CA's latest ERwin DM version enters channel-only realm 17 June, 2007 By Patricia Pickett

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On Monday the Islandia, N.Y.-based vendor released version 7.2 of its ERwin Data Modeler (DM). This version boasts integration with Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Team Edition for Database Professionals. ERwin DM r7.2 is part of CA's ERwin Modeling Suite, an integrated set of technologies that enables best practices for relational database design and modeling.

According to Danny Sandwell, CA's product manger for ERwin, the new ERwin version supports all databases out there, but "we've targeted SQL server 2005 for complete exploitation." With the addition of out-of-the-box integration with Visual Studio 2005 Team Edition for Database Professionals, CA hopes to "accelerate adoption of the Visual Studio product and make sure that our products are integrated with all of the environments (database pros) want to use," Sandwell said.

CA said ERwin Modeling Suite r7.2 facilitates a managed, model-based approach for business analysis and requirements gathering, as well as the design and implementation of database and data warehouse applications. It also enables database professionals using SQL Server to visually design and generate managed objects for use in the Microsoft Visual Studio development environment.

In addition, ERwin DM helps database professionals migrate existing SQL Server data schemas to accelerate deployment of Visual Studio projects. Managed objects can be reverse-engineered from Visual Studio into ERwin DM for metadata visualization, integration and reporting purposes. Full native support for the relational syntax in SQL Server 2005 is also available, including the round-trip engineering of objects directly with the database catalogue and/or via script. The new release also adds support for MySQL, DB2 9 and Sybase IQ.

Sandwell said ERwin DM is "akin to the Kleenex of data modeling" in that it is recognized as a top brand name in the field. In the past, the tool has been sold equally effectively through the channel, going back to its origins at Logic Works, as it has been through CA's direct sales force, because it suits all business sizes, from large enterprise accounts right down to small and medium businesses (SMBs), as well as all verticals, he said.

However, beginning with its fiscal year this April, CA made the conscious decision to change that sales model. "Our plan is to make this 100 per cent available through the channel," Sandwell said. All of the large enterprise accounts will be handed over to the channel, and partners will also get the associated contract renewals, providing an "automatic boom" for those that have stuck by CA, he said. CA's inside sales team, which formerly generated leads and closed some sales if the customer did not specify a preferred partner, will now focus solely on lead generation, passing over all opportunities to the channel.

"This is one of the efforts CA is making in support of expanding and improving its leverage of the channel and its partnership with the channel," Sandwell continued. There are already a number of smaller VARs out there whose operations are "completely and solely based on providing value-added services around ERwin itself," and this will serve to enhance their businesses, he said.

The support for Microsoft "gives us a whole new fertile ground" when it comes to channel opportunities, Sandwell said. CA will be able to approach partner base selling Visual Studio or SQL Server and "cherry-pick the ones that will be able to help us as well." The maturity and success of Microsoft's channel will enable "cross-selling and cross-pollination" between the two vendors, added Sandwell. "There is a natural fit...in these things coming together, and it will be powerful for CA and the channel moving forward."