BigMachines is the latest company to help streamline enterprise processes such as quote-generation and complex pricing management through the use of a software-as-a-service platform. For smaller IT companies, one key to market share is integrating their flagship product with the systems of larger companies such as SAP and Oracle.With the economy somewhat stabilized but nonetheless still
mired in recession, the impetus is on the enterprise to sell more and sell
faster which is why BigMachines has launched BigMachines 9.2, the new version
of its software as a service to streamline the sales-side functionality
of businesses.
BigMachines 9.2 relies on that SAAS platform to perform
functions ranging from configuring products and managing pricing to generating
legal contracts and submitting orders. The new version incorporates expanded
mobile approval capabilities, updated CRM integration and more administration
controls than previous versions.
Specifically, the new mobile capabilities allow managers to
review and approve price quotes and other data from representatives in the
field; administrators and managers can also review the effects of configuration
and pricing changes in real time, and view real-time pricing displays.
Data migration has been simplified from earlier versions of
the application, while security features have been boosted to allow for more
granular tracking and control of widely dispersed teams.
The upgrade comes at no cost to existing
customers.
The previous version of the application, BigMachines 9, was
released in December 2008 and included features such as a Web 2.0 wizard to
define product data and configure the user interface, integration to CRM, ERP
and e-commerce systems, Extension Language (BML) libraries, and an "unplugged"
option that allowed offline and remote users to utilize certain online
capabilities.
In a pattern similar to that of many smaller IT vendors
looking to expand their market share within the cloud space, BigMachines has
taken care to ensure that its offerings integrate into the CRM and ERP systems of
larger companies such as Salesforce.com, Oracle and SAP.