Gartner defines account-based marketing (ABM) platforms as software that enables B2B marketing and sales teams to run ABM programs at scale, including account discovery and selection, planning, engagement and reporting. ABM platforms enable the creation of target account lists by unifying first- and third-party data. In addition, they may engage audiences by activating channels such as display advertising, social advertising, email and sales engagement using a mix of native capabilities and integrations.
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.