JJ/Raptor,
I read that article on C-Net, and I really dont agree with the Forrestor research. Of course Im not sure if it was presented correctly.
Remember the reasons Orcl might be partnering with others probably has more to do with Orcl mgmt problems (not being able to conceive/build products anymore) than the fact that "customers want a multi-vendor approach". The other thing is, a lot of new enterprise sw activity is coming from the tail of the order cycle (supply chain/warehouse/logistics) and the further out you go the more customized,vertical mkt solutions you need. Take a look at the fragmentation in the WMS sector, no one vendor can capture any significant mkt share, transportation is the same way. So to address the mkt post-pick release Orcl/Psft/Sap are going to have to partner with these small vendors it doesnt make sense to develop and support all these verticals (some yes, but not all).
>>1. How hard is this to do now and what needs to change to be able to do it in 24 months?
Most of the vendors already have open interfaces, the problem has to do with customizations. So its a win for psft consulting svcs.
>>2. Your opinion of why people would desire to deal with 5 suppliers instead of one or maybe two ("best of breed' being understood)?
See above. Imo nobody wants 5 suppliers. If Safeway could buy supply chain from Sap, they would but they arent willing to wait. Also when you deal with multiple vendors lots of circular transactions are no longer supportable and nobody wants that (freight cost-cogs/cos, three way match etc).
>>3. What experiences have you had in multi-supplier engagements in which there was a problem and everyone's fingers are pointing in the other direction (the who shot J.R. syndrome)?
Well this is a huge problem but remember the ERPs have a lot of problems within their own walls and the solutions are hardly ever acceptable to the customer (wait 1 mos for a patch etc) so the consultants handle it. No real changes to business here - this is why consultants make $$$.
>>4. Who has the best modules for each of the core functional areas (human resources, finance, etc.)?
Other than the obvious preferences (psft for hr, Sap finance for intl currency, etc) I think the author was referring to integration of the NEW areas which are not available from an ERP. These are front office, scm, wms and logistics stuff today. Thats what you need to integrate. Nobody wants to go through the hassle of integrating psft mfg and Sap financials thats a waste of time.
Michelle |
