Category Archives: Software as a service

IBM claims strong traction with cybersecurity cloud network

IBM says its recently announced cybersecurity cloud service is gaining traction

IBM says its recently announced cybersecurity cloud service is gaining traction

IBM said over 1,000 organisations have now joined its recently announced cloud-based cybersecurity service, dubbed X-Force Exchange.

The service includes hundreds of terabytes of raw aggregated threat intelligence data and those that sign up to the service can upload their own data, so the more people join the more robust the service gets.

The initial data dump is based on over 25 billion web pages and images collected from a network of over 270 million endpoints, and includes data from over 15 billion monitored security events daily. But the company said participants have created more than 300 new collections of threat data since its launch.

“Cybercrime has become the equivalent of a pandemic — no company or country can battle it alone,” said Brendan Hannigan, general manager, IBM Security.

“We have to take a collective and collaborative approach across the public and private sectors to defend against cybercrime. Sharing and innovating around threat data is central to battling highly organized cybercriminals; the industry can no longer afford to keep this critical resource locked up in proprietary databases. With X-Force Exchange, IBM has opened access to our extensive threat data to advance collaboration and help public and private enterprises safeguard themselves,” Hannigan said.

Security isn’t a new area for IBM but offering real-time cyberthreat detection is, a move that has also put it in direct competition with a wide range of managed security service providers that have been playing in this space for years. Nevertheless, the company has a lot of clients so there’s a huge opportunity for the firm to harvest all of that data – particularly as it creates new partnerships with networking incumbents (like Cisco with VersaStack).

Citrix pitches Workspace Cloud for hybrid cloud service delivery

Citrix is aiming its solutions at hybrid cloud users

Citrix is aiming its solutions at hybrid cloud users

Citrix has unveiled Workspace Cloud, a set of cloud-based tools aimed at bridging the application deployment and management gap between on-premise and cloud infrastructure.

The solution, based on XenApp, XenMobile and XenDesktop technology, is basically an integrated and consolidated set of existing Citrix tools used to stream virtual apps to and manage mobile devices, and share content across devices and services – whether that data is located on-premise or in a cloud platform.

The company is pitching it as a “new control pane” for data across any device, and any infrastructure.

“Citrix Workspace Cloud is the future of on-demand IT. People want access to all their apps and data, and this no longer equates to a desktop. Citrix has created the fastest and easiest way to deploy new resources, simplified infrastructure management, and provided freedom of choice in selecting the right hosting and delivery model,” said Jesse Lipson, vice president and general manager, cloud services at Citrix.

Scott Ottaway, vice president at 451 Research said Citrix’s move to consolidate and integrate it offerings comes at a time when enterprises are struggling to bridge this gap between securing and managing content between a combination of on-premise and cloud platforms.

“When it comes to end-user computing, Enterprise IT is at a cross-roads with multiple challenges around device management complexity, data and application security, and requirements to deliver consumer-like, consistent experiences across any device,” Ottaway said.

“And IT leaders have more pressure than ever to achieve rapid time to market with new IT services, especially new mobile applications,” he said, adding that ensuring infrastructure agnosticism and reducing vendor lock-in will be essential for solutions vendors like Citrix moving forward.

Sage, Salesforce partner to offer cloud-based SME accounting solutions

Sage has developed a cloud-based offering for SMEs on the Salesforce platform

Sage has developed a cloud-based offering for SMEs on the Salesforce platform

Accounting software incumbent Sage has partnered with Salesforce to develop  business software based on the Salesforce’s cloud platform.

The two companies jointly developed Sage Life, which is being pitched as a set of cloud-based, mobile-enabled payroll and accounting tools for small businesses based on the Salesforce1 platform.

“Together with Salesforce, Sage is shaping the future of small business. Small business software no longer has to represent different systems or layers of complexity – it’ll be simple, collaborative, and real time,” Stephen Kelly, chief executive of Sage.

“With Sage Life, we are delivering social, mobile, cloud-based innovation, powered by real-time accounting. Now running a small business can be as easy as updating your Facebook status,” Kelly said.

The company said the software will help give small businesses a consolidated view of their customers, something often difficult to achieve given a fragmented technology landscape (SMEs don’t typically have the cash to spend on strong systems integration).

The move is a positive sign for Salesforce, which has attracted a wide range of new and legacy ISVs to its platform; Sage is quite popular in the UK (where it is based) and while it has its own cloud service in Sage One, developing a Salesforce-based alternative to its legacy solutions could broaden its reach.

The partnership comes as rumours surrounding Salesforce’s potential acquisition continue to swell. Salesforce has repeatedly declined rumours that it is working with financial advisors and fielding acquisition inquiries, with many betting that Microsoft may be one of the suitors in the running.

Thomas Cook deploys cloud-based workforce management platform

The travel agency is moving its on-premise workforce management platform to the cloud

The travel agency is moving its on-premise workforce management platform to the cloud

Thomas Cook has swapped out its on-premise workforce management solution for a cloud-based alternative in a bid to make the company more responsive and competitive, it announced this week.

The travel agency said it has been using Nice Systems’ workforce management platform for a number of years, but it decided to move onto the company’s cloud-based service to help gain a consolidated view of its workforce, which would make things like scheduling and forecasting more efficient.

“Following many years of success with Nice’s workforce management solution, we decided to move our operations to the cloud in order to accommodate our growing business needs, which includes a multi-channel service operation,” said Martin West, head of central operations support, Thomas Cook UK & Ireland.

“This has also given us the opportunity to centralise our customer-facing operations, which will help us achieve greater operational efficiency, better service, and reduced costs,” West said.

Benny Einhorn, president, Nice EMEA said: “With this cloud deployment, the company has a clear, organization-wide view into the forecasting and scheduling of staff, while at the same time retail personnel have ownership over their schedules. We’re proud of our partnership with Thomas Cook which provides an excellent example of how a company can deliver outstanding customer service through employee engagement.”

Accenture, Oracle form business unit to accelerate cloud uptake

Accenture and Oracle are forming a business unit to accelerate cloud  uptake

Accenture and Oracle are forming a business unit to accelerate cloud uptake

Oracle and Accenture are teaming up to create a joint business unit that will help mutual customers move more quickly onto (mostly Oracle) cloud platforms.

According to the companies the Accenture Oracle Business Group will bring together technologies and consulting power in order to help customers implement cloud-based services, which includes helping those clients tailor their business processes to those technologies.

Thomas Kurian, president, product development at Oracle said: “By providing a single process to implement end-to-end mission- critical services, the Accenture Oracle Business Group is ideally positioned to help our customers realize the true benefits of cloud computing.”

The group will offer vertically-integrated solutions built using Oracle’s software-as-a-service and platform-as-a-service offerings, supported by fleets of Accenture consultants skilled in Oracle and Java tech – who will also help implement cloud readiness and data migration strategies for clients.

“Building on our 23-year alliance relationship, the Accenture Oracle Business Group combines Accenture’s deep industry and technology experience with Oracle’s expansive set of cloud solutions to deliver client value not found elsewhere in the market today,” said Stephen Rohleder, group chief executive for North America, Accenture.

“This is part of our strategy to take advantage of Oracle’s leading technologies and build our business together for the future. It is a game-changer for our clients, Oracle, and Accenture,” Rohleder said.

NetSuite buys Bronto to bolster retail marketing capabilities

NetSuite is acquiring Bronto Software to blend its marketing automation capabilities with its ERP platform

NetSuite is acquiring Bronto Software to blend its marketing automation capabilities with its ERP platform

Cloud ERP incumbent NetSuite has acquired Bronto Software, a provider of cloud-based marketing automation software for omnichannel commerce, in a deal worth about $200m.

Founded in 2002, Bronto offers retailers cloud-based omnichannel marketing software for campaign lifecycle management and claims to sell its services to over 1,400 businesses including some of the world’s top brands (Armani Exchange, Timex ,Trek Bikes).

NetSuite said Bronto’s offerings will complement its SuiteCommerce, an ERP platform tailored to B2B and B2C commerce.

“This combination, for the first time ever, ties a rich marketing automation system with a cloud-based omnichannel commerce platform. The capabilities this solution will deliver are transformational,” said Zach Nelson, chief executive of NetSuite.

“Just as customers demand seamless cross-channel shopping experiences, they increasingly expect companies to communicate consistently through all of their digital experiences – on site, at stores, in email or through social or mobile. By combining the two companies’ offerings and technology, we can help merchants deliver relevant and consistent digital commerce experiences throughout the customer journey,” Nelson said.

Joe Colopy, chief executive of Bronto Software said the two companies will integrate their respective offerings.

“Today’s consumers expect brands to know them across every channel and marketing touchpoint. Providing that type of experience demands a unified approach to digital engagement, whether driving transactions online or offline or engaging with them through website, email, mobile or social,” he said.

“This will help merchants to better engage with their customers, drive repeat purchases and build lifelong loyalty.”

Over the years many large incumbents like Oracle and SAP as well as newer upstarts like Salesforce have moved quickly to strengthen their position in marketing automation through acquisition. Integrating ERP with marketing automation is a no-brainer, particularly when catering to firms with complex supply chains, so it’s no surprise NetSuite, a relatively new player in the field, is following in the same footsteps as other ERP players.

Ultimate Software, NetSuite link HCM and ERP clouds

Ultimate Software and NetSuite are integrating their HCM and ERP services

Ultimate Software and NetSuite are integrating their HCM and ERP services

Ultimate Software, a provider of cloud-based human capital management services has inked a deal with NetSuite, a vendor of ERP cloud services, which will see the two companies integrate their software.

The two companies will integrate the UltiPro HCM solution and NetSuite’s ERP suite, which will enable joint customers to manage a broader chunk of their business lifecycles –financials, supply chain, CRM, payroll, HR, and talent management.

“By connecting UltiPro’s rich HR, talent, and payroll capabilities to NetSuite’s suite of ERP applications, Ultimate and NetSuite offer businesses the ability to manage their entire spectrum of business technology needs through two of the most trusted cloud vendors in the world—while enjoying industry-leading functionality, scalability, and configurability—without requiring point solutions for different business applications,” said Scott Scherr, chief executive officer of Ultimate.

“Not only are both our solutions leaders in cloud business technology, but our commitment to culture and service to customers is highly aligned.  We’re excited to bring this partnership to the market,” Scherr said.

Zach Nelson, chief executive officer of NetSuite said: “The combination of Ultimate’s robust HCM functionality together with NetSuite’s system of record for core operational processes provides our customers with a tightly integrated solution to run the core aspects of their business.”

The move suggests cloud ERP vendors are looking to double down on beating the large incumbents at their own game. The SAPs and Oracles of the world have long found that combining ERP and HR platforms make them more attractive to some large enterprises, so any move to bring end-to-end integration of these services in the cloud space will likely be welcome news to born-in-the-cloud firms that are also keen on de-risking their supply chains with multiple vendors.

FinancialForce raises $110m to grow Salesforce-based ERP

FinancialForce has raised $110m from TCV, Salesforce

FinancialForce has raised $110m from TCV, Salesforce

FinancialForce, a provider of a Salesforce-based ERP and HR services has raised $110m in a round led by Technology Crossover Ventures (TCV) with participation from Salesforce’s investment arm, Salesforce Ventures. The company said it will use the funds to expand sales, marketing and development.

The latest funding round comes less than a year after the company scored $50m from Advent International.

“Our goal has always been to transform the ERP market in the same way that Salesforce has for CRM. As our growth indicates, the industry is responding to our customer-centric approach to ERP where our apps, built natively to run alongside the Salesforce Customer Success Platform, help businesses create meaningful relationships with customers and employees to grow their top and bottom lines,” said Jeremy Roche, chief executive officer and president, FinancialForce.com.

“With TCV and Salesforce Venture’s contributions, FinancialForce.com can continue our rapid rate of growth and become the cloud ERP choice for all forward-thinking companies,” Roche added.

The company has reported strong growth over the past couple of years, no doubt bolstered by the continued success Salesforce seems to be realising.

FinancialForce said 2014 was its “banner year” for the firm, reporting 91 per cent annual subscription run rate growth and $50m in revenue. It also increased its global headcount by more than 80 per cent, from 250 employees at the end of 2013 to more than 450 at the end of 2014. The company said it currently has more than 500 employees spread across six global offices.

The funding round speaks to what now seems to have become an entrenched industry dynamic – where younger, more nimble cloud-native startups like NetSuite and FinancialForce are starting to overtake large IT incumbents, particularly in areas where software is traditionally bulky and relies heavily on tight integration (i.e. ERP). Salesforce, the platform upon which FinancialForce is based, recently announced full fiscal year 2015 revenue hitting $5.37bn – no small sum by any stretch of the imagination.

Microsoft reveals Office 2016, Skype for Business, Azure IoT services

Microsoft chief exec Satya Nadella previewed a number of new services at Convergence this week

Microsoft chief exec Satya Nadella previewed a number of new services at Convergence this week

Microsoft revealed a slew of new cloud offerings and updates to its productivity offerings at the company’s annual Convergence conference this week, including a developer and enterprise preview of Office 2016, a re-branded Microsoft Lync (Skype for Business), and an Azure-based suite of Internet of Things services.

The company was keen to show off Office 2016, which will be available later this year and ship with a few new services – notably Office Delve, which uses machine learning algorithms to surface corporate Office 265 documents and files that are relevant to specific users in a cloud-based collaboration environment.

“You know how Facebook has a newsfeed? Think of this as your work newsfeed,” said Satya Nadella, chief executive officer of Microsoft. “It’s about enabling anyone in the organisation to find useful information without having corporate hierarchies get in the way.”

Microsoft also announced the general availability of PowerBI, it’s analytics and dashboarding platform, which will come with new connectors for Google Analytics, Microsoft Dynamics Marketing, Zuora, Acumatica and Twilio – with connections for other analytics platforms coming in the near future.

Microsoft Lync, the company’s enterprise collaboration and communications platform, has been re-branded to Skype for Business and been given a noticeable facelift.

The company also unified its Azure-based analytics and machine learning offerings into what Microsoft is calling the Microsoft Azure IoT Suite. The suite combines Azure Stream Analytics and Azure ML (machine learning) and is being aimed at developers creating real-time data services.

“Devices will come and go. But the most interesting thing is the data being collected,” Nadella said, adding that the rapid increase in the volume and velocity of data requires better and more unified tools for developers.

“We’re going to have something like 26 billion internet-connected devices and 44 zettabytes of data in the cloud by 2019,” Nadella said. “How do we make sure that the ability to have access to that data, the ability to act on the insight – those small patterns that, we as humans, recognise in data? The real power comes from our ability to act on those insights.”

Use a Shared Technology Platform to Reorganize your Digital Media Activities

Digital marketing” is now a familiar term across age groups spending time on online and mobile interfaces. The digital media space can no longer be ignored and companies in varying fields, from pharmaceutical to telecom have started to take it seriously, and invest in it for the long term.

Large companies would need a strong presence in the digital arena. This means that many stakeholders would be involved in handling different kinds of digital media. For example, one agency might be in charge of the website creation and social media content, while another might handle email campaigns and banner ads. Add the technology service provider to this mix, and you could be headed for confusion. It is prudent to address this situation before it gets out of hand.

To implement a collaborative platform for one of its clients in business information services, HCL Tech used the following main 7 components:

Shared Technology Platform

The platform that was implemented had to be common across all the digital agencies and the technology service provider. It would form the foundation of the solution, and had to be capable enough to handle all the common assets, activities and reporting mechanisms.

Common Understanding of Objectives

The big picture is very important in such a collaborative scenario, and each digital agency and technology provider should have an idea of the objective to be achieved. This would help them understand the importance of their individual responsibilities clearly.

Definition of Roles

When multiple stakeholders are involved, the interfaces between them play an important role. This means that a single point of contact should be defined in each digital agency, as well as at the technology service provider and at the client’s end. The team structure within each team should also be uniformly and clearly defined, including special role definitions such as BIS digitization services.

Clear Definition of Responsibilities

In most situations, the final accountability might lie with the client’s business team, but it is important to define a responsibility matrix for all the stakeholders involved. This would help to identify the points of success, as well as to pinpoint any issues at an early stage.

Training Requirements

It is essential that the service provider provides the required training about the platform to the digital agencies, and also is available for guidance after the participants have started using it. Some of the aspects to be covered by the training include features of the platform, storage and access of digital assets, managing information, workflows and reporting mechanisms.

What are Workflows?

A common platform is effective only if used in a collaborative and uniform manner by all the stakeholders. The creation and review of workflows need to be performed by the end users of the platform from the client’s team, but in close discussion with the digital agencies.

Why are Reporting Mechanisms Important?

Reporting is an important step for tracking progress, and requires a common template to be established for use by all agencies.

Why are Reporting Mechanisms Important?

Reporting is an important step for tracking progress, and requires a common template to be established for use by all agencies.

Opting for a shared technology platform at an early stage of digital marketing would improve efficiency and brand image. It would also ensure that your digital marketing campaigns reach the required audience within an optimal period of time.

To know more about the topic please refer to the whitepaper written by HCL Technologies