NetSuite SaaS Attacks Microsoft… But Not Oracle
NetSuite, the SaaS-centric ERP software provider, continues to attack Microsoft Dynamics and SAP on multiple fronts. The latest attack involves a so-called Hairball Elimination Kit to help partners and enterprises move from Dynamics to NetSuite.
But here’s the really interesting twist: NetSuite’s attacks always ignore another on-premise software giant — namely, Oracle.
Sure, we all know Oracle CEO Larry Ellison was an early investor in NetSuite. Some folks say Ellison’s stake in NetSuite is a conflict of interest since NetSuite and Oracle both play in the ERP market. You could make the argument that NetSuite should attack Oracle’s installed base just as aggressively as NetSuite attacks the Microsoft and SAP installed bases.
But on the flip side: NetSuite, Oracle and Ellison all seem to be doing just fine under the current strategy. NetSuite VP of Channel Sales Craig West says the company’s SaaS relationships with VARs continue to flourish. Plus, NetSuite and Oracle have found some synergies, including the NetSuite OneWorld for Oracle offering. And NetSuite shares are trading within 10 percent of a 52-week high, as of January 20, 2011. (The company’s next earnings call is scheduled for February 3, 2011.)
Meanwhile, NetSuite continues to attack Microsoft and SAP. For instance, the Hairball Elimination Kit is a toolkit that NetSuite says can identify “data silos,” places where inefficient ad hoc integrations and processes mean data is going in but not being taken out and used to reduce data entry elsewhere. Naturally, it’s all with an eye on selling administrators and service providers alike on the virtues of NetSuite and getting them off the Microsoft Dynamics solution.
On the flip side, Microsoft has launched Dynamics CRM Online, a cloud version of Dynamics CRM 2011. CEO Steve Ballner said the new SaaS platform is available worldwide now, though the announcement didn’t include much meat for channel partners to chew on.
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