LexisNexis

3i Chooses Interface Software's InterAction® to Fuel Growth & Service

Leading venture capital firm to integrate CRM solution with legacy apps & PDA's to provide firm-wide access to Relationship Intelligence

OAK BROOK (IL) & LONDON (UK), 16 September, 2002: Interface Software announced today that the international venture capital company, 3i, has chosen Interface Software's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution, InterAction, as the cornerstone of its global Relationship Intelligence system. 3i is one of the largest venture capital firms in the world with over $20 billion (£14.5 billion) invested to-date in 16 countries. 3i plans on integrating InterAction with Portia, its back-office investment management system, professionals' Microsoft Outlook® contact managers and Palm® handheld personal digital assistants (PDA's) to provide anytime, anywhere access to the firm's repository of Relationship Intelligence. Relationship Intelligence is a firm-wide asset that reveals the unique and complex connections between people, companies, relationships, experience and expertise, empowering professionals to leverage who and what they know to uncover new revenue opportunities, differentiate themselves from the competition and enhance client service.

"Our network of clients, contacts and relationships are critically important to our business," said 3i's group operations manager, Colin Smith. "To ensure our professionals are leveraging every opportunity and providing optimum service to our portfolio companies we needed a best of breed Relationship Intelligence system designed for the unique needs of professional services organizations. InterAction is the clear leader in the category."

Currently contact and relationship information is housed in a variety of databases, including 3i's contact management system, marketing databases and PDA's. It is also gathered hourly by 3i's over 300 investment professionals who are based on three continents. The international nature of the 3i network makes a central system critical for the company. "3i professionals need to keep track of the network's collective relationships—who knows whom, key players, business contacts and partners on a real time basis," said Smith. "InterAction will provide our investment executives easy access to the strategic relationships they need to put deals together and to bring added value to our portfolio companies. It will also allow professionals to devote more time to investments and less time on information gathering."

Beyond InterAction's ability to track and manage complex relationships, its sophisticated integration with Microsoft Outlook was also an important factor to 3i in choosing the system. Substantial amounts of Relationship Intelligence are contained in email communications, and making this available to professionals in the central repository is a valuable feature. "Immediate access to knowledge can be very valuable and the email link is a key part of our tactics to deliver information fast, and internationally for our investment professionals," commented Smith. "InterAction not only empowers us to capture this intelligence, but it also lets professionals work in the familiar Outlook environment while still enjoying the full benefits of the CRM system."

"3i conducted an exhaustive search for a CRM solution," said Barry Solomon, Interface Software's executive vice president. "They sought to partner with a vendor that had extensive experience in the financial services sector and that could provide a system tailored to fit their business model. With over 330 professional services customers, Interface Software is the clear leader in this space. We are delighted to help contribute to 3i's ongoing success."

About Interface Software
Interface Software is the leading provider of CRM solutions enabling professional services firms to create the Relationship Intelligence they need to generate new business and enhance client service. Its flagship product, InterAction, is a flexible and uniquely designed platform that delivers this Relationship Intelligence throughout the organization, quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively. Relationship Intelligence is a firm-wide asset that reveals the unique and complex connections between people, companies, relationships, experience and expertise, empowering professionals to leverage who and what they know to uncover new revenue opportunities, differentiate themselves from the competition and enhance client service. InterAction is internet-enabled, allowing professionals to view information however they choose—through knowledge management platforms, corporate portals, intranets, extranets and wireless devices. For more information please visit Interface Software's website at www.interaction.com.

About 3i
3i is a leading international venture capital company with U.S. offices in Menlo Park, CA and Waltham, MA. Operating since 1945, 3i has invested worldwide over $20 billion, including co-investment funds, through its 16-country, 3-continent network of 36 offices. 3i leverages this worldwide presence to add value to its portfolio companies and investment partners. In the United States, 3i concentrates on early and later stage technology investments in companies with the potential to be leaders in their markets. Outside the USA, 3i invests broadly in private equity and venture capital. Visit 3i and its portfolio at http://www.3ius.com.

 
Take Action:

Request Information
Call +1.888.572.1400 for more info
E-mail this page
Add me to the Newsflash news distribution service
 

InterAction is a registered trademark of Interface Software, Inc. All other product names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.