Customers Expect Their Software Solutions To Be Turnkey
The recent Q2 2010 update to the Software Insider Vendor Selection Survey highlights some changing expectations of 401 respondents in the vendor selection process. Business technologists were asked to rate their top 5 selection criteria. Key findings demonstrate how functionality, ownership experience, and ecosystem feedback categories dominate the decision making process much more than market execution and corporate vision (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. Vendor Selection Criteria Reflect Core Insider Insights™ Categories
Major changes from the previous survey include a drop in priorities for Microsoft Office integration, regulatory requirements, and middleware technologies. The main driver for a decrease in Microsoft Office integration from 83.38% (Q4 2009) to 54.61% (Q2 2010) stems from improved options delivered by vendors and Microsoft (See Figure 2). Regulatory requirements dropped from 53% (Q4 2009) to 32.67% (Q2 2010) as key regulatory functionality met customer concerns. Meanwhile, middleware technologies dropped as a key selection factor from 26.87% (Q2 2010) to 4.74% (Q2 2010) due to the decline in interest for SOA and related technologies.
Consequently, four of the five enterprise software mega-trends for 2010 (i.e. Social, Mobile, Cloud, Analytics, and Gaming) appear in the new survey results. Analytics continues as the second most popular requirement. Cloud deployments enter at (47.38%). Mobile device options and form factors increase 8% from 37.40% (Q4 2009) to 45.39% (Q2 2010). Social starts as a priority at 9.98% among respondents.
Figure 2. Shifts From 2009 Reflect Focus on Turn Key Apps
The Bottom Line For Buyers (Users) – Plan For The Five Mega Trends In Your Apps Strategy
Consumer advances in Web 2.0 continue to influence adoption, usage, and innovation in the enterprise software industry. Future apps strategies must accommodate next gen requirements in Social, Mobile, Cloud, Analytics, and Gaming. While Analytics and Mobile will drive the next 6 to 18 months, expect social business apps to gain in adoption over the next 18 to 24 months. Gaming and the models used to drive forecasting and simulation will require skill sets in managing large data sets, minimizing data deluge, and require strong data quality (DQ) and master data management (MDM). In the meantime, the key factors for business technology adoption will remain value to the stakeholders.
The Bottom Line For Sellers (Vendors) – Build Leverage Through Partner Ecosystems…
