NetSuite positions itself as “a leading vendor of on-demand (or cloud computing) integrated business management software suites for midsized businesses and divisions of large companies.” In other words, contrary to its software as a service (SaaS) peers that excel in one departmental function (e.g., Salesforce.com in the on-demand sales force automation [SFA] niche), NetSuite enables over 6,600 mid-market companies to manage their core business operations holistically in a single system.
Its flagship product, NetSuite OneWorld [evaluate this product], includes the realms of accounting/enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and electronic commerce (e-commerce). Moreover, NetSuite’s patent-pending “real-time dashboard” technology provides easy-to-use views of up-to-date and role-specific business information. Lately, NetSuite has also been acting as a reseller for AdaptivePlanning’s business performance management (BPM) solution.
But the “suite” and “SaaS” themes are only two legs of a three-legged stool that represents NetSuite’s product strategy. Namely, “verticalization in the cloud” is NetSuite’s third “big idea” when it comes to on-demand software differentiation. In fact, NetSuite has made great inroads into certain industries. Particular success has been noted in wholesale distribution, with the NetSuite OneWorld for Distributors product. There is also a healthy install base amid software companies (NetSuite’s peers).
Building Cuckoo Nests Within SAP (and Oracle) Customers
One of the major developments of late has been NetSuite’s hub-and-spoke approach to divisions of large SAP (and perhaps Oracle) corporate customers. Earlier in 2009, NetSuite boldly took the fight into SAP’s “back yard” by becoming the first SaaS suite vendor to receive IDW PS 880 certification in Germany. This involved an audit of the company’s financial management software to determine whether its software complies with the German legal regulations of trade and tax laws.
Some bloggers have meanwhile taken sides in the debate about whether NetSuite is indeed a viable alternative for larger on-premise suites. Paul Greenberg and Vinnie Mirchandani have somewhat favorable views towards NetSuite’s “peaceful coexistence” strategy, while Frank Scavo and Dennis Howlett have expressed some doubts and skepticism.
Sure, both NetSuite and its foes can tout successes in stealing each other’s customers (and point to some customers’ unhappiness and departures on the other side), but the fact remains that NetSuite is now a company with about US$160 million in revenues that has lately had a few profitable quarters. In terms of mere features and functions, NetSuite is likely not the strongest solution in the market, but it is “just enough with simplicity” that wins in the on-demand world. But as a staunch “freedom of choice” proponent, I was at least impressed by NetSuite’s recent moves to support Google Chrome, Apple Safari, and other non-mainstream technologies.
Its flagship product, NetSuite OneWorld [evaluate this product], includes the realms of accounting/enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and electronic commerce (e-commerce). Moreover, NetSuite’s patent-pending “real-time dashboard” technology provides easy-to-use views of up-to-date and role-specific business information. Lately, NetSuite has also been acting as a reseller for AdaptivePlanning’s business performance management (BPM) solution.
But the “suite” and “SaaS” themes are only two legs of a three-legged stool that represents NetSuite’s product strategy. Namely, “verticalization in the cloud” is NetSuite’s third “big idea” when it comes to on-demand software differentiation. In fact, NetSuite has made great inroads into certain industries. Particular success has been noted in wholesale distribution, with the NetSuite OneWorld for Distributors product. There is also a healthy install base amid software companies (NetSuite’s peers).
Building Cuckoo Nests Within SAP (and Oracle) Customers
One of the major developments of late has been NetSuite’s hub-and-spoke approach to divisions of large SAP (and perhaps Oracle) corporate customers. Earlier in 2009, NetSuite boldly took the fight into SAP’s “back yard” by becoming the first SaaS suite vendor to receive IDW PS 880 certification in Germany. This involved an audit of the company’s financial management software to determine whether its software complies with the German legal regulations of trade and tax laws.
Some bloggers have meanwhile taken sides in the debate about whether NetSuite is indeed a viable alternative for larger on-premise suites. Paul Greenberg and Vinnie Mirchandani have somewhat favorable views towards NetSuite’s “peaceful coexistence” strategy, while Frank Scavo and Dennis Howlett have expressed some doubts and skepticism.
Sure, both NetSuite and its foes can tout successes in stealing each other’s customers (and point to some customers’ unhappiness and departures on the other side), but the fact remains that NetSuite is now a company with about US$160 million in revenues that has lately had a few profitable quarters. In terms of mere features and functions, NetSuite is likely not the strongest solution in the market, but it is “just enough with simplicity” that wins in the on-demand world. But as a staunch “freedom of choice” proponent, I was at least impressed by NetSuite’s recent moves to support Google Chrome, Apple Safari, and other non-mainstream technologies.
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