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Subject: Software-as-a-Service Showplace Update
Software-as-a-Service Showplace Update
News and Views from the SaaS Resource Center
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Latest Articles & Commentaries |
Is There a Difference Between SaaS and Cloud Computing?
SaaS Creates Cloud Computing Alternative
SaaS Overcoming Common Customer Concerns
Ten Reasons Why On-Demand Services Will Soar in 2008 |
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Aria Systems
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Greetings! |
Welcome to the August 2008 issue of THINKstrategies' Software-as-a-Service Showplace Update.
Interest and adoption of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is rising to new heights as companies of all sizes experiment with a widening array of 'cloud computing' alternatives.
The success of business oriented SaaS solutions has fueled the growth of the broader cloud computing market. As you will see below, it may have also spawned a new set of customer concerns as well.
The 'gold rush' atmosphere of the SaaS and cloud computing movement is also compelling more companies to add their names to the Showplace directory, and visitors to take advantage of the whitepapers, webinars and special offers available in the Best Practices Portal, powered by iCentera, and in the other areas of the Showplace resource center.
There are now over 800 companies listed on THINKstrategies' SaaS Showplace, offering over 3000 on-demand business solutions in 80 different application, industry and enabling technology areas!
There are also over 9500 people now subscribe to this newsletter, a jump of over 200 in the past month alone!
THINKstrategies has become the leading 'trusted advisor' to IT/business decision-makers who are trying to select the right SaaS and cloud computing providers; IT solution providers who are trying to better position themselves in the market; and investors seeking the best on-demand service providers to support. As a result, we are pleased to make available a SaaS Primer to help companies better understand this new form of software delivery.
This Update includes our latest perspectives from our consulting engagements, research, sponsors and partners. You can find more in the Showplace Best Practices Portal, on the SaaS Insights page of the Showplace and on our blog, THINK IT Services.
Contact me if you'd like to learn how you can leverage THINKstrategies SaaS Showplace and consulting services to capitalize on the accelerating SaaS movement to achieve your business objectives.
Jeff Kaplan
Managing Director
THINKstrategies | |
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Sorting Out SaaS and Cloud Computing Alternatives |
The success of SaaS has inspired a new generation of web-based services which are commonly being referred to as 'cloud computing' solutions.
THINKstrategies has published a new SaaS Primer for those IT/business decision-makers who are still trying to understand how this new software delivery model works and the business benefits it can bring.
The popularity of cloud computing solutions is rising. BusinessWeek recently published a special report entitled, "How Cloud Computing Will Change the World." And, Gartner--a lagging indicator of technology trends--has identified cloud computing as an important technology development for companies of all sizes to consider.
For all of us who have been in the vanguard of the on-demand services movement, it is gratifying to finally gain the mainstream attention which this market clearly deserves. However, it is also important to note that all of the hype which now surrounds the cloud computing idea could have its downside.
Click here to read how I differentiate SaaS and cloud computing, and here to read my concerns about how the term 'cloud computing' could undercut the value of these web-based services in the eyes of mainstream decision-makers. Customer support issues in particular will become an increasing area of concern.
Do you have or know of a cloud computing solution that deserves attention? Add it to the SaaS Showplace by registering it as a SaaS application or enabling technology. THINKstrategies also publishes Strategic Thinking profiles of companies offering unique solutions and strategies. |
New Showplace Sponsors, Perspectives and Benefits |
The SaaS Showplace Best Practice Portal, powered by iCentera, includes numerous whitepapers regarding SaaS industry trends.
Here are some examples of the sponsored whitepapers,
- The Dynamic Management of Software Licenses, provided by AppStream.
- Overcoming the Transaction Management Challenges in the On-Demand Services Market, provided by Aria Systems.
- Windows Vista Readiness - Preparing for the Journey and Engaging the Pros, sponsored by Dell.
- "Automating and Optimizing Service Desk Performance", sponsored by Kaseya.
- "Five Steps to Effective Resource Management", sponsored by QuickArrow.
QuickArrow, a leading provider of professional services automation solutions (PSA), is also generously offering free copies of the book entitled, "Tips From the Trenches: The Collective Wisdom of Over 100 Professional Services Leaders." Click here to obtain a copy of this book.
THINKstrategies also recently published the following whitepapers,
- "Maximizing the Business Benefits of On Demand Web Content Management Systems", a THINKstrategies whitepaper sponsored by Clickability.
- Click here to listen to the archived webcast based on this whitepaper.
- "On-Demand Solutions Can Transform The Way Work Gets Done", a THINKstrategies whitepaper sponsored by Salesforce.com.
You can find more whitepapers, webinars and other valuable resources on the Showplace SaaS Insights page.
Click here if you'd like to learn how you can add your whitepapers to the SaaS Showplace or benefit from our perspectives. |
Upcoming SaaS Events |
THINKstrategies will be participating in the following webinars in the coming days and weeks,
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"Using SaaS Solutions to Meet Your Security and Compliance Requirements", a CSI webinar sponsored by Alert Logic, August 27, 2pm ET.
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"Surviving Success in the SaaS Marketplace", Internetviz Executive eSeminar, Thursday, September 11, 12:00pm ET.
- "Best Practices for Evaluating SaaS Solutions for Enterprise", a webinar sponsored by Callidus Software, September 24, 11:30 am ET.
I am also moderating a new track at NetworkWorld's IT Roadmap on SaaS and Cloud Computing in Dallas, San Francisco and Washington, DC over the coming months.
I will also be co-chairing the new SaaS track at Interop New York, New York City, September 17-19.
I will discuss how SaaS is penetrating the enterprise at SoftLetter SaaS University, San Francisco, CA, October 14-16. Only $995 With Early Bird Discount available until September 5. You can save $100 on the registration thereafter by using code THINKSAVE100.
I will be discussing the rapidly evolving SaaS market at Software Business 2008, San Francisco, CA, October 30-31.
And, I'm moderating a panel on SaaS from the professional services point of view at SIIA On-Demand Conference, San Jose, CA, November 17-19. For a $100 discount option, click here and use promo code PRMTHINK.
Contact us if you'd like to learn how you can include THINKstrategies' perspective at your upcoming public or corporate event. |
THINKstrategies' SaaS Readiness Assessment Services |
Despite growing customer demand for SaaS, THINKstrategies has found many aspiring SaaS vendors are still struggling to win a share of the market because of a variety of operational challenges.
In response, THINKstrategies offers a set of Readiness Assessment Services aimed at helping aspiring SaaS vendors fine-tune their go-to-strategies, service delivery capabilities, and sales processes. We also work with IT/business decision-makers who need help evaluating their SaaS needs and selecting the SaaS suppliers to satisfy their requirements.
These services are based on THINKstrategies' extensive experience in the managed services business.
Click here to learn more about our Readiness Assessment Services, or contact us to explore how THINKstrategies' services can help you achieve your business objectives. |
Become a SaaS Showplace Sponsor |
The SaaS Showplace has become one of the top ranked sites on the web focused on the SaaS market as it attracts a growing number of IT/network and business decision-makers along with xSPs, enabling technology vendors, investors and the press who are discovering the value of the online directory and resource center.
Contact us at info@saas-showplace.com or go to the Sponsorship Opportunities page of the SaaS Showplace if you'd like to gain greater industry visibility via our unparalleled online directory or this increasingly popular e-newsletter. |
About THINKstrategies |
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THINKstrategies is a strategic consulting services company formed specifically to address the unprecedented business challenges facing IT managers, solutions providers and investors today as the technology industry shifts toward a services orientation.
The company's mission is to educate organizations about the on-demand services market, and help our clients capitalize on these trends to achieve their business objectives. We help enterprise decision-makers with their sourcing strategies, IT solutions providers with their marketing strategies, and VCs with their investment strategies.
THINKstrategies is also the founder of the Software-as-a-Service and Managed Services Showplaces, the largest vendor-independent, online directory and information resource centers.
Contact us for more information about our services or Showplace sponsorship opportunities. | | | |
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THINKstrategies | 22 Park Avenue | Wellesley | MA | 02481 | | | | |
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