Enterprise resource planning (ERP) has been around for quite some time now. And it has certainly gone through some changes over the years. Peoplesoft ERP was once a leader in enterprise software before being bought out by Oracle. The software company had strong applications for financials and human resources. But it became more active and successful when it came up with a new design which incorporated a three-tier architecture, which provided a more flexible platform for its corporate users, in terms of implementation and use. Peoplesoft was innovative and aggressive as well, as it made a strong move into the global marketplace. It was also becoming more competitive against both Oracle and SAP. It was adding new applications for manufacturing erp and the supply chain and its products were being acknowledged for their efficiency.

Peoplesoft ERP

Peoplesoft ERP merges into Oracle     

Peoplesoft had been successful in designing new products and extending its reach into foreign markets. Peoplesoft’s enterprise software suite could be purchased in parts, or as a whole. But because of the popularity of its software companies were buying more of the full package. ERP software was becoming increasingly more popular with corporations who had been working on mainframe legacy systems that could no longer meet their needs. With ERP, they found that they could integrate and automate all of their operating functions, from manufacturing, supply chain management and distribution, to finance, human resources and project management.

Peoplesoft ERP used to run second to the sectors leader, SAP, before Oracle purchased the company to gain market share. It was experiencing increased sales and its bottom line was growing. It also had a strong sales force that was pursuing markets around the world more aggressively. It was successful in executing software design as well as marketing and sales promotion, and it’s roster of clients was growing. Peoplesoft was considered more consistent with its ERP product and sales, than Oracle was with its product line and execution. But Oracle has always found a way around that problem, by buying out the competition.

As the market for enterprise software began to really take off, SAP became the undisputed leader. But Peoplesoft was an aggressive competitor. Oracle figured the only way it could grab enterprise market share was to buy Peoplesoft and supplant SAP as the ERP’s global leader.And today, while SAP is still considered the leader in enterprise software, Oracle quite often runs neck to neck with them. This is a very competitive marketplace and many of the software vendors that serve it have come and gone. Yet new vendors continue to come on board as the sector grows with Software as a Service and Cloud computing.

Peoplesoft ERP made its mark, and it would be interesting to see how where it would be today if had remained an independent company. It’s not unlikely that they would have gotten into Web-based ERP, offering an on-demand service. But it will be remembered as an enterprise software leader during its time. Enterprise software is a very competitive field. Any company that exceeds in it can look to be bought out by another that is bigger and stronger.