Salesnet sold to RightNow

This just in: RightNow Technologies, Inc. has announced the acquisition of on-demand sales workflow automation software firm Salesnet, Inc. in a cash transaction. RightNow inherits Salesnet’s twenty-six employees, twelve off-shore development contractors, and the Salesnet consumer base of 2500 users. As of now, only one change to personnel or extant customers have been announced: Former Salesnet chief technology officer / co-founder Rich Perkett has been named RightNow product development director. Parkett will be responsible for integration and expansion of Salesnet’s technology into RightNow product. Initial integration between RightNow and Salesnet is expected by the end of August, and full integration will be achieved within one year afterward. RightNow expects that the transaction will not greatly affect cash flow from operations and will be dilutive to GAAP EPS in 2006. RightNow will be moving to the former Boston, Mass. Salesnet corporate office in Boston development, marketing, sales and support functions.

RightNow representatives were quite excited about the agreement, claiming that the acquisition will “accelerate RightNow’s customer experience management development efforts by combining RightNow’s patented knowledge foundation with Salesnet’s sophisticated workflow engine.” TMCnet called the move “a shot across the bow of salesforce.com,” but RightNow officials have shrugged off that claim.