Steve Ballmer: Unlocking the Value of Business Systems

Microsoft’s CEO underscores the impact of the Internet on the industry and shares his perspective on the future of software.

By Maryann Jones Thompson, Sand Hill Group

“I have to say, this is the hardest speaking assignment I’ve ever been given.”

The breadth and depth of the Software 2007 audience threw Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer for a loop. In preparing for his keynote address, Ballmer described creating several versions of his speech before arriving at one that would speak to the wide variety of viewpoints held by the software and services executives in attendance.

In the end, Ballmer succeeded in delivering an informative address which described the Internet’s impact on customer expectations, the future of the software business, and the next-generation opportunities available to other independent software vendors

Overcoming Your Fears of Outsourcing

Despite the challenges, many vendors have realized significant benefits from outsourcing. Steve Mezak, author of Software Without Borders, shares eight ways to improve management of oursourcing engagements as a way to mitigate the risks in this week’s post to the SandHill.com Blog on outsourcing best practices.

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.

Delivering Software as a Service

The McKinsey Quarterly takes a look at the SaaS model and explains traditional vendors should take heed. Read why in this article from The McKinsey Quarterly.

Hear Benioff, Zander, Robison, Mahalingham -- and More!

Keynote speakers from Software 2007 are now available as podcasts. Visit the Software 2007 podcast site and download addresses from compelling speakers and panels from the event – and watch for more new podcasts next week!

News Update: Leaps & Bounds

A new report ranks the fastest-growing software companies; plus, lots of movement in the open source community and lots of development in the offshoring space. Read these stories and more software news of the week in the latest SandHill.com Software News Summary.

Poll: Fastest Grower of 2007

Which software company will take the title of fastest growing software company of 2007?
Take our Pulse Poll >>

Last week, readers gave their opinions on whether Indian services companies will be threats or partners over the long term.
Give us your opinion and see the results >>