Say Hello.....er....Hola to eTap Espanol

Mike Rusche — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:39:00 GMT

In case you didn't see the press release, eTapestry has a Spanish language version now available to non profits. Well, we started doing this late in 2006 with several clients to assist them with their multi-lingual users. After the feedback we received, it was improved so that eTapestry could expand into larger international markets. Heck, there is no reason for me to repeat all of this, just take a look at the press release. I copied it here for your viewing pleasure.

eTapestry today announced the availability of its on-demand fundraising software in a Spanish language version.

Indianapolis, IN July 7, 2008 -- eTapestry today announced the availability of its on-demand fundraising software in a Spanish language version. eTapestry Espanol will provide a new group of growing nonprofits around the world with web-based tools to efficiently and effectively manage their fundraising activities.

“With eTapestry users accessing their data from points all over the globe, it was plain to see that eTapestry’s on demand software was opening up new opportunities for organizations everywhere,” said Jay Love, eTapestry’s chief executive officer.

According to John Moore, eTapestry’s CTO and vice president of development, eTapestry is uniquely positioned to offer the product in a new, international market:

“The need for automation and data segmentation is universal, but from the very beginning, eTapestry was architected with an eye toward offering the product on an international scale,” said Moore. “This framework allows eTapestry to concentrate on how nonprofit organizations run their business rather than the traditional maintenance overhead of maintaining multiple versions of the software.”

Moore added, “Being a Software as a Service (SaaS) offering, we are positioned to rapidly evolve the product in a new market. We don't have the limitation of client-installed software so our release cycle can be very aggressive. The customers will realize the benefits much quicker because their suggestions are incorporated into the product within a few weeks rather than months."

In 2006, eTapestry began creating the multi-lingual version to assist Spanish-speaking clients in several U.S. cities including San Diego, Miami, and Houston. After gaining great feedback from early adopters, developers were able to make the changes necessary to expand the eTapestry software into larger international markets.

That effort complimented the international development plans of Blackbaud, eTapestry’s parent company. Working together, they began to develop a strategy to introduce eTapestry Espanol to Latin America.

“The nonprofit community in Latin America is rapidly growing and needs software to better manage donor relations and overall accountability,” said Andrew Mosawi, Blackbaud’s vice president of international business development. “It is a market that has been underserved by the nonprofit software industry thus far, and we are pleased to provide an on-demand solution that is tailored to the unique needs of these growing organizations.”

Company representatives presented eTapestry Espanol to a group of nonprofits at an event earlier this year organized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Mexico City. The overwhelmingly positive response resulted in the recent formation of a pilot program. Mosawi noted, “The pilot program in Mexico is in its early stages, but is making great progress and we expect that our current international client base of more than 2200 organizations in 55 countries will grow significantly. Upon successful completion of the pilot program in Mexico City, we can then look to expand to other countries including Argentina, Chile and Spain – ¡El cielo es el límite! (the sky is the limit!)”

About eTapestry

Founded in 1999, Indianapolis-based eTapestry® is the first web-based donor database and communications management system that delivers its software over the Internet, allowing access from desktops, laptops and mobile devices. eTapestry’s web site development, ecommerce and advanced email tools give its more than 3,000 customers a fully integrated and maintenance free solution. For more information, visit www.eTapestry.com. eTapestry is a Blackbaud company.

About Blackbaud

Blackbaud® is the leading global provider of software and services designed specifically for nonprofit organizations, enabling them to improve operational efficiency, build strong relationships, and raise more money to support their missions. Approximately 19,000 organizations — including the American Red Cross, Dartmouth College, the WGBH Educational Foundation, Episcopal High School, Lincoln Center, Cancer Research UK, Special Olympics, and Arthritis Foundation — use one or more of Blackbaud’s products and services for fundraising, constituent relationship management, financial management, direct marketing, school administration, ticketing, business intelligence, website management, prospect research, consulting, and analytics. Since 1981, Blackbaud’s sole focus and expertise has been partnering with nonprofits and providing them the solutions they need to make a difference in their local communities and worldwide. Headquartered in the United States, Blackbaud also has operations in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com.

Media Contacts:

Steve Rusche
eTapestry
steve.rusche@eTapestry.com
317.336.3853 x7224

Melanie Milonas
Blackbaud, Inc.
melanie.milonas@blackbaud.com
843.216.6200 x3307

Source: eTapestry

Forward-looking Statements

Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following risks related to the expected timing and financial or other benefits of the Kintera acquisition: management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; general economic risks; risk associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks related to our dividend policy and share repurchase program, including potential limitations on our ability to grow and the possibility that we might discontinue payment of dividends; risks relating to restrictions imposed by the credit facility; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organizations; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov upon request from Blackbaud's investor relations department.

All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.

The Thread : SaaS

Say Hello.....er....Hola to eTap Espanol