Gartner defines account-based marketing (ABM) platforms as software that enables B2B marketing and sales teams to run ABM programs at scale, including account selection, planning, engagement and reporting. Platforms enable the creation of target account lists by unifying first- and third-party data. In addition, platforms may engage audiences by activating channels such as display advertising, social advertising, email and sales engagement, using a mix of native capabilities and integrations. ABM platforms help B2B marketers and sellers to create a set of target accounts and engage buying team members with relevant outreach and content to help buyers explore and evaluate their solutions.
Advertising technology (ad tech) platforms help digital marketing leaders plan, buy and manage digital advertising campaigns across channels, including, but not limited to, display, video, streaming TV and audio, mobile, social media and search. They provide functions for campaign planning, media buying, advertising analysis and optimization and automation. Ad tech platforms can be used by buy-side and sell-side agents.