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Software AG to build partner ecosystem [ITWeb](ITWeb Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Software AG is at a tipping point, says Eric Duffaut, the company's recently-appointed chief customer officer. German software maker Software AG sees a huge growth opportunity in the Internet of things (IOT), but says it will need the aid of its partner ecosystem to take full advantage of the potential. Speaking at its Innovation World 2014 conference yesterday morning, Frank Schiewer, senior VP of global partner management, said the company's partner ecosystem is growing, but this is only the beginning of the journey. He said the company, which has 5 000 staff and turned over €1.3 billion in the last financial year, wants more solutions, applications, innovations and value-added solutions to come from its partners. "That is a clear strategy." Software AG sees a huge market opportunity ahead in areas coming to the fore, such as IOT, said Schiewer. He noted the company has been adding solutions to its portfolio to move beyond business process management. Jeffery Weiner, VP of business development for North America partners, told attendees that IOT and analytics are two of Gartner's top trends for 2015 (../index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=137565:Top-10-strategic-tech-trends-for-2015&catid=69). He noted these were two of the reasons the conference was being held, as Software AG had the tools to tackle these incoming disruptions. Eric Duffaut, the company's recently-appointed chief customer officer, notes now is the time to take advantage of the changes in technology, which are causing customers to reinvent themselves. "I think Software AG is at a tipping point." Duffaut says this is the first time forces such as social, mobile, big data and the cloud – what Gartner calls the Nexus – are coming to the fore at the same time. He says this is game-changing for everybody. "The imperative for transformation for customers is now." The transformation is at the top of the agenda in boardrooms and, with its partners, Software AG can come up with the right solution and approach to tackle the challenge, says Duffaut. "The time is now, and we have what it takes to succeed." Duffaut adds new solutions are the way for companies to differentiate themselves in a commoditised market. He notes Software AG is a software company and has no intention of turning its hand to services. Software AG will make it as easy as possible for its partners to get on board, but they also need to show commitment and understand this will take time, says Duffaut. * Nicola Mawson is in New Orleans courtesy of Software AG. (c) 2014 ITWeb Limited. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |