Speaking of Gorillas...
I am relatively sure that SEBL is a Gorilla in the CRM space. They have the most comprehensive package of head end front office software out there. That is not to say that SEBL is without its competitors, but the company certainly seems to be head and tail above the other CRM players out there.
Another CRM company that I follow might fall in the same category in the same industry but for different reasons. Saleslogix, unlike SEBL, provides a cheaper solution to middle-market companies. You are probably thinking, well Eenie, there are plenty of middle-market players out there...for example, Pivotal (PVTL), Onyx (Onxs), and to a lesser extent Moss, Goldmine, and ACT. However, unlike the previously mentioned software firms, SLGX has an indirect sales model. This model, I would argue makes all the difference in the middle market, and given its significant penetration, its large VAR channel, and it story (Pat Sullivan, SLGX's CEO was the original developer of ACT!, which he ultimately sold to Symantec) I think that SLGX's best years are still to come.
Did I mention that a as SLGX's indirect sales model catches on among the VAR's (there are more than 200+ partners as we speak), opportunities for other software firms to develop similar partnerships in the indirect channel becomes increasing more difficult. SLGX effectively shuts out the competition. In a sense, SLGX is a monopoly.
Why is the indirect model so important? Well, first of all growth will be viral. A company can support a direct sales force of only a certain size. However, all SLGX has to do is find another partner. In a very fast growing market this is important. Second, the fixed costs will be too great. Last of all, the corporate structure would be very inefficient.
For these reasons I think Saleslogix may be a Gorilla in its own special way. I was hoping that you could help me confirm or deny this characterization.
I am in at 10 1/4 (250% YTD) but I think this may only be the beginning. Now the stakes have nearly tripled it is important that I am sure about SLGX's future. I therefore kindly request your assistance.
Thanks in advance for your time.
Eenie
P.S. For more background check the SLGX thread on YHOO. I tried desperately to keep the SI thread alive, but there has been absolutely no interest. Pay special attention to posts by Slgxprt (a fellow names Chris O'Leary).
Check their website saleslogix.com |
