Acumatica: ERP on Windows Azure

As Windows Azure nears its official launch in early 2010, we’re starting to hear from more companies taking the plunge into developing for Microsoft’s cloud platform. True believers include Acumatica, a channel-centric ERP and CRM provider that’s embracing Azure. Here’s why.

Acumatica develops enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management software in both SaaS and traditional licensing varieties, and about 90% 100% of their software is sold through reseller partners. Next up, Acumatica’s software will land in the Windows Azure cloud.

Acumatica, which only released its first commercial product earlier in 2009, is betting that Azure won’t be a flop. “I’m pretty confident of Azure’s success,” says Ezequiel Steiner, CEO of Acumatica. “It’s one of the leaders.”

Indeed, a mix of open source and closed source application developers have vowed to support Azure.

Who Is This Guy?

For his part, Steiner has plenty of experience in the SaaS market. He previously led the corporate and business development team for Parallels, which makes automation software that speeds SaaS deployments. And pundits seem to have faith in Acumatica’s strategy: The Almaz Capital Russia Fund I, backed by Cisco Systems, invested in Acumatica in Nov. 2009.

Now, Acumatica is marching toward Azure support. Azure’s major advantages over the competition, Steiner says, involves .NET frameworks that so many modern Windows applications leverage.

Steiner characterized the move to Azure development as “extremely easy,” largely owing to the similarity to coding for traditional Windows systems. Microsoft, he says, was very helpful and willing to provide whatever they needed.

Will channel partners promote Acumatica on Azure to customers? Steiner says Acumatica’s partners have been giving very positive feedback on the move to Azure development.

We’ll have a better feel for Acumatica’s Azure efforts once Azure officially launches in early 2010.

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