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Labor Day in the U.S. typically marks the end of Summer, and the start of a new school year for kids and new business cycle for organizations of all sizes.
But, Summer was hardly a slow period for THINKstrategies. Instead, we experienced a surge in demand for our consulting services; more invitations for our unique perspective at industry and corporate events; and a sharp rise in company registrations to the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Managed Services Showplaces, as well as subscribers to our e-newsletters.
In fact, THINKstrategies marked a significant milestone over the Summer--we successfully served our 100th client!
THINKstrategies' growth, since its inception in 2001, has been fueled by the shift in the IT and telecommunications industries away from a product/technology centric mindset to a services-driven business model.
THINKstrategies was the first research and consulting firm to recognize the broad-based acceptance and adoption of SaaS and Managed Services among end-user organizations of all sizes. These organizations are choosing an out-tasking rather than outsourcing strategy to achieve their business objectives, a trend now being acknowledged by the traditional research and consulting firms.
I am pleased to have put THINKstrategies squarely in the middle of the exciting on-demand movement. Whether it is through our numerous commentaries and reports, or in one-on-one strategy sessions with our corporate clients.
This newsletter will give you an update about THINKstrategies' latest activities, and a preview of some of our upcoming events and initiatives. I hope you find it useful. Please contact me if you'd like to learn how you can leverage our consulting services, unique perspective, or the business relationships we've gained via the SaaS and Managed Services Showplaces.
Jeff Kaplan, Managing Director, THINKstrategies
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100, 500, 2000 and 7200 |
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In August, THINKstrategies' client list passed the century mark. We have now served over 100 corporate clients!
Our 'vendor' clients have included major players trying to properly position themselves in the on-demand services sector, and a wide array of start-ups and smaller players seeking to strengthen their position in this market. Many end-user organizations have sought THINKstrategies' help with their on-demand service sourcing strategies. And, a growing number of investors have enlisted THINKstrategies to help them with their due diligence efforts.
In 2005, I created the SaaS and Managed Services Showplaces to serve as a clearinghouse of on-demand services and resource center of industry best practices. Today, over 500 companies have registered to be listed on the Showplaces, offering over 2000 on-demand solutions- -making the Showplaces the largest, vendor- independent directories worldwide!
The number of people subscribing to THINKstrategies' e-newsletters has also jumped to over 7200 in the past month, with over 100 new subscribers in August alone.
By any measure, THINKstrategies' prominence in the on-demand market is growing.
Contact me if you'd like to learn about how you can leverage my industry perspective, our consulting services, and SaaS or Managed Services Showplace sponsorships. |
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Crossing the Chasm to On-Demand Services |
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Geoffrey Moore's classic book about the steps to business success in the fast-paced IT industry, Crossing the Chasm, still resonates in today's on-demand services market.
For every success story, such as Salesforce.com , there is a long list of obscure start-ups that have failed to scale their operations and survive in the rapidly changing on-demand marketplace. Click here to read my analysis of one such failure, Klir Technologies.
The obstacles to success in the SaaS market can be even greater for independent software vendors who are attempting to augment their portfolio of on- premise products with on-demand solutions. Click here to read about the strategy which Callidus Software has initiated.
Merger and acquisition activity is also heating up in the on-demand world. Click here to read about ePerimeter Security's acquisition of USA.net, the latest of the managed security services provider's (MSSP) purchases in a nationwide roll-up effort.
Finally, anyone who thinks the on-demand movement means the 'disintermediation' of the channel, should click here.
Click here to find THINKstrategies' latest commentaries, comments and research, or visit my blog THINK IT Services.
Contact me if you'd like to discuss how you can leverage my perspective in your publications or collateral. |
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Are You Ready For SaaS and Managed Services? |
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Despite the growing interest and acceptance of SaaS and managed services, many companies are still uncertain how these on-demand alternatives will impact their business operations.
Hardware and software vendors--as well as resellers, integrators and service providers--have been turning to THINKstrategie s for strategic insight to better position themselves in the market, and tactical support executing their strategies.
End-user organizations have been seeking THINKstrategies' perspective about how new SaaS and managed service alternatives will impact their sourcing strategies.
And, a broadening assortment of investment and financial services firms have enlisted THINKstrategies to help them pick the right "ponies to bet on".
These companies are not only using THINKstrategies' unique insight and expertise to make the right moves, but have also tapped our extensive database of relationships to expand their business networks and achieve their corporate objectives.
Contact me if you'd like to explore how THINKstrategies' services can help you. |
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Upcoming Webinars and Events |
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I'm pleased to be providing THINKstrategies' perspective in the following webinars:
In addition, I will be moderating a Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council online roundtable discussion regarding Service and Support for SaaS solutions on Friday, September 28 at noon ET.
IBM is also hosting a webcast on October 24 at 1pm ET, regarding the company's new tools and resources for building SaaS applications. Click here to learn how IBM's Business Partners can design, develop and deliver SaaS applications with IBM middleware and flexible hosting options.
I'm also pleased to be participating in the following events during the coming weeks:
My busy schedule will prevent me from participating in Softletter's Marketing and Selling SaaS Seminar in San Jose, CA on October 3-4. But, THINKstrategies is proud to still be a media sponsor of this event.
In addition to participating in these public events, I'm also speaking at a variety of private sessions with corporate executives and customers about the business implications of today's trends.
I not only speak and moderate panels at these gatherings, I also help various organizations and companies plan successful events. The most recent example was the second SaaS Summit hosted by Enterprise Ireland in Dublin this past June.
Click here if you'd like to include THINKstrategies' perspective in your upcoming webinar or event, or learn more about how I can help you organize a successful event. |
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Call for Speakers |
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Phil Wainewright and I are seeking business and IT decision-makers to participate in two panel sessions we are moderating at the SIIA On-Demand Conference, November 7-9 in San Jose, CA.
My panel is "The Customer's Perspective of the Business Impact of SaaS", and Phil's is 'How SaaS Changes the Buyer Experience and Vendor Relationship".
We're each looking for customers that fit the following criteria:
- Have solid production experience of working with SaaS vendors/solutions
- Are 'mainstream' companies outside of the tech sector
- Able to get to San Jose for the session (SIIA can't cover travel expenses)
- Willing to speak frankly about both the positives and the negatives
I want business managers; Phil is looking for IT buyers.
This is a terrific opportunity for the customers to share their successes and concerns with leaders of the SaaS industry, and help shape the development of the SaaS market.
We're aiming to lock down the panels as soon as possible. So, contact me asap if you have a candidate for either panel. |
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Stay Tuned... |
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In response to growing demands for THINKstrategies' advice and assistance, we will be unveiling a series of new packaged offerings aimed at helping companies achieve their business objectives in the on-demand services market in the coming weeks.
Contact me if you'd like a preview of these offerings. |
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Give Us Your Feedback & Testimonials |
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THINKstrategies' mission is to educate and advise providers and users about how to fully leverage the power of on-demand services.
Everyday we get positive feedback about our services, websites and perspectives. We'd love to capture these positive comments so others can fully appreciate the unique value THINKstrategies brings its clients, Showplace directory users, and readers of our research and writings.
Please send us comments and testimonials that we can include in this newsletter and post on our websites. We also welcome your feedback and suggestions.
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