NetSuite has released an updated version of its
on-demand enterprise software suite based on Ajax rich-client
technology.
An Ajax-based user interface in NetSuite Version 11 allows
users to perform functions such as reporting, graphing, scheduling,
Excel-like list editing and document management.
Changes to reporting include a new graphical user interface,
enabling users to preview the report exactly as it will appear when
run. The software is designed to allow users to manipulate data
columns, grouping levels and formulas within reports. Ajax is also
used for schedule management and document management.
NetSuite said it had also simplified file storage and
organisation with a new hierarchical tree navigation, and
expand/collapse capabilities at any level of the File Cabinet
folder organisation. Search results for files are displayed online,
allowing quick follow-up access.
NetSuite Version 11 also supports customisation through a
scripting language called Suitescript. NetSuite said Suitescript
provided an application programming interface either to NetSuite
objects or to custom objects added by the user.
Suitescript can be triggered by user events such as new records,
and changes to existing records, or can be scheduled to run in
batch mode. The company said Suitescript could initiate functions
in the NetSuite software, create or modify data in the system,
communicate with external data sources or support a multi-step
workflow process.
NetSuite has also introduced two mid-market vertical enterprise
suites - NetSuite Wholesale/Distribution Edition and NetSuite
Services Company Edition.
NetSuite has an installed base of about 75,000 subscribers,
according to Gartner. The analyst firm, said that, unlike other
companies offering on-demand software, NetSuite provided enterprise
resource planning as well as customer resource management
systems.
Although it found on-demand applications to be cheaper over five
years in terms of total cost of ownership, Gartner said, "It is
also important for organisations to be wary of great initial deals
for CRM on-demand services.
"Issues could emerge such as a three-year lock-in, uncapped
price hikes on renewals and hidden costs for increased numbers of
registered users (for example, as in the case for partner
relationship management), a reduced number of users which the
enterprise is still obligated to pay for under contract, or new,
unforeseen premium services."
Tips on choosing a hosted CRM service
- Understand the customer server-sharing model used by the
supplier
- Ensure that the provider has redundancy in its infrastructure
for performance, including load balancing, failover or both
- Make sure the provider offers data replication to the user
company's on-site enterprise data repository and back
- Identify all hardware and software components used by the
provider
- The supplier should support real-time integration with systems
at the client site
- Be aware of data privacy compliance issues. For example, taking
EU customer data offshore to the US and storing it.
Source: Gartner