Business Catalyst is a hosted (SaaS

Software as a Service

Software as a service , sometimes referred to as "on-demand software," is a software delivery model in which software and its associated data are hosted centrally and are typically accessed by users using a thin client, normally using a web browser over the Internet.SaaS has become a common...

) all-in-one solution for building and managing business websites. The company uses the term "Online Businesses" to represent a new approach to building and running websites. An online business differs from an ordinary website in that it has greater awareness of its visitors and customers. At its core, it has a built-in customer relationship management framework and is complemented with rich sales, service and marketing features such as eCommerce and Email Marketing tools.

The company was founded in 2004 by two Australian entrepreneurs, Bardia Housman and Adam Broadway. It was acquired by Adobe Systems

Adobe Systems

Adobe Systems Incorporated is an American computer software company founded in 1982 and headquartered in San Jose, California, United States...

 in August 2009.

Business model

Business Catalyst's business model differs from many others in that they allow web designers to resell their hosted service as part of a "Partner Program".

A reseller channel of paid "Partners" receive specialized tools for site provisioning and management, commissions on hosting fees, live training and in some instances ability to rebrand the platform as their own.

Business Catalyst experimented with a direct-to-customer strategy under the “GoodBarry” brand before the offering was closed down as a part of the Adobe acquisition.

Platform features

The Business Catalyst platform incorporates a wide range of features including:

• Content Management
• eCommerce
• Email Marketing
• Integrated CRM Database
• Reporting & Analytics

Community

The major communities available for tips, help and support with the Adobe Business Catalyst community are:

• Adobe BC Cafe on Linkedin is a free group aimed at letting the Business Catalyst community discuss the system outside of the Business Catalyst forum. There is also a private sub-group for Business Catalyst partners only and Adobe BC London, a regional group for BC developers based in the United Kingdom.
• kiyuco - a commercial subscription based community offering tips and videos. ;)
• BC Gurus is a home (if you're willing to pay for it) for BC Partners
  BC Partners
  BC Partners is a private equity firm specialising in buyouts and acquisitions financing in Europe and the United States. The firm invests across all industries...
  
  looking to master Adobe Business Catalyst.

History

• 2004 - Business Catalyst is released as a platform designed for building and managing online businesses.
• 2005 - Business Catalyst launches their Dreamweaver Extension “Triangle”. An early extension to provide real-time connectivity between Dreamweaver and a hosted service.
• 2006 - Business Catalyst completes its Australian “Designer Success” tour officially launching its offering throughout Australia.
• 2007 - The company quickly gains attention with its retail "GoodBarry" brand, targeted towards do-it-yourself business owners.
• 2008 - Business Catalyst open their first international office in San Francisco, USA.
• August, 2009 - Business Catalyst is acquired by Adobe Systems, closing down the GoodBarry brand to focus solely on the web professional market.
• April, 2010 - Adobe announces the opening of the first of three new datacenters for their Business Catalyst service