RightNow Technologies is acquiring Salesnet in what could be one of the first signs of consolidation in the on-demand software sector.

RightNow, a pioneer in offering hosted customer relationship management (CRM) services, will add Salesnet’s sophisticated selling environments. Salesnet positions itself as an alternative to Salesforce.com, the largest specialist in the hosted software sector.

Basic integration of RightNow and Salesnet services is planned for the next few months, and all major features and scheduled for availability next summer.

RightNow has made a successful impression in the UK and Europe and counts British Airways and BT as customers. Salesnet has limited itself to selling through a local agent, Entelegen, in the UK.

Salesforce recently made its first acquisition by picking up Sendia, a developer of technology for mobilising on-demand software.