After the Unicode Consortium and Net Suite, another popular provider of ERP software systems based in the U.S. is American Software Inc. The origins of this company go even farther back than the history of Unicode and Net Suite, although this fact does not take anything away from the prevailing importance on the global market of more successful companies like SAP and Net Suite, or consortiums like Unicode. In fact, despite the long history of the company, which dates to 1970, its lagging behind in technological advancement as well as in the development of more efficient and adequate ERP software systems, is a major reason why other companies like the ones mentioned above (along with Microsoft, Oracle, Sage, Exact, and others) are still dominating the stage while American Software Inc. appears to be a step behind. 

ERP Software Systems

Additional Considerations Concerning the Special Characteristics and Qualities of U.S. ERP Companies (Part II)

American Software Inc.: A Comparison with Other ERP System Vendors

Another reason of course for the other companies’ success may be related to the adoption of more adequate and wide-reaching marketing strategies and tools (possibly developed in collaboration with other think-tank organizations or ERP consulting companies like IBM global solutions- renowned as being one of the top consulting firms for small startups and small businesses), to increase their market presence and visibility and attract a larger customer base. Regardless of these disparities in market influence, potential, and operational capability, American software Inc. still shares a number of similarities with Net Suite, Unicode, SAP and other major vendors of ERP software systems.

As can be discerned by the functions and operational characteristics of the respective ERP software systems developed or implemented by SAP, the Unicode Consortium, American Software Inc., Net Suite and others, all these companies share a number of similarities which can be easily identified. To begin with, Net Suite, SAP, Unicode and American Software Inc. all use multiple customization features for the needs of multiple industries from the most varied business sectors. SAP for example, caters to over 30 industries, including aeronautics; the Education sector; health care; the automotive manufacturing and related high-tech industry; media, telecommunications and as many varied industries as possible.

As a matter of fact, SAP, in particular, has made this its policy and has capitalized its efforts to maximize its presence among every imaginable industry and business market. This is obviously one of the main reasons why SAP exercises such a powerful position in the ERP market. Like Unicode, Net Suite and American Software Inc., SAP also uses transparent and flexible, highly compatible applications, which can be used by any department in the individual organization or Consortium.

Written by :

Don Cooper