Another Stunner: Enterprise Software, Downright Louse Ridden
February 24, 2009
Every once in a while, the editors at CNet allow or encourage friskiness. A good example is Matt Asay’s “Why Enterprise Software Is So Shockingly Bad” here. One would think that in the present economic meltdown, one would want to rub oil on the vendors’ shoulders and say, “You are so wonderful to me.” Guess not. Mr. Asay does the commercial equivalent of the now retired “Golden Fleece Award” given by a feisty senator for government fumbles. Mr. Asay identifies four issues courtesy of a person named Michael Nygard. I don’t feel comfortable repeating these in full. I would like to highlight one of the reasons why enterprise software is not too good and then offer a comment. Mr. Asay picks up Mr. Nygard’s point that enterprise vendors have captive audiences. I agree. I don’t think the word captive does the method justice. In my opinion, companies are given a taste of the software. Like a junkie hooking middle school kids, the first experience is really good. The middle school kid takes the bait and then finds himself or herself hooked and in the thrall of the dealer who controls how much good feelings result from the addict’s behavior. The notion is “lock in”. The method is addiction. Once an enterprise is hooked, the enterprise abrogates responsibility to the vendor. In some cases, the vendor works with a consultant. No matter. The client can’t escape even if he or she wants to. What’s the trajectory of this approach? Well, check out the sorry state of information technology budgets? Look at the dissatisfaction with existing CRM, CMS, or enterprise search systems. Scary thought to this addled goose.
Stephen Arnold, February 24, 2009
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