Applications for Midsize Organizations

Enterprise software vendors catering to midsize organizations generally fall into two categories. Countless niche vendors struggle to prove they can match the scalability and product capabilities of the big vendor products while a handful of industry juggernauts attempt to convince the market they have manageable Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for smaller companies.

We, in marketing, are continually challenged to argue our cases by distilling complex concepts into the fewest possible words and in a business language that can be easily grasped by all interested parties.  Plus, in today�s frenzied and easily distracted Web 2.0 world we�re also urged to make those concepts sound more exhilarating�inject the �Wham�, �Bang� and �Zowie� into the mix.  Words are simply groupings of letters if they are not read.  Subsequently, we are occasionally chastised for over-simplifying complexity and glossing over challenges.

Case in point�Oracle Accelerate solutions represent our strategy for quickly delivering industry-specific enterprise applications to midsize companies.  They�re delivered via savvy, certified partners committed to our Oracle Business Accelerator rapid implementation methodology.  When you get at chance, check out the links in the sidebar to learn more.

As we developed the messaging around this �exhilarating� program, we searched for snappy words that roll off the tongue�terms that would compel prospects to knock down our doors in search of Oracle Accelerate solutions.  We settled on three simple descriptors�Complete, Industry-focused, and Easy to Own.

Now, hold on there, I know you�re saying, �Since when has ERP been easy to own?�   In all my years of presenting to customers and prospects, I would dare not stand up in front of any group and say ERP is easy.  Stick with me here while I explain. 

Owning ERP can be broken down to purchasing, implementing, using, maintaining, and adapting the software to meet both your initial and ongoing needs.  And, let�s face it, for most midsize CIOs, �easy to own� equates to �cheap�.

You�ve heard the adage about companies being fast, good, and cheap.  The game around the water cooler is to try and name companies that are all three.  Invariably, any given company can only be two of the three and a big paper cup sloshing high five if you can name one for which all three adjectives apply. 

It�s no problem to substantiate that Oracle Accelerate solutions are good and fast.  We�ve got great midsize references in virtually every industry segment and our Oracle Business Accelerators are quickly gaining a reputation as the best practice other vendors are scrambling to duplicate. 

So then we come to �Easy�, or if you will, �Cheap�.   When I present on this subject, I speak to how Oracle constantly strives to make it easier for our midsize customers to own integrated enterprise applications.  It�s not as snazzy but I see a lot of heads nodding as I identify our efforts. 

And just what are we doing?  My colleague, Ron Berry, is Product Strategy Director for Oracle Accelerate solutions.  Ron and his team are charged with constantly poking their noses into Oracle�s applications developer offices to make sure the needs of midsize organizations are prominent in their thoughts.  Oracle leverages customer and partner forums such as the Oracle Applications User Group (OAUG) and Ron�s Midsize Strategy Council to gather midsize company requirements and convey them to development.

Oracle has always attracted some of the best software engineers but our acquisition strategy has provided an even more multi-faceted and exceptionally skilled talent pool.  Many of our developers come from companies that were largely focused on the midmarket�G-log (Oracle Transportation Management), JD Edwards, and Agile to name a few.  Consequently, our products increasingly reflect these varied perspectives�applications that are more intuitive and simpler behind the curtains, which ultimately make them easier to use, maintain, and adapt. 

Besides having an application strategy geared toward the midsize market, we�ve developed pricing that is specific to the midsize market and streamlined the process our partners go through to order software.  These certified business partners couple documented implementation successes in their target industries with Oracle Businesses Accelerators to make our applications easier to implement. 

�Good� and �Fast�?  We�ve got you covered.  �Cheap-er�?  We�re working on it every day.

Jim Lein

For an example of how Oracle constantly strives to make integrated enterprise applications more affordable for midsize organizations, read the whitepaper, �The Business Value of Oracle E-Business Suite Release 12 for Midsize Businesses�.

The view expressed on this blog are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Oracle.