Entries Tagged as 'Enterprise Software'

Three Reasons to Upgrade your Enterprise Software Application

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Do you use some sort of enterprise software application on a regular basis? If so, it is safe to say that you rely on it to make your job easier. When this is no longer the case, it is time for you to look into an upgrade. Of course, you may need to speak this over with others within your company. If you are lucky they will feel the same way as you about making a change.

Here are three reasons to look into upgrading your enterprise software application.

1. When your current program is no longer beneficial it is time to change. Remember, the enterprise software industry has changed quite a bit over the past few years.

2. Your software should benefit you, not make your job more difficult. Often times an older application will begin to cause more damage than good. If this is the case, you should make a change right away.

3. If you want to become a more efficient company, consider changing enterprise software applications. Of course, this is not always going to make a difference, but depending on your situation it may.

All in all, these are three of the best reasons to upgrade your enterprise software. But in the end, they are not the only reasons to make a change. 

IBM Teaming up with Retailers

The retail world is fast paced and based on results, and with the help of IBM many companies within this industry will have the chance to achieve even more success. IBM recently released a new enterprise software solution known as Retail Integration Framework. Generally speaking, this software is meant to help retailers speed up the process of implementing strategies focusing on customers. In turn, IBM hopes that end users will be able to increase sales while decreasing the time spent on particular tasks.

Patrick Gibney of the IBM Software Group said, “IBM’s Retail Integration Framework provides retailers with a smart and flexible infrastructure that takes advantage of existing and new technologies to support changing business operations and conditions, while providing consumers with a positive shopping experience regardless of how and where they are purchasing products.”

When it comes down to it, IBM’s new enterprise software is meant to benefit both the retailer and consumer. This alone is reason enough for a retailer to consider purchasing the software. Not only does it allow them to benefit, but it can also help to make the buying experience more enjoyable for the customer. Of course, this results in increased future sales.

It will be interesting to see how many retail outlets begin to use Retail Frame Integration in 2008. With a plethora of benefits, it is safe to say that IBM has high hopes. 

Three Downfalls when Buying Enterprise Software

Buying enterprise software can be an exciting time for any business. After all, this is something that is supposed to help your business succeed. Of course, anytime you are buying something this big, problems can arise. There are several common downfalls that end users run into time after time when shopping for enterprise software.

1. Not knowing what is on the market can hurt you in the end. Remember, there are many enterprise software solutions to choose from. Don’t settle on the first one you find just because it looks good on paper.

2. Money is important, but should not come into play too much. You want to buy the enterprise software that will give you the most benefits; not the one that will save you the most money. If you buy cheap you will lose out in the end because you will have to upgrade to a new solution soon enough.

3. If many people will be using the enterprise software, you need to include others in the decision making process. Everybody who will be affected should have some say in the buying process.

These three downfalls do not have to ruin the buying experience. Now that you know what they are, you can avoid them by being prepared and patience.

Plenty of Targets for Large Software Companies

In 2007, there were many purchases made within the enterprise software sector. It seemed as if everyday another small fish was being purchased by one of the big boys. Although this trend may not keep up with last year’s pace, there is no denying that there are still some prime targets for large enterprise software companies to go after.

While it is not easy to say which companies will be purchased, there are some that seem to be perfect for an acquisition. A short list includes Tibco Software, Symantec, Quest Software, Progress Software, Open Text, Novell, Lawson, Citrix Systems, and BMC Software among others.

The major players within the enterprise sector are aware that purchasing smaller companies allows them to increase both their offerings and earnings. And the more that they have to offer, the better they will stand against the competition.
 
Although it is still early in 2008, it is safe to say that a few acquisitions will take place soon enough. These deals are always intriguing, and in many ways they change the entire landscape of the enterprise software industry.

Why Enterprise Software Firms Release New Versions

Enterprise software companies know that they have to stay ahead of the competition. As soon as a company releases one version of their software, they need to start working on an update. This is the only way to ensure that they will be able to keep up with the competition, while also giving their clients what they want. As you can see, the number one reason for releasing a new software version is to keep up and quite possibly stay ahead of the competition.

Of course, competition is not the only thing that these companies consider. More importantly, they want to make sure that their clients have access to the best of the best. With each update, software companies make sure that they add new features and enhancements. Generally speaking, each version is supposed to be better than the one before. This way, current clients and potential buyers will both have a reason to consider buying.

Even when an enterprise software application seems as if it can get no better, you can be rest assured that the company behind the product is working on updates.

The Growth of Small Enterprise Software Companies

Every enterprise software company was small at some point in time. Just because companies like Oracle are ruling the industry now, does not mean that things were always this way. In fact, there was a time when they were just getting started and hoping to make a small impression. With that being said, every small enterprise software company has the same goal. They want to start at the beginning, but quickly build a name. And as we have seen time after time, this is more than possible.

Not every enterprise software company grows in the same way. As you can imagine, some of them take off quick, whereas others struggle until they make a big breakthrough. In today’s day and age, if a company wants to move to the top fast, they need to offer a unique feature or buying benefit to the end user. This is why the smaller firms always seem to be the most innovative. They know that success hinges on the development of new and never-done-before products.

The small enterprise software companies of today may be the big companies of tomorrow.

How Enterprise Software Companies are Boosting Sales

There is no doubt that the enterprise software industry is a crowded one. There are many big companies, as well as smaller ones that are just joining the game. The big question is: how much room is there for all of these firms? In other words, can every company be successful when competing against one another for business. The answer to this question is yes and no. When it comes down to it, an enterprise software company has to do something special in order to give themselves a competitive advantage. This is especially true for smaller companies that are not yet established.

There are many techniques that enterprise software companies use to boost sales. Most commonly, they attempt to offer a feature or design element that the competition is lacking. This is especially true among smaller companies that are fighting for their share of the market. For instance, a better design interface will give a smaller firm the chance to take on the big boys. Any feature that differentiates them in a positive manner is a good thing.

Not every enterprise software company is going to turn into an IBM or Oracle. But with the right moves, they can all boost sales sooner or later. 

Enterprise Software Trends in 2008

Although it is difficult to say what will happen within the enterprise software industry in 2008, there are some trends that are sure to play out. If you are interested in any facet of this industry, you will want to know what to expect. This holds true no matter if you are going to be purchasing enterprise software, or investing in companies that manufacture these applications.

Here are three common trends that are sure to appear in 2008.

1. More big companies are going to purchase smaller competitors. This happened time after time in 2007, and the trend will continue as this year goes by.

2. Competition is going to be as fierce as ever. While this always holds true to a certain extent, there are plenty of reasons to think that this year will be the most competitive to date.

3. Smaller companies will thrive. These are the firms that always seem to make a big splash because they know that they have to be different and innovative in order to compete.

The enterprise software industry will go through many changes and advances in 2008. Keep an eye out for the trends above, as well as many others that are sure to come into play. 

Evaluating Enterprise Software

The evaluation of enterprise software is essential before making a purchase. A company that buys before evaluating the different aspects of each offering is sure to make a mistake sooner or later. Sure, the evaluation process can be lengthy, but it is important nonetheless.

By evaluating each enterprise software application in the same manner, making a decision becomes much easier. This is because you will be able to compare each option on a level playing field. The more comprehensive you are during the evaluation process, the easier the decision will be in the end.

While each company will evaluate and select enterprise software in their own way, there are many basics that must be taken care of. They include listing each possible option, knowing who will make the final decision, and determining which details will hold the most weight.

Overall, the evaluation of enterprise software can be fun. Remember, the decision that you make will effect the direction in which your company moves. If you implement the best possible solution, you are sure to achieve the best results. 

Enterprise Software Consolidation in the New Year

In 2007, consolidation was the big word within the enterprise software industry. More companies than ever before were purchasing smaller firms and/or joining forces. It is safe to say that some of this trend is going to spill over into 2008. After all, a trend like this is not an easy one to slow down. Especially after all of the mergers that took place last year.

While it was semi-easy to see which companies would be bought this past year, the forecast is not as predictable for 2008. At this time, it is difficult to see which smaller companies will be eaten up by the likes of Oracle and IBM as the new year gets underway. Most experts agree that smaller niche operations are the ones that will be targeted early on. This is especially true amongst companies that manufacture business intelligence and data management software; two of the hottest niches within the enterprise software industry.

Although consolidation may not be as common as it was last year, there should be plenty of deals to keep an eye on as 2008 unfolds.

CDC Joins OAGi

CDC provides industry specific enterprise software to thousands of companies. When it comes to the biggest names in the industry, CDC is a leader. Most recently, the company announced that it has joined forces with the Open Applications Group, Inc. (OAGi.)

OAGi is an open standards group specifically for enterprise software companies. Despite the fact that OAGi is a non-profit group, it is still well known for offering many benefits to the enterprise software industry. More specifically, the group focuses on the language standards side of enterprise software. As you probably know, this is a very important area that all manufacturers of this type of software should be involved.

CEO of OAGi David Connelly said, “OAGi has established itself at the forefront of interoperability standards in the enterprise application market. This position will be further strengthened as CDC Software and our members help drive the industry to a common business language that will enable business applications to communicate more effectively within and outside the enterprise.”

Joining OAGi is another step that CDC has taken towards improving the culture of their company.

The Enterprise Software Selection Process

Purchasing software can be a difficult, time consuming, and often time’s stressful process. If you are going to get the most of the enterprise software that you select, it is the work that you do up front before making a decision that will matter the most.

The first step in the selection process is to know what is on the market. To get to the bottom of this it is essential to research not only the well known software programs, but also those that are intriguing due to their recent entry into the marketplace. Remember, you never know what you will find.

Next, take what you find and compare it to what you need. In other words, you want to purchase the enterprise software that is going to solve the problems that you are currently experiencing.

Finally, get together with everybody who will be contributing to the decision. With big purchases like this, internal squabbles may appear sooner rather than later. It is important that compromises are made, and that the best decision is settled on in the end. The best interest of the company should be kept in mind.

All in all, do not select your next enterprise software application based on little research and brand name recognition. Instead, learn as much as you can, determine what holes you are trying to fill, and then make a final decision with others within your organization.

Enterprise Software and User Interface

There is no denying that the enterprise software industry is full of competition. Some companies are better known than others, but that does not necessarily mean that they are better overall. The firms that are not as well known need to offer features that will get them noticed. One of the best things that they can do is offer a user friendly interface; this holds true for every enterprise software company.

There are many reasons that a friendly user interface is important. First off, it will attract new customers. End users that are in the market are sure to migrate towards the vendors that offer an easy to follow and understand interface. After all, nobody likes to be confused and face a high learning curve.

Of course, the better the user interface the better chance companies have of keeping their existing clientele. One of the main reasons that a customer would change software applications is if they are having a difficult time understanding and learning.

User interface should be high priority for every enterprise software company. The companies that concentrate on this area will have the best chance of higher growth and profits in the foreseeable future.

Tibco Software has Bad 4th Quarter

Tibco Software Inc., a leading enterprise software provider, recently reported a 12 percent decline in fourth quarter profits. The company feels that this was due in large part to one time costs and operating fees.

With that being said, Tibco’s adjusted profit beat expectations by industry analysts. For this reason, shares began to increase.

During the fourth quarter of 2006, Tibco revenues equaled $161.1 million. This number was up 14 percent in 2007 to $186.1 million. So despite the fact that overall profits dipped in the fourth quarter, it is easy to see that Tibco did much better this year than last. More than anything else, this shows that the company is beginning to become more established within the enterprise software arena.

All in all, Tibco did not have a great 2007. Luckily for them, solid fourth quarter revenues helped to salvage somewhat of a down year. It is safe to say that Tibco is anxious to get started with 2008. To go along with this, industry analysts will also be keeping a close watch on the progress of the company. 

CDC Setting up in India

CDC Software has not grown into one of the biggest enterprise software companies in the world by sitting still. Once again, they are on the move. This time, CDC is setting up operations in India. As you probably know, this county is on the rise within technical related industries, as well as many others. By becoming involved now, CDC will be able to reap many rewards as India continues to grow.

The new arm of the company will be responsible for selling CDC’s Customer Relationship Management software solutions within the country.

CDC feels that there are three growing markets in India that will benefit greatly from their offerings. They include the real estate, financial services, and IT markets. Although operations in India are fairly new, sales have already begun to trickle in. As word spreads, it is safe to say that many companies within the industries listed above will call on CDC for assistance. 

NetSuite going Public

For many years, NetSuite has been a solid competitor in the enterprise software industry. They may not be known as one of the big boys, but they certainly have a lot to offer. NetSuite does a lot of business thanks to the fact that they offer web based software. This is in comparison to other companies that require an actual software installation process. Believe it or not, many users would rather work with a web based application as to avoid costly and time consuming downloads.

With so much to offer, NetSuite has decided to go public. Company officials are confident in the fact that they will continue to grow, and of course, that consumers will continue to buy. NetSuite offers a wide range of software that assists end users with everything from accounting to customer relationship management.

Despite the fact that NetSuite is still struggling to reach profitability, many investors are quite intrigued by this offering. Not only does the company have a good management team, but they also have a burning desire to increase profits and sales.

NetSuite currently works with more than 5,000 customers. As this number grows, so will profits. It will be interesting to see what the IPO does for business.

CDC showing Big Profits

CDC Corp. is cleaning up when it comes to enterprise software earnings. Although the company is involved with other areas of business, their enterprise applications are really bringing in the money. In fact, there enterprise business is largely responsible for record revenues during the third quarter of 2007.

It is easy to see how much CDC is growing by simply looking at their third quarter earnings in 2006. Third quarter 2006, their total revenue was $78.2 million. One year later this number jumped 27 percent to $99.6 million. All in all, this is the second biggest quarter that CDC has ever had. And once again, the main reason for this is the overall good performance of their enterprise software sector.

Day in and day out CDC is signing up new customers who are interested in their enterprise software applications. As this number continues to increase, so will their overall revenues. It will be interesting to see if four quarter earnings for CDC can approach the massive number put up in Q3. With the success the company has been having as of late, nobody will be surprised if this happens.

Enterprise Software Popularity: Many Companies Following Suit

There is a very important trend that is likely to become increasingly more noticeable within the enterprise software industry over the next few years. That being that the big name companies will begin to drag others into the game. For instance, Microsoft has always had a lot of influence within the software and tech related industries. For this reason, expect to see companies such as IBM following in line sooner rather than later; at least within the enterprise applications sector.

There are several reasons that companies begin to follow others into the enterprise software industry. First off, they are aware that there are big profits to be had if opportunities are approached in the appropriate manner. To go along with this, companies that have yet to get involved are afraid of being left behind. For this reason, they will do whatever it takes to start creeping in the right direction.

In addition to new companies jumping into enterprise software, smaller firms will be eaten up by larger competitors. This effect has already been seen in the way that BEA Systems and Oracle have bought out smaller operations as a way of increasing profits and offerings.

There is no denying that the enterprise software industry is on the move. This trend is only going to grow over the next year or so.

Free video editing software

New to the marketplace is a great little package that offers the user some really great benefits. Avidemux has many of the features as you would expect from a “bought” package, but with the added bonus of being able to try it out to see if it suits your own style of work. The great thing about free software is that if it’s not suitable, or you just don’t like it, you have only lost a bit of time.

Avidemux features:

  • New iPod Profile
  • New Glyph Editor
  • OCR support for TS Subtitles
  • Support for Nellymoser Codec
  • Support for writing MKV and FLV files
  • JACK support for Linux
  • DirectX Support (Win 32)
  • Jog Shuttle control (GTK+)
  • Supports file types, AVI, MPEG/VOB/TS, MP4, ASF, OGM, MKV and FLV.
  • Supports Video and Audio formats, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 ASP, H.264/AVC, DV, HuffYUV, MP3, AAC, AC-3 and Vorbis.

This is great a package at a great price.

Source [Softzilla]


Important Enterprise Software Opinions

Just like anything else, there are many opinions about enterprise software and the direction in which the industry should be moving. These differing opinions come from companies that manufacture and design this software to those who use it on a regular basis. With that being said, it is difficult to narrow in on which opinions have the most clout because there are so many of them floating around.

For instance, many enterprise software companies feel that it is difficult to make their product user friendly because they have to put so much time and effort into the actual functionality. While users will have a hard time coming to grips with this statement, it is easy to see where these companies are coming from. After all, users can either have something that looks good and is easy to follow, or something that works. Which one is more important?

To go along with the above opinion, companies also believe that the majority of buyers have no idea what they want. Instead, they purchase based on what is available. In most cases, this is probably a fair statement. But with that being said, there are some end users who have experience with enterprise software and know what changes they would like to see in the future.

If you are like most, you have an opinion on enterprise software. Does anybody else agree with you? 

Deltek Releases New Software Solution

Deltek recently released Vision 5.1; its enterprise software solution aimed towards companies that are in need of project based assistance. This new and updated software solution is meant to help companies to better track and organize finances while also increasing project efficiency; both of which are very important to the overall success of a company.

Vice President of Product Management, Scott DeFusco said, “The Vision 5.1 release demonstrates our continued commitment to release innovative solutions that improve the efficiency of our customer’s operations. The new functionality in Vision 5.1 will greatly enhance our customer’s ability to successfully manage their complex, project-driven businesses.”

In addition to the many features that are offered by Vision 5.1, this enterprise software solution can also be quickly and easily customized to meet the exact needs of the user. This alone is one of the main reasons that Deltek has been so successful within this industry. Although the basics are in place, the ability to tailor the software gives companies an added benefit that is often times hard to come by.

There is no denying that many companies are going to upgrade to Vision 5.1 software in the near future.

What is Enterprise Software really about?

When discussing enterprise software, a lot of people get caught up in how “cool” a program is. But of course, that is not what enterprise software is really about. There are features that you should consider when buying, but how cool a certain program is should not be one of them.

Generally speaking, the main buying feature of enterprise software should be how well it will integrate with your current set-up, as well as what it will be able to offer on a day to day basis. It is very important that enterprise software is selected with the proper features in mind. For instance, you will want to consider everything from how the software communicates to what it is best known for. Upon researching each enterprise software solution it will be easier to locate and decide on the features that you need. But if you are blinded by the name or “curb appeal” of a particular software, you may be disappointed with what you buy.

Enterprise software costs a lot of money, and functions in ways that the user is never aware of. For this reason, it is important that every consumer purchases for what enterprise software is really about, functionality.

Enterprise Software: Function over Style

When it comes down to it, enterprise software is not the sexiest part of a company. In other words, this is not what customers and potential clients talk about. But with that being said, the proper enterprise software can make any company more profitable and efficient. The fact of the matter is that without the right enterprise software solution, many companies would be nothing more than average at best.

For the reasons above, it is important for companies to choose the enterprise software that best suits their company, not others. Even though there are many solutions to choose from, not all of them offer the same functionality. When a company is shopping for enterprise software, they need to get what will offer them the best chance of success. Particular software features only matter if they will be able to help a company run more efficiently. Features that only look good on paper are not going to get you anywhere.

Overall, enterprise software is all about functionality. Companies may not be able to directly increase profits by telling potential clients about their enterprise software setup, but behind the scenes this goes a long way in helping to achieve success. 

Starting an Enterprise Software Company

Are you thinking about starting an enterprise software company? If so, be prepared to go up against the big boys, such as Oracle and SAP, on a regular basis. Although it may seem impossible to compete with these large companies, you can be successful if truly dedicated to the industry.

First things first, new enterprise software companies need to carve out a niche. When it comes down to it, the big companies have the resources and backing to work within a variety of industries and fields. Until you begin to generate a lot of revenue, you should concentrate on one segment of the market. Once you are established in that one market, you can then begin to expand into others.

What have the successful enterprise software companies done to reach the top? By asking yourself this question you will have a better idea of the direction in which you should move. This is not to say that you should copy their every step, but you should at least consider how they moved to the top of the industry.

With the proper knowledge and dedication, you can start an enterprise software company. Just remember, it may take a while to break into the industry as many of the major competitors have a foothold on a large percentage of buyers.

VAI Strengthens Canadian Ties

Vormittag Associates, Inc. (VAI) is a leading enterprise software company catering to the retail, manufacturing, and distribution industries. Although the company is headquartered in New York, they have offices all over the United States. With that being said, VAI has decided to move into the Canadian markets by forming a partnership with Mid-Range Computer Group. This will allow the company to more easily offer its popular S2K software to interested Canadian businesses.

The Canadian based Mid-Range is an IBM Premier Business Partner, much like VAI. They have been in business for more than 20 years, and are one of the largest and most established IBM resellers in North America.

Senior Sales Executive, Brian Angle, of VAI said, “As a major developer of ERP software for the IBM System, VAI understands that a partnership with Mid-Range, one of the leading IBM dealers in Canada, is the ideal addition to our Canadian reseller portfolio. Combined with the recent strengthening of the Canadian dollar, this partnership provides the right conditions for an aggressive marketing push in the region.”

By setting up this partnership, VAI is showing that they are interested in greatly expanding their business into Canada. With the help of Mid-Range, it is hard to imagine that VAI will be anything but a success in the Canadian market.

Oracle Enterprise Solutions: Still Marching On

As the world’s largest enterprise software company, it is safe to say that Oracle has a lot of products to offer. But with that being said, a large company does not always translate into success. Fortunately for Oracle, this is not the case. Not only is Oracle big in stature, but its offerings are also among the best in the industry. How else could you explain so many companies relying on their products and expertise?

Over the past couple of months, Oracle has been recognized by some of the biggest names in the industry time after time. For instance, Oracle was included in the popular EContent 100 which outlines the 100 companies that are most important to digital content.

Perhaps, the Forrester Wave put it best by saying, “Oracle is a well-rounded suite with strengths in document management, records management, and WCM.” When you combine all of those features, there is no wondering why Oracle is so powerful. Simply put, they can cater to a large audience due to their product offerings alone.

It is amazing that Oracle is able to stay at the top, month after month. Just when a competitor thinks that they can make a run at Oracle, they find out that this is much more difficult than it sounds.

ASM Technologies to Buy Enterprise Software Resources

ASM Technologies has agreed in terms to purchase United States based Enterprise Software Resources. This all cash deal is sure to help ASM to better establish themselves within the ultra competitive enterprise software industry.

For the past decade, Enterprise Software Resources has been providing large companies with enterprise solutions. Just a few of their biggest clients include: National Gypsum, AGA Gas, Pacific Coast, Vera Bradley, Owens Corning, and DTE Energy.

Rabindra Srikantan of ASM Technologies said, “Enterprise Software Resources with their high-end consulting is a strategic fit for ASM.”

Although the terms of the deal were not released, it is safe to say that Enterprise Software Resources is making out quite well. Since beginning to offer their services more than 10 years ago, the company has been moving in the right direction which is evident by the many Fortune 500 companies that they work with.

Although ASM Technologies will be taking over day to day operations, some key players from Enterprise Software Resources are staying on board to continue to guide things along the right path.

Ipreo and NSIGHT make a Deal

Ipreo is one of the most well respected and well known execution software providers in the world. This is especially true within the companies that use their services. In order to take their operations to the next level, Ipreo has struck a deal to purchase NSIGHT Enterprise Software. This will help Ipreo to expand their offerings as NSIGHT is a top provider of solutions to clients within the finance community.

Generally speaking, NSIGHT is a fast growing company that works primarily with financial institutions that are in need of a high quality enterprise software solution. Since Ipreo also works largely with investment banks, this acquisition is one that makes sense for both parties.

Ipreo CEO Scott Ganeles said, “The combined Ipreo/NSIGHT organization has unequalled domain expertise and a shared focus on providing outstanding customer service.”

With both firms located in New York, the transition should be quick and efficient. CEO of NSIGHT Neil Hyman summed up the deal perfectly by saying, “Clients will now be able to take advantage of the best data in the industry, coupled with leading-edge CRM functionality, backed by the strength of our combined technical and service resources. We’re excited to have the opportunity to bring such a powerful offering to the capital markets community.” 

Is the Cost of Enterprise Software on the way down?

Many tech industry analysts feel that the cost of enterprise software solutions is going to decline steadily in the years to come. The reason they believe this is quite simple. Over the past few years, IT departments have had the ability to save money on hardware such as computers and printers, as well as computer related services. With that being said, they are going to wonder why the software industry is not following suit. This will more than likely put enterprise software vendors in a precarious situation as they will have to attempt to lower their price without negatively effecting profits.

There are several other reasons why it only makes sense for the cost of enterprise software to decrease in the near future.

1. More and more companies are becoming interested in open source software which does not cost them a dime for the most part. When compared to purchasing enterprise software, this is obviously the more cost efficient option.

2. It is easier than ever before to obtain low cost, custom solutions by outsourcing to countries with low labor costs such as India. This has been seen across many industries already.

3. Chinese enterprise software companies are beginning to make major noise within the industry. In turn, if the performance of their products gets on par with higher priced options, industry leaders will have to lower prices in order to stay competitive.

These are all trends that industry analysts are watching carefully.

CDC Software: Helping Harvey Nichols to Reach New Heights

CDC Software is a manufacturer of a wide variety of enterprise software solutions that are geared towards several key industries. Most recently, the luxury retailer Harvey Nichols has taken notice of what CDC’s MarketFirst software has to offer. Generally speaking, the store is using this solution as a way of increasing the experience of customers.

What is Harvey Nichols looking to get out of this software? Generally speaking, they are hoping that the addition will help to increase the amount of money that each customer spends. This will be done through monitoring a customer’s spending habits, and then translating the information into useful tidbits that can be used at the point of sale.

Harvey Nichols IT and Logistics Director, Martin Schofield said, “”With CDC MarketFirst and Pivotal CRM, we are empowering our marketing team with the ability to plan and execute targeted campaigns from a central point. At a more fundamental level, we are also empowering our point-of-sale representatives with the information needed to provide personalized value-added services to each customer they serve.”

CDC Software is helping Harvey Nichols on a number of levels. With the success that the store is sure to have, it is safe to say that more and more retailers will consider what the software can do for them.

Alfresco and Facebook

Alfresco has released information on how they have managed to integrate its enterprise software into the ever popular social networking site, Facebook. According to officials at Alfresco, this is the first integration of its kind. Obviously, this is a huge step forward as Facebook continues to increase in popularity.

A large number of companies worldwide feel that allowing employees to access Facebook is a huge mistake. Not only does it detract from work time, but it can also be seen as a security threat. On the other side of things, there are companies such as Alfresco that feel that Facebook is a great communication tool.

With their new platform, Alfresco says that publishing content to Facebook is every bit as simple as any other website; such as a corporate page or blog.

CTO of Alfresco, John Newton said, “Our new ECM-enabled access to Facebook lets an organization take the latest news or catalog information from inside the corporation and easily publish it both internally and externally to keep stakeholders informed.”

There is no denying that tens of millions of people love what Facebook has to offer. At this time it is becoming more obvious that companies are looking for a way to cash in on this trend.

Coda Wins Big Award

Over the past year, Coda has been making big time moves within the enterprise software industry. After nearly two years of development and securing money from investors, the company finally released its much anticipated new product, Neon. In addition to the unveiling of Neon, the company also released information that they would be partnering with salesforce.com. Their job will be to supply salesforce.com with on demand software.

For all of their hard work over the past two years, Coda was recently awarded the Enterprise Software of the Year award by Accountancy Age. Despite the fact that the company was up against a lot of competition, they came out on top due in large part to the overall quality of their products.

Accountancy Age said, “’The software is very impressive. There is strong evidence of excellent product development and a clear roadmap for where the company is going.” They are dead on with this statement as it is obvious that Coda is moving in the right direction, and will soon become an even bigger player in the enterprise software industry. Their partnership with salesforce.com alone will bring a lot of notoriety to the company.

Oracle: High Sales Driven by Customer Demand