The Next Net-Enterprise
In Web 2.0 | 2 comments | permalink
Well folks, we’ve come to the end of my first 5-part series here on Digital Phocus. It’s been fun to write about Tthe Next Net, a group of 25 potentially breakthrough companies has highligthed by Business 2.0. I’ve attempted to put my own spin on the list by telling you which of the 5 companies in each of the 5 companies that I think is poised to stand out.
It’s purely speculation on my part but it’s fun and hopefully interesting for you.
The final category? Enterprise.
1. SuccessFactors: The company sells a suite of siimple Web-based tools that automate important but previously paper-driven management chores such as performance reviews, succession planning, and compensation.
The company claims that it has more than 2 million users and more than doubled sales last year. Its customers, which pay an annual fee of $50 per user, range from small tech companies to corporate giants like ConAgra Foods
2. Rearden Commerce: Web-based “virtual personal assistant” application that smoothly integrates hotel and flight reservations, meetings and other events into your daily agenda. Some 150 companies and 500,000 employees use Rearden’s software.
3. SimulScribe: Voice-mail rendered as scannable text. SimulScribe transcribes vocie-mail messages and shoots them to your mobile devices as text or e-mail messages. Targeting corporate customers, SimulScribe will integrate the service into company voicemail systems.
4. Logoworks: Automated design of logos, business cards, and stationery. Proprietary software helps Logoworks streamline the process and charge less than old-line competitors.
5. JanRain: A single sign-on service for multiple passwords that lets people hop freely from site to site. Business demand for JanRain’s services is expected to grow as Web 2.0 entertainment and social-networking sites proliferate.
The Digital Phocus verdict? Tie. I like both Rearden and SimulScribe. I think both meet the increasingly complicated needs of business workers. The ability to integrate events into your calendar (Rearden) as meetings become more and more prevalent, is huge. Similar, the ability to convert voice mail message to text and send them off via email (SimulScribe) is enormously valuable as well. Plus, their ability to integrate with existing company voicemail systems makes this a bit of a no-brainer.
Tags: SuccessFacors, Enterprise, Rearden, event planning, SimulScribe, voicemail, Speech to text, Logoworks, Logos, JanRain, single sign on
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I hear Successfactors is in major turmoil after laying off 20% of it’s workforce and an exedus of customers due to horific customer sat issues (source - former senior Successfactors employee). They are no doubt beating the drum for an IPO, but due of course to investors wanting their out - but at the cost of its employee & customer loyalty. Also, the numbers they claim are not at all accurate (did not double revenue, and users are padded).
Just to present the facts - SuccessFactors has never had layoffs in its history, in fact the company has hired over 50 employees this year. Customer renewal rate is steady at 97% with very high referenceability, and employee turnover is incredibly low. We pride ourselves on our ethics and our numbers are accurate. I am happy to respond personally to further questions. sepstein@successfactors.com