Vignette Software Selects Y&R

After a review that lasted almost six months, software company Vignette selected Young & Rubicam here to handle its $10-15 million account.

Vignette, based in Austin, Texas, makes content management software for businesses. For example, its products allow companies to sort through and update databases based on new employee data, work for clients and other information.

“We’re delighted to have Y&R guide our marketing efforts,” said Phil Powers, client svp of worldwide marketing.

The other review contenders could not be determined.

Agency president and CEO Penny Baldwin said the pitch involved three Y&R branches: the traditional agency, direct marketing unit Wunderman and Mediaedge:cia.

It’s the second major win for the shop since a sweeping reorganization enacted under Baldwin that included the departure of creative director Stephen Creet and the promotion of Kathy Murphy from general manager to COO, a new position.

Y&R won the Havoline motor oil account in January.

Baldwin said the agency was excited to win the pitch after losing prized software client Adobe to crosstown shop Goodby, Silverstein & Partners. Y&R’s background in the category was key to the victory, she said. “We had quite a bit of experience with VeriSign and Adobe. They have a lot of the same qualities [as Vignette], and that was something they were definitely looking at,” she said.

“The market is still tough out there, so winning anything is a major accomplishment,” Baldwin added. “Like most new-business wins, it was a combination of thinking and team chemistry and good interaction with the client. We tried to go beyond what they were looking for in each case.”

Agency and client officials said an upcoming campaign will include print, direct marketing and Internet ads. TV ads are not likely, at least for now. Work will likely break later this year.

Vignette’s software is used by more than 1,400 major businesses. The client has offices in the Amer icas, Europe, Asia and Australia.