Callidus Software Inc. was incorporated in Delaware on September 6, 1996[4] by founders Andrew Swett and Scott Kitayama to provide Enterprise Incentive Management (EIM) application systems.

In November 2003, the company had its Initial public offering on the Nasdaq National Market under the stock symbol CALD, raising US$70 million.

[5] Following consecutive missed street expectations and management departures, Robert Youngjohns was appointed CEO in April 2005.

[6] Youngjohns quickly stabilized the business and developed the Sales Performance Management (SPM) proposition which elevated the company's relevance to enterprise customers.

This includes applications to identify business leads, ensure proper territory and quota distribution, enable sales forces, as well as other features.