Enterprise Software: Startups Vs Established Brands

Today’s CTOs and CIOs are tasked with a very unique challenge. Aside from mitigating risk and finding new ways to streamline IT operations they must also decide what enterprise software is best for their organization. Do they go with an established brand (which is short on innovation)? Or do they go with a startup brand, who is better poised to counter the shift to the cloud?

Today’s CTOs and CIOs are tasked with a very unique challenge. Aside from mitigating risk and finding new ways to streamline IT operations they must also decide what enterprise software is best for their organization.

Do they go with an established brand (which is short on innovation)? Or do they go with a startup brand? Weigh the pro’s and con’s of both and you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

Enterprise Software must Follow Logic

The problem with most established brands is that they fail to innovate and offer products at reasonable prices. Enterprise software companies are supposed to offer tailor made solutions yet their products aren’t always easy to integrate into an existing infrastructure. This is where the well established software firms are failing. They are making money on support and maintenance instead of delivering an innovative solution to the end user.

The consumerization of IT has given CTOs and CIO more options. This trend is what will influence the decision making process for IT departments, who are simply looking for the best way to integrate or upgrade. This is where the startup software companies maintain an edge over established brands: they can offer a tailored, customer focused software solution that will meet the demands of IT departments on a budget. What’s more, the startups are more likely to provide tech support during the time of integration, not 4-6 months down the road when issues arise.

Tips for IT guys

The ‘What if” scenario is ominously present, but when it comes down to choosing between a more expensive – well established brand and a cheaper startup brand consider the following tips:

Invest in the cloud: whether we like it or not, a shift toward cheaper cloud based computing models is inevitable for most large enterprises. Do your homework to determine what exactly your needs are and invest accordingly.

Don’t let the buzz sway you: Software companies from both sides of the fence will try and sell you on cost savings, a quicker ROI and customized solutions. Don’t’ be fooled by the buzz as both parties are attempting to sell you based on emotion. Chances are you know a good product when you see one.

Experience, not fly-by-night: When it comes to tackling a rather complex IT challenge, it’s best to go with the enterprise software company that has the most trusted experience. But, (there is always a but) choose wisely. If you don’t need a big expensive product or service then don’t spend big and vice-versa.

Embrace the Startups: The startup thing is really happening at the moment. Why not embrace them. Startups specializing in enterprise software for data centers might offer a better product at a cheaper price. Remember, startups are the ones with something to prove not the older more established brands.

With all the hype surrounding the consumerization of IT it’s hard to make informed decisions. This is precisely why it’s important to take your time and do your due diligence when it comes to choosing a software solution that’s best.

#enterprise #software: Do you go with a trusted brand or startup company? The pros & cons bit.ly/Vj9eVe

– Colocation America (@ColocationUSA) January 28, 2013