“There’s a big shift to SaaS underway and companies are unlocking larger and larger budgets. Businesses are demanding “consumer” software — software that helps their employees do more with less AND is as easy to use as Facebook and Twitter. Business software and usability are not mutually exclusive (despite what Oracle, SAP and others ingrained into us.) This next phase of the internet will be post PC for sure. But it will also be the merging of all the great aspects of consumer software and the benefits of robust enterprise software. It’s the rise of a new “user” — the business software user who isn’t in IT but is being asked to use web-based software products to get their job done. No one is writing about this but it’s an important shift and companies that know how to build, sell and support cost effect usable business software will create nice businesses. And I’d argue it will be easier to build a $1B business selling easy-to-use but powerful business software than trying to please the fickle internet user and deliver him or her to brands and retailers (also known as advertisers!).” Michael Lazerow (CEO Buddy Media), in comments.”
