Loading ...On demand software intrigues me. I am not sure if early stage entrepreneurs in Delhi can benefit from this trend. If they can and their plan calls for angel investing they should contact me.
This URL gives some interesting numbers on Salesforce.com the pioneer and current leader in the field…
http://biz.yahoo.com/fool/051117/113225041813.html?.v=2
Most people I see doing on-demand software in India are focussed on SME segment, where the penetration and usage of internet itself is an issue (and to some extent one can argue that you have to break the cycle somewhere).
The key will be to identify areas where there is enough penetration and there are unmet needs. Creative software (for web/ graphics design etc) might be one such area, though am not sure of the numbers.
The key to usage might be good integration with mobile phones so that users can derive most benefits without ever logging on.
Good points. Additional food for thought….
Are there opportunities to build on top of Salesforce.com using the tools they provide.? MIcrosoft plans to build a platform but Salesforce seem to have one. (Not being a techie I am out of my depth here :-))
In terms of the market while Indian users are definitely interesting but does it may sense to think of India as a lab with a global vision. In some cases the market may just be OECD as is the case with most of IT outsourcing/BPO.
On-demand software or SaaS need not necessarily imply an Internet-based solution like salesforce.com. A hybrid approach, such as a low-cost, zero-configuration “appliance” installed on the local Intranet might better serve Indian SMEs who typically have intermittent, unreliable or expensive connectivity to the Internet.
Heaven knows why MSFT has waited so long to become an ASP.
People can’t illegaly pirate software if it’s provided as a service.
I’d estimate MSFT’s loses in the $billions for them having hesitated to recognise this simple truth.