The funding has been led by Oak Investment Partners, USA along with other well-known investment groups including Madrona Venture Partners, SeaPoint Ventures, Cedar Grove Investments and The Carlyle Group. However the size of the equity diluted was not disclosed.

Addressing the media, Talisma Corporation country manager Rekha Menon said the funds would be directed towards product related R&D, infrastructure and facilities and increased sales and marketing efforts.

``This funding should comfortably get us through 2001. The focus will be on developing new versions of the product, adding more features and increased marketing efforts in the Asia-Pacific/Europe region,'' Ms Menon said.

Following the funding, Talisma has also taken on board Mr Fred Harman, partner Oak Investment and Mr Tom Hughes of Cedar Grove Investments while Mr Pete Higgins of Madrona Venture Partners has joined the advisory board.

Talisma was particularly looking at being a market leader in providing end-to-end solutions for the eCRM industry, she said.

The company currently has close to 250 customers worldwide of which over 50 customers are in India. Following its thrust on marketing and sales, the company is looking at doubling its current manpower base of 550 people by the year end.