EnterpriseWizard this week is releasing the 2.0 version of its CRM application, a product built on top of its SaaSWizard Web application development platform and designed to be easily customizable.

EnterpriseWizard 2.0 employs templates and drag-and-drop style customization of tables and fields through a browser-based interface. Users can also define business rules, sketch out workflows and generate reports. Other new features include an improved search engine and the ability to automatically transmit information from a client computer when a trouble ticket is sent out.

The SaaSWizard platform represents "man-centuries of development," rather than the man-hours usually used as a measure, according to CEO Colin Earl. But EnterpriseWizard is not alone in offering users the ability to change its application. SAP's recently unveiled CRM 2007 product features a Web 2.0-style interface that users can manipulate to their liking.

A difference lies in EnterpriseWizard's underlying business model. Earl said his company is looking to partner with systems integrators and value-added resellers. The company hopes they will use the core SaaSWizard platform to create and sell customized applications -- both CRM and other types -- to customers in vertical industries.

"Our vision is not to build these products ourselves," he said.

Many on-demand software companies have the wrong idea, he argued. "What I see happening in the market is the SaaS vendors have a direct sales model, and they are effectively trying to take the whole pie for themselves. This is a strategic mistake," he said.

While the Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition-based product is available on-demand, it is also possible to deploy it on an internal server, a fact that drew a nod from one close observer of the CRM scene.

"Generally, the fact they offer both on-premise and SaaS is great -- we feel customers like the choice of being able to move seamlessly between the two environments, assuming the two products are functionally the same," China Martens, an analyst with the 451 Group, said via e-mail.

"It's impressive they've retained high-end customers over years such as Chevron and have a bit under 400 customers in total," she added. "If they do want to garner more attention amid the plethora of their competition, we'd expect them to seek some VC funding, also advice from VCs as to how to best grow their business."

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.