PeopleSoft Rapid Start into SME

PeopleSoft is targeting small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with a new 'rapid start' product unveiled at its regional conference today.

The vendor expects the EnterpriseOne Rapid Start product will enable the organisation to boost its company base to include companies with lower revenues.

The vendor claims Rapid Start enables SMBs to quickly implement pre-configured core processes, and could be put into action within 90 days.

PeopleSoft is not the first ERP vendor to focus on the small and medium business sector in recent times. ERP giant SAP downsized its enterprise offering earlier this year.

"Mid sized businesses want solutions that aren't complex, but are sophisticated and allow them to drive best practice process throughout their operations," said PeopleSoft Australia New Zealand managing director David Webster in a statement. 

"Increasingly they are competing on a global scale, or finding themselves as part of a complex supply chain, so affordability, flexibility and best practice is what they need. Rapid Start solutions deliver on these requirements," he said. 

Speaking at the first regional conference since the acquisition of JD Edwards, Webster also acknowledged the charge levelled at the company that it had been too internally focused.

Webster pledged the company would now become more externally focused to customers and channel partners.

"Many customers feel our focus had been internal over the last 12 months. Yes, it has. Our focus has been on integrating two companies [since the acquisition of JD Edwards]," he said.

"I have talked to many customers over the last 12 months. Some of those conversations have been difficult," he added.

Webster said PeopleSoft would continue to invest in the Australia and New Zealand region and grow go-to-market channels.

The initial release of Rapid Start is available on IBM eServer iSeries and Windows platforms. Rapid Start will be available directly from PeopleSoft and through the PeopleSoft Business Partner channel.