Russell launches Indian version of Salesforce, talks smack about Oracle

India, are you ready for Benioff’s boys? In Bangalore, Salesforce.com Asia Pacific president and CEO Steve Russell himself announced his firm’s agreement with AppExchange developer Theikos to launch an on-demand CRM and support bundle exclusively for India. Under terms of the agreement, Thekois will provide implementation services, comprising data migration, configuration, customisation and business process consulting and training.

One bundle includes one year’s worth of Salesforce licenses for up to five users of the Salesforce professional edition and implementation services for Rs 150,000 (approximately US $3,250). Russell stated that most Indian implementations were expected to be completed within two weeks.

Naturally, Russell was asked about competitor Oracle and naturally he attacked with his boss Marc Benioff’s trademark definitive ferocity. “Oracle’s hybrid CRM model is no threat to us,” he said. Salesforce.com is currently the market and technology leader in on-demand business services. Salesforce.com’s on-demand platform AppExchange allows the building of new applications, customization, and integration of the Salesforce suite. Salesforce.com today manages customer information for approximately 23,000 customers and approximately 501,000 paying subscribers including Advanced Micro Devices, America Online, Cendant Rental Car Group, Dow Jones Newswires, Nokia, Polycom and SunTrust.