Save content
Have you found this content useful? Use the button above to save it to your profile.
AIA

Software briefings: What sort of supplier should you be looking for?

by
22nd Aug 2007
Save content
Have you found this content useful? Use the button above to save it to your profile.

With accounting software suppliers buying up each other like they're going out of style, it's getting a lot harder to pick one that's going to be in the game for the long run - which is an important consideration for anyone who wants to buy a new system.

In this series of briefings, David Carter discusses recent changes in the software industry and how they are likely to affect users. Does consolidation mean inevitable doom? And where does the key expertise lie within a software company? Find out more from the following articles:

1. The consolidators - who are the main players?
While Sage has long pursued a strategy of acquire to grow, private equity houses are now calling the shots at Infor, IRIS and COA. Private equity houses are attracted by large user communities and guaranteed maintenance revenues, which can lead to "sunset" applications that will no longer develop. But outside investment can also inject new life to ailing or underfunded organisations. This article sets out to help you spot the difference.

2. The untouchables - what do the big names offer?
With consolidation such an ever-present risk, maybe it would be safer to buy from one of the really big vendors, who are less likely to be taken over? Sage, SAP and Microsoft are so big, they're effectively bid-proof. David Carter considers their merits and notes that they will never own the whole market. As the old order breaks up, new vendors continually spring up with products than the established players.

3. Who or what is the controlling intelligence behind the software?
The accountancy software industry still has its share of visionary figures - the "megabrains" who have conceived and directed the development of the applications being used in thousands of offices. But integrated business applications are getting so big and complex that it's getting harder for one individual to retain an overall vision. Nevertheless, David Carter advises keeping an eagle eye on the software gurus involved with product developments - if they leave the company, the program you're interested could be heading into the sunset with them.

Tags:

Replies (0)

Please login or register to join the discussion.

There are currently no replies, be the first to post a reply.