tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29020225.post7944968708035213352..comments2023-11-08T08:32:41.971-05:00Comments on Improving It: Small business does not need enterprise software (because it sucks)Phil Ayreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14708790980510403134noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29020225.post-47060835711233252592011-01-27T23:42:04.049-05:002011-01-27T23:42:04.049-05:00Hi Con, its great to hear from you. Such a high pr...Hi Con, its great to hear from you. Such a high profile voice when I'm publicly questioning enterprise software is an honor!<br /><br />As you know better than most, the sticky applications like web content management and back office enterprise content management really have a challenge on their hands. As you say, they need constant enhancement to make them easier to use by their end-users, while protecting the valuable long-lived assets they manage.<br /><br />All that said, its just like the design of a better office chair. We need to adapt to fashion, we need to respond to new construction technology, and the changing working environments of our users. <br /><br />I hope I'm a long way from having to solve the big v5 to v7 style upgrade problem. The joy of constant mini-upgrades that SaaS allows? <br /><br />Thanks for the comment. I look forward to catching up soon.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />PhilPhil Ayreshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14708790980510403134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29020225.post-33760413608856717702011-01-27T09:51:03.871-05:002011-01-27T09:51:03.871-05:00Hi Phil, long time, no hear.
You are correct in m...Hi Phil, long time, no hear.<br /><br />You are correct in much of what you say. However, the fact of the matter is the enterprise market is changing too. It's dictated largely because of the impact caused by BPO (outsourcing) and IT staff reductions. IT staffs no longer have the bandwidth, nor the desire to deal with customizing applications (exceptions still exist), and SaaS (fka, app service providers) have leveled the playing field here as well. <br /><br />It all centers around sustainability of the application (TCO and adoption combined). Customizations make upgrades difficult, and the business needs to adopt and leverage the products to get value out of them.<br /><br />Longer running systems (ERP, CRM, even WCM, and the like) are challenged to bridge the gap to modern methodologies and still getting people to upgrade to these more usable systems and interfaces.<br /><br />Keep thinking outside-in however, and you'll do well. Best of luck, Con.Con O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com