Software as a Service (SaaS) is fast becoming an industry standard.  Led by companies like Salesforce.com, the SaaS model has caught the eye of the major players in the industry who are now scrambling to jump on the train.  In the June 2006 issue of CRN, Tom Richer, CEO of DevLogics stated “SaaS will be like ASPs on steroids.  It will be a different type of revenue stream for solution providers.  Traditionally, we’re paid on a per-project base and on annual contracts...” Even Microsoft is planning to make a major shift from a traditional software model into the SaaS arena.

What are the key elements fueling the SaaS model into the future mainstream? 

A closer look at the numbers shows that the SaaS model availability and reliability are a major factor.  Much like accessing the web to pull up a popular search engine like Yahoo or Google, SaaS users expect the same level of accessibility. With its online accessibility, individual software installs and updates are no longer required.  Access is gained through an online password environment.  This leads to faster deployment times.  Online help is available with most SaaS solutions.  Receiving a CD and training book to install a software application are fast becoming a thing of the past.  A great advantage of the SaaS model is its flexibility to deliver a solution that is just right for you.  Rather than having a standardized version, the SaaS model allows you to subscribe to only those services you require.  No longer will you have software which is under utilized.  A subscription service is typically coupled with a simplified pricing model, with discounts for multiple users.  And one item which over time will grow to be a significant reason for the SaaS model taking off will be the reduced dependencies on internal resources to implement and support the software. 

So what’s not to like about this new model? One of the major challenges is that businesses will have to evolve to fit into this model.  Companies that can adapt to more vanilla solutions and can stay away from custom solutions will be the greatest benefactors and early adopters. This raises some intriguing questions for executives, like ‘What is the role of IT in the future environment supported through the SaaS model?’  Less infrastructure requirements, faster deployments and lower costs are sure to drive SaaS into the mainstream. 

If you would like to know more about the SaaS model and how ASIL’s MAX Partnering™ software follows this model, call us at 1-888-878-2745.  Or go to the “Contacts” tab on our website at http://www.asil-inc.com and see the difference ASIL can provide.

contributed by Michael Vigil

ASIL receives "Keeping America Strong" award
August 2, 2006, Studio City - Los Angeles CA

"Keeping America Strong", a national television show, created by Bert Tenzer honored ASIL, Inc. today for the innovations and methodologies that help companies increase their overall change effectiveness.

William Shatner and famous network news anchors will be presenting the ASIL's story on national television. An impressive list of supporters include Rear Admiral Kevin F. Delaney (ret.), who joined "Keeping America Strong" because of his belief that the program can help America move forward by helping worthy companies expand their business. In concert with Rear Admiral Delaney, news anchor Doug Liewelyn presented the "Keeping America Strong" award to ASIL, Inc. acknowledging their 'Driving Complex Change' methodology and the pioneering efforts in helping companies increase their effectiveness in change management". President and CEO Peter Pazmany said "This is truly an honor and on behalf of ASIL, Inc. we appreciate the recognition for 'Keeping America Strong'."

This recognition will be aired nationally in January 2007 on the Discovery channel.

Business Wire Release - August 2006

Spotlight: Value Added Services

I recently attended a conference in Chicago for the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA). My role was as a presenter on the topic of Value Added Services. Many of the attendees were expecting a traditional presentation that could help them tackle the next task or activity that they could sell to their clients. Maybe a new value added service around 'sub-assembly' or 'kitting' or 'contract warehousing' or whatever.

As I introduced my topic on 'change management' as a value added service, there were a variety of puzzled looks. The audience was expecting the basics to get on with selling the next activity. Change management is one of those soft topics that can be very difficult and ambiguous at the same time.

As they began to understand the elements, they started to see the opportunity to harness their ability to change as a competitive weapon. As this occurred there was a noticeable change in that it became less about the actual activity they were considering as a service. This enabled them to see the possibilities of applying the skills not only for themselves to improve their experience in managing their change, but also for their clients thereby increasing their revenue growth and operating profitability.

Seeing the possibilities of change and being able to nurture a culture of change can create a compelling business advantage. Do your clients feel pain when you introduce new value added service or do they experience a seamless level of change?

contributed by Pete Pazmany

Industry Trends

Global CEO 2006 Study - Innovation

Every two years, IBM conducts a global survey of government leaders and CEO's to see what is high on their agendas.  In the 2006 study, the key topic was Innovation. According to IBM Chairman Samuel J. Palmisano in an interview, "CEO's and business leaders around the world see increased competitiveness, and they see challenges in their business models going forward.  They see many things commoditizing.  They see that all roads lead to innovation." 

Among the 2006 study's findings:

To view the complete report, go to:
www.ibm.com/services/us/bcs/html/bcs_ceostudy2006.html?re=wmys

by Deborah LeBaker

Product Highlight

How much time do you spend recording meeting action items, publishing minutes, and waiting for responses to those action items?  Are you like most managers, hustling to get a last minute status of action items just before a meeting begins or spending the first half of the meeting updating action items?  MAX Partnering™ can help you manage your meetings and action items by recording action items real time, sending routine reminders, and tracking response status.  Action item owners are given access to their deliverables through the MAX Interact™ portal versus having to read through detailed meeting minutes to find their assigned action items.  The portal provides for an auditable status update and the ability to close completed action items.  Meetings can become more productive and status updates simplified by using MAX Partnering™.   You will have the most current status on deliverables and not have to dwell on recording updates   Take the challenge - subscribe to MAX Partnering™ and increase your efficiency.

For a full feature description of the software tools that are available please visit us at: www.asil-inc.com/Products/Products.htm