NetSuite merges social networking with CRM

NetSuite says it has creasted a 'social intelligence platform'

Cloud computing firm NetSuite has teamed up with InsideView, a sales intelligence company, to create what they are calling a social intelligence platform.

The firms said that InsideView for NetSuite would bring intelligence from social networking sites, such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and others, into customer relationship management and enterprise resource planning systems. As well as these newer media sites, the system can also manage more traditional sources, such as Thomson Reuters and Capital IQ.

“Our expanded partnership with NetSuite underscores the increasing relevance of social data throughout business operations,” said Umberto Milletti, founder and chief executive officer of InsideView. “NetSuite is leading the charge by making social intelligence available to its entire user base to drive significant business efficiencies.”

By taking stock of this information, firms will be able to get more understanding about their customers, potential customers, employees and vendors, according to the two firms. And if that sounds a bit sinister, they add that this information can be used to increase cross-enterprise productivity.

Typical uses would involve identifying a "social buzz" around a particular product or launch, and creating an appropriate reaction to it while staying on top of supply chain and service issues, or letting sales teams uncover new " customer engagement" opportunities by studying key business and industry events.

Meanwhile, NetSuite said that firms could also use the system to engage with candidates across channels including Facebook and Twitter.

“InsideView is an excellent example of how a partner can leverage SuiteCloud to optimise business processes across the company,” said Guido Haarmans, vice president, SuiteCloud Developer Network of NetSuite.

“The social intelligence delivered by InsideView provides the tools for companies to significantly increase sales productivity, and improve billing, procurement and recruiting efforts for our customers.”

The system also includes billing and collection monitoring, and procurement tools.