Redefining PR in Enterprise 2.0

Software vendors today can realize greater returns on investment by reconsidering their concept of PR and adopting best practices for relationship governance.

By Jeanne Achille, Devon PR

In the software business, the rules of the game are changing fast. New business models and delivery methods are revolutionizing the way companies buy software.

The same is true for the PR industry. What has always been a challenging part of the marketing mix for many marketers is rapidly expanding into something even more complex and powerful.

As global business morphs quickly into the “Enterprise 2.0” era of community interaction, diverse business models and a new set of leading vendors, software companies that redefine their concept of PR can leverage their relationship investment to achieve greater returns than in past decades.

Hear EMC’s Software Czar at Software 2007

Dave DeWalt, EMC’s executive vice president will speak to the 2,000 software CEOs, VPs, CIOs, investors and analysts who will attend Software 2007 on May 8 and 9 in Santa Clara, Calif. Find out how DeWalt has built EMC’s software empire through strategic acquisitions and what he has planned for the future. Click to find out more about other keynote speakers, breakout sessions, registration and more Software 2007 opportunities at www.software2007.com.

The 6% Solution

Software stocks have growth approximately 6 percent this year – but other stocks have averaged growth of 13 percent. What gives? Erik Keller of Wapiti LLC says software vendors have to look deeper than SaaS, SOA, Web 2.0 and open source for the solution to their business model woes in this week’s post to his SandHill.com Blog, The Software Critic.

3 Elements for a Successful Strategic Planning

When developing a new or long-term strategy, it is easy to think that all options exist and simply need to be brought to the table for debate. But in fact, the most effective strategies are very often not obvious at all, and executives must design strategic sessions with three key guidelines, according to Nilofer Merchant of Rubicon. Read what it takes to get a fresh strategic perspective in this week’s post to the SandHill.com Blog on New Era, New Thinking.

Software Equity: Looking Strong in 2006

A new analysis of software stocks, IPOs, venture capital investment and M&A activity from the Software Equity Group finds encouraging trends in most areas. Read managing director Ken Bender’s summary of the software financial year in this week’s post to the SandHill.com Blog on Software Finance.

Publish Your Perspective!

The SandHill.com Blog wants your opinions. Send your thoughts on the enterprise software industry to editor@sandhill.com and we’ll publish them in our blog.

Showcase Your Innovation at Software 2007

“Powered by Innovation” will be the theme for Software 2007. With 2,000 industry execs, investors and analysts in attendance, what better forum to demonstrate the “next big thing” companies that will shape the next generation of the software industry?

The Innovation Showcase is looking for companies who want to share their unique value proposition with the software business elite. The presenters will take the stage at Software 2007, May 8 and 9 in Santa Clara, Calif. Click here to find out more and nominate your company for inclusion - applications must be received by March 9!

News Update: India Aims to Innovate

News from India’s Nasscom and RSA’s security shows dominate the week; plus, another software IPO in the works, an open source pioneer quits, Google preps for SaaS and ODF moves forward. Read these stories and more software news of the week in the latest SandHill.com Software News Summary.

Are Companies Getting Better at M&A?

The latest boom in merger activity appears to be creating more value for the shareholders of the acquiring companies. Read this article from The McKinsey Quarterly which looks closer at 2006 M&A trends in value creation and overpayment.

Poll: India Overtaken?

Indian services firms are rapidly pursuing innovation strategies in order to differentiate their offerings and add value for clients. Could the Indian market ever be overtaken by another offshoring destination?
Take our Pulse Poll >>

Last week, readers gave their opinions on the rumor of an Oracle buyout of SAP. What do you think?
Give us your opinion and see the results >>

More at SandHill.com:

Sun’s CTO hates “Web 2.0.”
Read the most important enterprise software industry news of the week >>

GroundWork Open Source receives $12.5 million.
Monitor the latest software venture capital deals >>

Akamai buys Netli.
Size up last week's software M&A deals >>

Bill Cook named CEO of Greenplum.
See who's made it to the top in our list of recent software executive appointments >>

Send us your feedback on this newsletter and the SandHill.com site.

Parting Thought

“I prefer the errors of enthusiasm to the indifference of wisdom.”
–Anatole France

Courtesy of Malcolm Kusher, The Kushner Group