Blackbaud today unveiled a new release of Blackbaud NetCommunity, saying it includes “major enhancements in both function and features.”

 

Company officials cite “improved site design features to enhanced Web accessibility and a native social networking feature called ‘Wave,’ ”all designed to provide nonprofits with ways to engage constituents online.

 

The vendor has also unveiled a new set of NetCommunity Open Platform APIs for creating custom parts, integrated Web services and custom transactions.

 

“With Wave, Blackbaud has introduced a new way to use social networking – both within the application and by integrating to social network services like Facebook (News - Alert) – which will add to the viral nature of our work,” said Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Director of Information Technology Michael Sola.

 

Marc Chardon, Blackbaud’s chief executive officer, said since it was introduced in 2004, more than 600 nonprofits have selected NetCommunity. “Integration with The Raiser’s Edge lets nonprofits customize Web visitors’ online experience while capturing key information in their CRM systems,” he said.

 

Wave, Blackbaud NetCommunity’s new social networking feature, helps nonprofits create mission-specific online communities that also integrate with popular social networking sites like Facebook.

 

Additional enhancements include content approval, “allowing workflow approval processes for content publishing and versioning,” company officials say, as well as eCards allowing Web site visitors to send electronic cards for free or for a donation.

 

Last month Blackbaud announced the completion of its tender offer by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Eucalyptus Acquisition Corporation, at $1.12 net per share in cash for all the outstanding shares of common stock of Kintera (News - Alert).

 

The depositary for the offer has advised Blackbaud and Eucalyptus Acquisition Corporation that, as of the expiration of the initial offering period, approximately 37.3 million shares were tendered, delivered, and not withdrawn in the tender offer. Those shares represent approximately 92 percent of Kintera’s outstanding shares as of the expiration of the initial offering period.