Bill, I agree that small software companies can be hazardous, simply because it's so easy to be overrun by giants. In this case, IACO has a product that, though more comprehensive than most, competes with companies like Oracle. Oracle has recently been using national TV advertising to tell potential customers all the wonderful things they can do with Oracle databases, accessible from virtually anywhere there is a phone line. Perhaps 20 million people understand what Oracle can do, whereas at the present level of IACO marketing efforts, I would be surprised if more than 100,000 understood or even cared. On the plus side, the people who know both IACO and Oracle features say that IACO is much better, because it allows the end user more flexibility in customizing the data presentation and the analysis. Oracle initially attracts more of the MIS people in a company, whereas IACO is aimed at production, sales, and other line personnel.
I spoke recently with a new manager at IACO, hired specifically to improve IACO's marketing and shareholder relations. He seems to have a lot of experience in both capacities and his efforts should help greatly in generating more interest both in the product and by investors. Art |
