Netsuite

The integrated enterprise

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 20:01:39 -0400

The vast majority of organizations run separate applications for each function. Because none of these systems typically talk to each other, duplicate information must be manually entered or imported over and over again, leading to human error and a lack of business intelligence. The goal is to integrate all of the applications used to run businesses into a single consolidated system that shares data where needed. Independent software vendors generally take one of two approaches to the problem. The first solution is core module integration, where a software service provider acts as a central hub and other application service providers integrate their core modules (i.e., accounting, inventory, etc.) into that hub, each consuming its own utilities as needed via Web services. Salesforce.com uses this approach. The second solution is an all-in-one super suite, where a single vendor provides all of the core modules within a single suite, which consumes utilities via Web services as needed. Vendors include SAP, NetSuite, Applicor and BizAutomation.com.

Learn more about the integrated enterprise:
- read the article at CRM Buyer

The real cost of deploying SaaS

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:01:38 -0400

Software as a Service (SaaS) has myriad benefits, including easy deployment and greater flexibility in procuring applications, but it's not necessarily the cheapest way to go. Per-user prices range from about $65 to $125 per user per month, but extra storage above the agreed-upon amount can nudge the total cost higher. The annual subscription fee for Salesforce.com, for example, would cost a company with 100 users using the Enterprise Edition about $150,000. Premier support would cost an additional $22,500 per year. NetSuite figures its costs differently, but it's not any cheaper. And if you require a lot of additional storage, it can cost $50,000, $100,000 or more per year. But pricing isn't written in stone. Some companies, like OrderMotion, have flat-fee schedules for hosting, for unlimited users, but charges a fee for each transaction. All told, Gartner estimates that deploying SaaS saves a large enterprise about 11% per year.

Learn more about the real cost of deploying SaaS:
- read the article at InfoWorld

ALSO:
- read this on the value of SaaS
- and this on the pros and cons of SaaS

The next generation of IT

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 19:01:38 -0500

The next generation of IT will be much more flexible and scalable than today's technology, focused more on serving the business side of the enterprise. It's the only way to remain competitive going forward, especially with the growing push for IT organizations to add value and the reality of the mobile and decentralized workforce. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward change. One possible change is having some of your applications and systems hosted by an outside entity or virtualizing your environment as much as possible in-house. The increase in mobile and remote office staff is one argument in favor of software-as-a-service, which makes it easier and cheaper to deliver business support wherever your users happen to be. To do that, companies will consider services like Salesforce, NetSuite, Webex and CrowPeak, which simplify the enterprise IT landscape.

Learn more about the IT landscape of tomorrow:
- read the article at BPM Today