Real On-Demand?

The success of companies like salesforce.com should encourage you to understand the many advantages of "on demand" applications (read: On Demand = NO FUSS). Unfortunately, this has caused many vendors to announce that they, too, offer applications on demand.

Here are three signs that your vendor is NOT committed to the on-demand model:

1. Vendor wants you to install software on your hardware using your infrastructure;
2. The provider supports multiple versions of code or customized definitions for each customer;
3. Vendors fees are based on a perpetual license, and not on a per user (or per acre) fee.

The first item should set off some red flags, as the vendor will need you to pay for hardware and software upgrades. Most vendors fall short with the second item, which typically means the vendor is supporting a greater cost structure, which you will absorb. The last criteria will affect your flexibility; the application should be easy to set-up, use, and drop (if it doesn't work for you).

As always, we're glad to explain these topics in greater detail.