Week 7: Clear - Just How SAASSIE Is SAAS?

MORE THAN JUST HYPE - SAASSIE IS WHAT SAAS DOES!!!
 
So what is SaaS?  SaaS is an acronym for software as a service and refers to software that is made available online by a third party provider.  It is a tool that lets you use someone else's operating system, hardware, applications, software - any and everything you require for your computing needs.  Salesforce.com is the leading SaaS firm - other SaaS firms include NetSuite, Workday, Aravo, and Zoho.  Cloud computing makes SaaS possible and I have provided a two (2) minute YouTube video below, should you desire to learn more about cloud computing technology:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAUuY0Yld0E

"Video uploaded to YouTube by fahaimedia, 2011. Permission granted to reuse with YouTube Standard License." 

And I'm sure by now you've asked yourself at least once, maybe twice - "Well, what is SAASSIE?"  SAASSIE is a term I made up (I'd like to interject a disclaimer here - I came up with the idea for SAASSIE before watching Dr. Olson's video #07.03 "The Cloud" - I noticed in his video that salesforce.com's mascot's name is Saasy).   Anyway, after reading the first eight (8) sections of the material it became crystal clear to me that SaaS appears to be the adrenaline or dynamite behind many of the changes that have and are taking place in the software, hardware, consulting, computing, and networking and other technology driven industries.  A few of these developments I already knew about, while the majority of which I only now know about as a result of this class, UF's ISM 3004 - Computing in the Business Environment. 
 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cloud_computing.svg Sam Johnston. 

SaaS has really leveled the playing field and made it possible for all firms to accomplish what they once only thought was possible in dreams or with a boat load of cash.  SaaS is a thing of financial beauty and SAASSIE is the way I choose to express most of the assets and benefits that SaaS brings to any firm's table (large or small):

• SAVINGS!  SAVINGS!  SAVINGS!  A firm utilizing a SaaS provider immediately saves money because allocated funds for acquiring, licensing, and maintaining software and hardware are no longer fixed but are replaced by variable expenses, so can be reduced or even eliminated all-together.  Firms also save money on IT staff as the SaaS provider takes care of most, if not all issues/tasks concerning your computing needs.  So, a lower total cost of ownership than that of a traditional platform with commercial software and associated maintenance and service cost is also a benefit.   
• Access to powerful virtualization software tools, as well as enterprise, desktop and web-based storage, applications, software and hardware.   
• Accessibility and remote access.  SaaS services can be accessed via any Web browser and some providers even offer access via the phone. 
• Scalability through increased utilization and maximum capacity at data centers, as much as 80% or more in most cases and on an as needed basis. So firms are able to handle Black Swans (unexpected spikes in activity) and/or cyclical busy periods without incident.  And due to the fact that coverage is allocated and additional servers are only brought online as needed, you only pay for what you use.    
• Secure.  Even though, Saas providers take security very seriously, firms should make sure matters concerning security are spelled out in the contract and do periodic audits to make sure the agreement is being adhered to.      
• Innovative technology without paying top dollar for all of the associated expenses (research, proto-types, trial runs, acquisition, installations, development, staff, etc.).  
• Expert advice and support 24/7.  Expandable services customized to the firm's needs.  Environmental footprint that is smaller/greener than most firms' not using the service.   

Yes, like with anything else there are some risks associated with the use of SaaS providers so make sure you research any SaaS firm thoroughly before partnering.  Be sure to look at the firm's long-term viability and make sure you incorporate an exit strategy in your strategic plan.  Privacy and legal requirements may restrict/prohibit a firm's use of a SaaS provider - should this be the case, there probably will not be a way around this. 

Overall, from my observations, once a firm has "done their homework" (a minimum of which is addressed above), and also addresses contractual forensics, uses federated authentication and performs audits and accessibility assessments, in most cases, the benefits of SaaS will far out-weigh any remaining potential of risk.  With all that said, the only thing left to say is... SAASSIE UP!!! 

Week 6: Clear - "Continuous Innovation" - Key to Successfully Satisfying Dynamic Customer Needs

"VisiCalc" on an Apple II - the Mother of It All!  
Today!?  My How Things Have Changed! 
 
Well we are using two (2) books in ISM 30004 and earlier this week, I first read Chapter 9 from "How Computers Work", 9th Edition by Ron White instead of from the book assigned for this week's reading, "Information Systems: A Manger's Guide to Harnessing Technology" by John Gallaugher.  Like I've told you before, I can laugh at myself and I'll even admit to having to do it often at times and although it was a mistake on my part, I'm glad I read both books.  Surprisingly enough, the subjects covered were very closely related as White gave more specific detail about the different types and categories of software and the applications for which Gallaugher gave a detailed overview from a manger's perspective. 

Dr. Olson added to the information in Gallaugher's book  and provided vital information for any manager - actually for any one - about to purchase software, whether on a small or large scale.  He included topics most of us rarely think of like the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) - I have thought about this when it came to owning a vehicle but never in regards to owning software.  However, it was clear that this is something software purchasers should really pay attention to as in March 2011, according to Gartner, a reputable research firm, TCO of software and software maintenance current base cost was $750.00 annually - this may not be much of an issue for ownership of one or two software suites but just think about a company that owns 100s or even 1,000s - the dollars add up pretty quickly. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Visicalc.png 

                                                Wikimedia Commons.

While reading White's book, I learned that VisiCalc was the first electronic spreadsheet application and that it was released on an Apple II computer.  Apparently in its day, VisiCalc was radically innovative software that made bankers, financial managers/officers, accountants - anyone having to "crunched numbers manually", very, very happy!!

I've heard of multiple Apple products including Apple computers that are currently successful and continuously gaining in market share as a result of innovative technology which continues to anticipate and meet customer needs.  On the other hand however, VisiCalc failed to realize that its users' needs changed - users wanted and needed more than just the ability to crunch numbers - many required database and graphing capabilities.  Where is VisiCalc now?  I had never heard of this software until this week - but I have heard of Lotus 1-2-3, Quattro Pro and Excel - which are all application software, that met the changing needs of VisiCalc users and eventually replaced it - two (2) of which I have personally used.  So managers also need to be aware of changes in the market and or technology that could impact their firm but also their firms changing needs.  One way of proactive dealing with this by making sure an "exit strategy" is included in any plan to acquire any software. 

This made it clear to me that in order for any firm's services or products to remain useful, they must be able to successfully satisfy dynamic customer needs and to do this the firm must be capable of continuous innovation.  If a firm cannot keep its finger on the pulse of the ever changing needs of its customers, it will not be able to proactively meet those needs and will eventually lose those customers to its competitor(s).  Apple is still alive and not just kicking but kicking butt!  According to Figure 9.3 of Gallaugher's book, in 2009, Apple held 5% market share of "Desktop" operating systems (OSs), 25% of "U.S. Mobile" OSs, and 16% of "Worldwide Mobile" OSs.  Below, I have zoomed in on a portion of an infographic from February 2011, which shows Apple's market share of the "U.S. Mobile" OSs to be 34% - that is a 9% increase since 2009.  In seven of the 14 countries shown, Apple has the largest market share - "click" on the first link below to view the entire infographic:

  http://connect.icrossing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Mobile-OS-Market-Share-2.jpg              www.icrossing.co.uk           

To view this entire infographic - "click" the first link above.

Dr. Olson shared the following information regarding "Desktop OSs" and in closing,  would like to share it with you - he stated the following (paraphrased): 

• "In 2005, a survey revealed that 50% of UF students bought Dell computers and 17% bought Apple - presently, nearly 50% buy Apple and only 13% buy Dell". 
• "In 2003, Apple only had 2% of the market share but in 2006, they changed to the Intel processor and their market share increased to 6%". 
• "In 2010, Apple's market share has increased to 10%, even though they are selling high-end systems which focus on quality, performance, reliability, and design - like a Porsche".
• "He also shared his observations on campus and noted that Apple laptops are #1 on campus and this is a trend for college campuses nation-wide".        

So if you are faced with the task of purchasing software, make sure you also consider the reputation and track record of the company and remember, "You get what you pay for but you will certainly miss the important stuff you don't pay for"... 

Week 4: Clear - Operational Effectiveness Needs Accessories

Make Sure Your Firm Is DRESSED To The NINES! 
As every fashion sense woman knows, having a "Little Black Dress" (LBD) in your wardrobe is critical - you know, the one that gets you through every occasion with class and style!  All you have to do is just switch up the accessories and your LBD so graciously gives you an entirely different look that is spot on for the occasion you are facing - now how fabulous is that!! 

No matter what industry you are in, how many employees are on your payroll, what goods, services, or products you provide, or where your firm is located in the world - EVERY FIRM should strive to be EFFECTIVE and EFFICIENT.  Should your firm be not able to accomplish this, I dare confidently say that your firm will probably not successfully survive in today's business world. 

Operational Effectiveness (OE) - doing what every other firm in your industry is doing but doing it better (effectively and efficiently) - it's clear to me that OE is definitely the LBD that your firm needs to maintain a Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA) - financial performance that is consistently above the industry averages!  However, OE alone just is not enough to get and keep the job done successfully.  Like all LBDs, OE needs the right accessories.  So to help your firm successfully achieve and maintain SCA, you must accessorize OE with the following (If you are not sure what the difference is between OE and strategy - watch this video before you read on):
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5w3s4rckdA

"Video uploaded to YouTube by PotentialTra , 2011. Permission granted to reuse with YouTube Standard License."

1. Strategic Positioning - by doing what your competition isn't doing or do what they are doing but in a different way, you will create and/or strengthen strategic differences which will give your firm an advantage that will be difficult for your competitors to match.
2. Resource-Based View of Competitive Advantage - if you are to successfully maintain a SCA, you must control an exploitable resource(s) - but not just any old resource.  This resource must have the following critical characteristics: 1) it must be valuable; 2) it must be rare; 3) it must be hard to copy/imitate; and 4) it must be nonsubstitutable. 
3. Imitation-Resistant Value Chain - Your value chain is what you do to create and bring your products/services to market and if you create a unique way of doing this you will have an edge on your rivals that will last a very long time. 
4. Scalability - as your firm grows, you will gain scale advantages like those from economies of scale. Being able to spread your cost over an increasing number of products and services will increase your profits drastically. 
5. Differentiation - is what sets your firm's products/services apart from all the other firms'.  Grab and keep your customers' attention by using differentiation to breakout of the cookie cutter madness and to elevate your products/services above commodity status.
6. Distribution Channel(s) - is the path(s) you use to distribute your products/services to your customers and is one of the key players in your firm's success.  If you get everything else right but fail here - your customer will not get the opportunity to even think about choosing your goods let alone buying them...
7. Patents/Intellectual Property Protections - do not drag your feet here - make sure you take quick action to protect your firm's creativity, innovation, inventions, etc. anything that can be copyrighted or patented.  Doing this will give you some degree of protection from the firms out there who are waiting to reap benefits from your firm's blood, sweat and tears.   
8. Porter's Five Forces/Industry Competitive Analysis - the five (5) forces are 1) rivalry among firms already in the business; 2) the threat of new firms entering the business; 3) the threat of a substitute for your product(s)/service(s); 4) the bargaining power of your customers; and 5) the bargaining power of your suppliers. Do yourself a favour - use these factors to do an Industry Competitive Analysis so that you know your firm, your industry and you are not doing business blindly. 
9. Technology - last but not least, the icing on the cake - or should I say the finishing touch! Use the enabling characteristic of technology to help you leverage in each of the areas mentioned above and your firm will certainly be a leader in your industry. 

Again, make sure that your firm is DRESSED to the NINES!  OE should never be without the proper accessories. 
So get out there and make sure that your firm is prepared with a properly accessorized LBD - a Successful Firm would NOT be caught dead without one!!

Week 1: Clear - Necessities for Success in Today's Business World

Social Media and Technological Advancements

For years I had resisted partaking in the obvious integration of Social Media (SM) and all the new Technological Advancements (TA) - some of which seemed to be created just for SM or as a result of SM.  My only indulgences were a laptop, an air card and a cell phone.  And I only had those because at that time I was traveling a lot for my job and I needed access to email.  Until August of last year I had successfully avoided social  media and networking like they were a plague. 

However, Fall Semester 2011, I had to take a Social Networking class which was a requirement for a program I recently completed (Career Ladder AS to BS Degree Program in Business Administration).  And quite frankly, I was a little irritated when I first found out I had to complete assignments that required me to be active on several of the major sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, YouTube, and Google.  Yes, I am ashamed to say, I did go kicking and screaming but after a couple of weeks in that class I began to see the power and the value of SM and TA.  I was amazed at how much easier it was to stay connected and I was surprised when I realized how businesses were utilizing these necessary tools for their advantage... 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/xlivexalivex/5535537474/

"Photo taken By alexa fades away , 2010.  Permission granted to reuse with attribution."

 

I'm really excited about ISM3004 - and looking over the calendar, I can already see I will be venturing into waters I've yet to charter (like this Blog).  Yeah!!  This is a good thing though and I'm ready to go!  I desire to obtain any knowledge, experience and/or skills that could be a catalyst for my professional success and increased competitiveness and human capital value.  According to Chapter 1 of "Information Systems: A Manager's Guide to Harnessing Technology" by John Gallaugher, today many businesses realize that SM and TA should be a vital part of their strategy for marketing and they desire to hire Managers and other employees who posses the necessary experience and skills. 

For businesses, social media can be used as one-way and/or two-way communication and marketing tactics which allows companies to send a highly targeted message to a large number of potential customers.  And do it very quickly and at costs extremely lower than traditional advertising.  Technology whether direct or indirect is apart of almost every job function and it's use and reliance upon is also continuing to increase. 

Successful companies are those companies that proactively embrace "Our Forever Changing World of Communication and Technology".  They become a part of the social media community by creating Blogs or Twitter feeds or establishing pages on social networking sites like Facebook, etc.  This helps to set them up to successfully achieve their goal of gaining a sustainable competitive advantage.  This is just one (1) of the many reasons why SM and TA is so vital and necessary to businesses.  For more information and/or to see real-life examples, check out these sites on the Web: 
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.blogtrafficexchange.com/why-big-companies-are-blogging/
http://www.sitepoint.com/15-companies-that-really-get-corporate-blogging/
This is also one (1) of the many reasons why these tools are very important to many business professionals like myself and many of you.  As I stated before, I desire to obtain any knowledge, experience and skills I can to help ensure that I become more competitive and marketable - so I'm sure you can see how it is not only important but very necessary.  By doing this, I hope to gain a sustainable competitive edge over my professional peers and I would imagine that if I were to take a poll, the same would be true for many of you.

The class I mentioned I took last year barely covered Blogs.  It basically just provided their definition without any hands on experience.  I'm glad that this will not be the case with ISM3004.  Also from the readings in Chapter 1 of "Information Systems: A Manager's Guide to Harnessing Technology", I've come to realize that blogging can give anyone a very real and powerful voice and presence in our society.  Many businesses have wised up to this fact and not only do they blog - they also constantly monitor electronic media to ensure that there isn't "anything out there in cyberspace" that could jeopardize their reputation.  The old quote, "The pen is mighter than the sword", can certainly move over and make room for "The keystroke is giving the pen a run for it's money".  With that being said, I found a video on YouTube that gives some pretty good advice on the basics and etiquette of blogging:
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euk1kchfHr8 

"Video Uploaded to YouTube by yourBusinessChannel , 2008. Permission granted to reuse with YouTube Standard License."*             

Now that I've gotten my feet wet regarding blogging, with the help of this class I'm wading out into the deep as fast as I can.  With the information provided by our instructors and another video I found on YouTube, it was easy to create this Blog and I'm loving the hands-on experience.   The video walks you through how to create a Blog on Blogger step-by step.  It will probably answer most, if not all of your questions and it's less than four (4) minutes long - I couldn't believe how easy it was to follow.  So check it out... 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA4s3wN_vK8

"Video Uploaded to YouTube by BloggerHelp  , 2011.  Permission granted to reuse with YouTube Standard License."*       

*For those who are wondering what "YouTube Standard License" means - I found a very informative video - you gussed it, yes on YouTube.  Using simple laymans language it explains the copyright and licensing in regards to YouTube and it briefly mentions Creative Commons.  If this issue was "muddy" for you before, this video will definitely help to make it "clearer" - happy blogging...: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju6COlCeIIU

"Video Uploaded to YouTube by GetThereSocialMedia , 2011.  Permission granted to reuse with YouTube Standard License."