Enterprise software usually covers the operational and managerial aspects of the organization. Most organizations are currently using systems that help them support day to day operations (by using transactional applications, employee productivity applications, and other "special purpose" applications), and are also using systems that support management processes (analytical applications and decision support).
But what about all the "other" processes, the ones that aren't related directly to finance, logistics, customer support, manufacturing, budgeting...? What about thoese very "niche" specific and small processes that aren't currently managed in any system?
These needs are usually pushed to the back of the line and in most cases - aren't dealt with at all. Sometimes it's for the best, nobody just HAS to have an application that manages orders from the cafateria... But sometimes it's the important "little things" that can make all the difference. For example, little processes that support constant innovation.
Most organizations aren't using any tools that support innovation processes in the organization. There is no doubt about the importance of innovation to the organization, but innovation is a very slippery thing. The best new ideas are in the heads of the employees or the customers. Recently several companies (such as Dell, Starbucks) have launched initiatives that promote idea generation and ranking - they have built special-purpose websites that actively call out to their customers and employees to give them ideas and help them get better. Both of these initiatives are built using Salesforce.com "ideas" solution. Needless to say, tools can only SUPPORT innovation, they cannot create it.
I think there are two new developments in that provide much more options to cover the "longtail" of enterprise applications:
One of these developments is the Web 2.0. Web 2.0 concepts and techbnologies enable just the right "mix" of communication needed to generate ideas and create a great environment for brainstorming.
The second development is SaaS - this model enables rapid consumption and deployment of applications.
The current economic climate will (and is already) promote/ing these models because they can realy help IT organizations to deliver faster, more innovative applications, even in these very difficult times. The main impact will be in all these "other" applications (the longtail of the enterprise applications market) that are not realy handled within the traditional application packages, it will be in the newer and more innovative applications.
Organizations should try to take advatage of these new possibilities by trying the waters with 1 or 2 specific niche needs. This is a great time to do so.
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