Data Base’
o ‘Ability to Get a Clear Snapshot’
o ‘Flexibility and Ease of Customization’
o ‘Schedule Management’

The results from the 14 companies that responded to this specific question:

o 42.9% ranked ‘Ease of Use’ as the most important
o 21.4% ranked ‘Schedule Management’ as the most important
o 14.3% ranked ‘Ability to Get a Clear Snapshot’ as the most important
o 14.3% ranked ‘Integrates with Outlook’ as the most important
o 7.1% ranked ‘Integrates with External Database’ as the most important

They also found that the following CRM features were ranked as second most important:

o 35.7% ‘Ability to Get a Clear Snapshot’
o 14.3% ‘Web-based’
o 14.3% ‘Flexibility and Ease of Customization’
o 14.3% ‘Ease of Use’
o 14.3% ‘Schedule Management’
o 7.1% ‘Integrates with Outlook’

Drawing from this data, it can be concluded that amongst the group surveyed, the top three most important CRM features are ‘Ease of Use,’ ‘Schedule Management,’ and ‘Ability to Get a Clear Snapshot.’

Frequency of Switching CRM Software

30 out of the 57 companies (52.6%) who responded to the question “Have you switched CRM software within the past three years?” responded that they had not.

Usage of Business Information Services

They found that 32 out of the 53 companies (60.4%) who responded to their question about using business information services (Capital IQ, Hoover’s, Dow and D&B) do not use them.

Of the 21 companies that said they do use them:

o 18 (85.7%) said they use Capital IQ.
o The next most commonly used service was D&B, followed by Hoover’s, Dow, Thomson Reuters, and others such as Manta, Merger Market, Capital Link, etc.

Data Views Used Most Commonly

After asking the companies about what they used most commonly for data views, they found the two most popular responses to be ‘contact information’ and ‘deal tracking.’

Best-Valued Features

After asking the companies what features would be of the greatest value to them that they do not currently have, the two most popular responses were ‘user friendliness’ and ‘integration.’

Written by Melissa Cocks

Touch Ahead Releases EquityTouch™ Update

2009-06-23T12:43:00.016-04:00

We are pleased to announce that we have made some changes to EquityTouch™ to reflect client feedback and suggestions, as well as part of our initial planning.

We have added some new features to make EquityTouch™’s user-friendly views even easier to use. We have also implemented a bug fix. The following is an outline of what we have done to enhance the EquityTouch™ experience.

*Please note that clients do not have to take action to implement any changes. All updates are made by Touch Ahead Software.

- Different Color Schemes for Search Type. The search panel has been color coded to make it easier to identify what you are searching for. When searching for ‘People,’ the search panel is now green.

When searching for 'Touches,' the search panel is now orange.

- Ability to Expand Touch Notes.

- Advanced Search Options Added.
In the ‘Touch’ section of the Advanced Search you can now specify date ranges. Your options are ‘Last 7 days’, ‘Last 30 days’, ‘Last 90 days’, ‘Last Year’, and ‘Future’.
Also, the ability to search within your groups has been added.

- Primary Contact and Website Listed in Banner

- Ability to Remove a Company from a Group from the Company Summary tab

- Keyboard Shortcuts Added
‘Ctrl-Y’ now opens up the Advanced Search.
‘Ctrl- >’ now opens the Touches tab.
‘Ctrl - <’ now opens the Summary tab.

- Touch Editing Restricted. You can now limit who edits touches.

- Generate Report for Touches.
- Company Export to XLS Modified
- Estimated Revenue Now on 'New Company' Form
- Ability to Go Directly to the Touches Tab from Search Results
- Asynchronous Load of Touches tab. Incomplete touches now load separately from complete touches.
- Feedback Link
- Cursor Default. When logging into EquityTouch your cursor will default to the Company Search bar.

- Bug Fixes:

• Pop Up Eliminated. When saving a new touch.
• Default for New Person. When adding a new person, his/her phone number no longer defaults to the company phone number.
• Document Upload Touch Creation. The touch that automatically gets created when you upload a document will now be assigned an initiator of the active virtual user.
• Passed Lead Bug. When creating a touch of type “passed lead,” the company associated with the touch is the company passed.
• Passed Lead Bug. A bug was causing an error to be thrown when this touch type was saved. This is fixed.
• Email Bug. When the functionality to send email to external recipients is turned off, it now does not affect the ability to send email internally.
• Email Bug. Touch type is now the first item in a touch email subject.
• Search Bug. Can now search for companies with double quotes in their names.
• Touch Bug. Touch notes now indented correctly.

Why the Popularity of SaaS is Increasing

2009-06-16T09:00:00.005-04:00

Chances are you have frequently heard about SaaS (Software as a Service) in the media, and how more businesses are adopting it for their CRM models. You may feel unsure about adopting SaaS, or confused about SaaS getting so much attention. Here are the key reasons for the hype:

• Total cost of ownership (TCO) is lower than if you were to use on-premise CRM
• In-house IT is no longer relied on/called into action to fix your CRM (can allocate your IT team’s efforts elsewhere)
• Easy maintenance
• Faster and easier implementation of the CRM - the system is quickly up and running by someone else
• An outsourced IT team with expertise specific to your software will fix your problems, as well as take that weight off your shoulders/save you time.
• Pay as you use the software
• Increased data security
• Customization available to reflect your unique business operations

Written by Melissa Cocks

Businesses and Their CRM Changes

2009-06-11T15:24:00.019-04:00

There are many reasons why you may be dissatisfied with your business' on-premise CRM software. One of the common complaints is that the software requires companies’ in-house IT teams’ frequent and costly attention. The time and effort that your in-house IT team puts towards maintaining on-premise CRM solutions could be directed elsewhere to increase the productivity within your business.

Additionally, like many business owners, you may become frustrated by software that limits your ability to integrate key company contact information with other applications and devices. A trend in today’s CRM software market is Blackberry compatibility. When you’re on the go and need to update or access your contact information, it’s frustrating if you’re unable to do so.

It’s also important to make sure your
CRM solution fits your needs. Many companies take a while to actually change their CRM software. People tend to fear unfamiliarity, especially when they do not feel they have time to learn the ins and outs of a new system. The solution to this is to have your software tailored to your business operations and needs. This way, you can still have features that you are accustomed to, and you can also add new features that would make doing business much easier for you.

Written by Melissa Cocks

EquityTouch™ to be premiered at 4th Annual VCPE Conference & Retreat

2009-03-18T16:32:00.010-04:00

March 18, 2009
Boston, Massachusetts
Announcement: EquityTouch™ to be premiered at 4th Annual VCPE Conference & Retreat

Touch Ahead Software, LLC announced that EquityTouch™ was chosen as the Premier CRM Sponsor of the 4th Annual VCPE Conference & Retreat. This year’s VCPE Conference will be held in Miami, Florida, from March 24th - 27th, 2009. Representatives from Touch Ahead will be on-site to speak about the SaaS (Software as a Service) model and the positive ROI. Touch Ahead will also demonstrate its hosted CRM solution, EquityTouch™, which has been in development since 2008.

EquityTouch™ is the first SaaS based cutting edge CRM solution for the alternative asset community. EquityTouch™ makes it possible for you to manage business relationships intelligently. EquityTouch™ prides itself on being the fastest, easiest to use web application delivering the most relevant features in a completely customizable interface.

EquityTouch implemented at TA Associates

2009-03-18T11:10:00.027-04:00

March 18, 2009
Boston, Massachusetts
Announcement: EquityTouch™ implemented at TA Associates

Touch Ahead Software LLC, a Boston-based provider of advanced SaaS solutions, has announced that EquityTouch has been released into production at TA Associates this week.

Sources at Touch Ahead™ say that they are very excited about this announcement. They went on to point out that the deployment to TA gave them the opportunity to demonstrate the advantage of their advanced data conversions tools. Through the use of these tools TA was able to migrate from their old system into a fully populated EquityTouch™ Application in just one weekend.

When asked about the installation, Matt Nerney, IT Director at TA Associates said the following:

What was the Main reason for you choosing EquityTouch™?
“That is hard to say because if I was someone that just showed up off the street, not knowing about Touch Ahead and their abilities it probably would not be the same. But because we have worked with Touch Ahead in the past and I was able to see the potential of what they could do, I guess I would have to say the fundamental nature of the platform: the AJAX Technology -- for the first time you can accomplish windows like application abilities. I would also say because of the distribution of the client.” The application is a web based application, with no client install. There are no revisions installed on the clients -- it is all done over the server. “It offers flexibility of hot fixes. I would also have to say because of the performance working across global environments. Touch Ahead has accomplished quite a lot in the new platform and interface, because really going back 2 or three years ago, none of this was possible.”

On the day it was installed what was the general reaction of everyone?
“Long anticipated, people were generally excited, a little apprehensive because they knew we were making a generational leap.”

What about today?
“Everyone is getting engaged and giving lots of feedback, people have a high level of interest in the application and have an interest in pushing in the right direction. I have hundreds of emails on ideas and questions on what we can do further with the application, and I am overwhelmed by which ones I should go with first.” As sources from Touch Ahead said “It is like Christmas morning with too many Christmas presents and not knowing which one to open first.”

What business challenges are you and TA hoping to solve using EquityTouch™?
“Well it certainly helps us to facilitate a collaborative approach of deal sourcing with potential deal companies and intermediaries. One specific thing is that it is helping us to understand our relationships with all the people we interact with. We have such a web of interactions with different people and it is hard to keep track of them all through all the different offices. I am seeing relationships today that I didn’t know existed. It is really helping us track all those relationships.”

Is there anything else that you would like to add?
“We are very happy with the performance and the stability. It has been an extremely successful roll out.” Hundreds of thousands of records were migrated into the new system from the old system at TA, and everything was processed perfectly. “There were processes in place that ensured that it was an easy installation, and it really was an effortless installation. There was so much satisfaction on the customer end.”

TA Associates is one of the oldest and largest private equity firms in the world, with offices in Boston, MA, Palo Alto, Ca, London England and Mumbai India. They are one of the most experienced private equity investment firms in their industry.

Announcement: Touch Ahead Software LLC Is Formed

2009-03-06T15:52:00.012-05:00

March 6, 2009
Boston, Massachusetts
Announcement: Touch Ahead Software LLC Is Formed

Two Boston based, entrepreneurs (Nancy S. Keddy and Timothy J. Lasonde) announced the formation of a new software company.

Touch Ahead Software LLC (also located in Boston) develops cutting edge SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions. Touch Ahead’s premier product is EquityTouch, a remarkable CRM solution enabling organizations to intelligently manage new business opportunities. EquityTouch™, prides itself on being the fastest, most affordable CRM solution, while delivering the most vital features of a CRM and a completely customizable interface.

While still in development, EquityTouch™, promises to take a unique perspective tracking needs for new business opportunities. Company executives alluded to being live at a large PE firm very soon.

The announcement was followed by a promise of further announcements in Q1 2009.