Summary: LoopFuse has launched a free entry-level version of its marketing automation system. LoopFuse today promised to “transform” the marketing automation industry by offering a free version of its system. In practice, this means that only very small companies will actually be able to use the free system as their primary long-term marketing system. When they briefed me last week, they said the main purpose of the new system is really to entice trial among companies just starting with marketing automation. rather than marketing automation. MORE >>

There's a new report out from Demand Gen Report, sponsored by Manticore Technology, that reveals the reflections of 53 marketing executives who are using marketing automation systems. As the use of these systems is estimated at only 10% of the overall B2B market, these insights from the trenches will help both vendors and customers prepare for the best outcomes. The benefits from automating marketing programs can be many. This said, technology is not the answer to better marketing. Technology is the enabler of a solid eMarketing strategy. MORE >>

Last month, Eloqua terminated its reselling relationship with The Pedowitz Group, a marketing automation reseller. The Pedowitz Group (TPG) stated in a press release  that by representing multiple marketing automation vendors, TPG is best serving its customers.   Marketo, one of TPG’s marketing automation vendors, supported TPG’s position on the exclusivity issue in this blog post by Marketo CEO, Phil Fernandez. the mid-market or enterprise market). VARs are led by entrepreneurs with a high tolerance for risk. MORE >>

My new obsession with Twitter (follow me as @draab) has led to several messages from people who seemed to have trouble choosing between Eloqua and Marketo. This is a bit perplexing, since those products are at the opposite ends of the spectrum: Marketo being relatively low cost / limited functionality / easier to learn, and Eloqua being higher cost / richer functionality / takes more training. But there are plenty of other options, particularly for marketers with limited budgets. They focus on email nurturing campaigns and marketing measurement. Just kidding.or MORE >>

Summary: Based on Web traffic rankings, new demand generation vendors with low prices are gaining market presence. But Eloqua , Silverpop and Marketo remain industry leaders. Last November, after much consideration of alternatives , I settled on Alexa three-month Web traffic rankings as a reasonable way to measure the relative market presence of demand generation vendors. Note: after I posted this, it was pointed out to me that the bulk of traffic on several sites relates to customer log-ins rather than marketing prospects. You can see that post here. Ready yet?) MORE >>