Autobase Inc. Carpools with Microsoft

A local Indianapolis software company that has developed what appears to be the marketing standard for automobile dealerships is now partnering with Microsoft to continue to grow their customer base and expand on their territory.

Building a better mousetrap is one thing. Persuading businesses to try it is another. Consider the challenge of Indianapolis-based marketing-software maker Autobase Inc. About 1,400 U.S. automobile dealers have installed Autobase’s system, which helps manage sales leads, customer contacts and records. Autobase sales topped $16 million in 2005, and the company made both the Inc. 500 and Deloitte & Touche’s Technology Fast 500 for two years running.

But to make inroads at the remaining 21,500 U.S. dealerships, Autobase must get them to switch from another marketing system—or, more often, adopt one for the first time.

This month, the 140-employee company helmed by CEO W. Scott Webber inked a partnership with tech heavyweight Microsoft Corp. that might fuel additional growth. The deal will allow Autobase to piggyback its software on Microsoft’s as the Seattle company launches products aimed at auto dealers.

I’m curious as to what types of products Microsoft is aiming at auto dealers? Is it Microsoft Dynamics there mainstream CRM product?

Source: Autobase teams with Microsoft: Local software maker sees big potential in partnership