DataWorks, Platinum Tie Knot

ERP software maker DataWorks recently announced plans to merge with Platinum Software Corp., another ERP market player best known for its financial systems. As a result, San Diego-based DataWorks will become a subsidiary of Platinum, with combined headquarters in Irvine, Calif. Platinum offers software for customer service and support, sales force automation, and financial accounting and budgeting, as well as manufacturing and distribution for midsize companies. DataWorks has package software for midsize manufacturing firms. "Being Southern California-based, the chance to combine forces with another successful team attacking the ERP market space with great products that are synergistic with ours is very compelling," says George Klaus, chairman, president, and CEO of Platinum. Adds Stuart Clifton, DataWorks CEO who will become vice chairman and director of Platinum, "The combination of DataWorks and Platinum allows us to meet new customer functionality requirements -- and increase our worldwide market opportunity-- by delivering expanded enterprise business applications, services and, support to a broad global market."