It’s been quite some time since we have highlighted Oracle. Even my colleague Eric Kimberling’s predictions for Top ERP Systems for 2019, while including NetSuite, didn’t include Oracle Cloud. The reasons for this included lack of a clear product roadmap, reduced market traction and lack of cloud maturity.
Innovation within Oracle Cloud
While these are still potentially valid concerns, there is one important measure that may have been overlooked and may trump these concerns to bring Oracle back into the limelight: Innovation.
While nearly ever ERP vendor in the market is promoting “cloud” offerings to the point of exertion, many of the industry leaders including SAP S/4HANA and Microsoft Dynamics 365 are still struggling to migrate their full legacy functionality to the cloud. Oracle is no different in working to bring E-Business Suite capability into its cloud offering. However, where Oracle is stepping up their game is in the development and integration of emerging technologies into their ERP offering.
As stated by Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, “Cloud computing isn’t so much a technology, but rather a business model that boosts innovation and bottom-line results.” Oracle’s development around its cloud platform seems to be driving this message forward, introducing access to technologies such as advanced AI, machine learning and blockchain through the cloud.
These technologies are certainly not exclusive to Oracle, as SAP and other enterprise technology leaders are building blockchain and pushing advanced and augmented analytics, but Oracle is defining its entire value to customers through the benefits of these emerging trends, potentially better positioning them for the future. This is an important consideration if you are evaluating SAP S/4HANA vs. Oracle Cloud ERP vs. Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs. other leading ERP systems.
Are customers ready for Oracle Cloud?
With that said, there is always risk with any emerging trend or technology and the costs of innovative solutions can be significant. A majority of Oracle Cloud’s 6,000+ clients are very large and therefore have large budgets, and not all organizations may be ready for all that Oracle or other ERP vendors have to offer. It is highly recommended to get some independent guidance and facilitate a business case before getting in too deep.
Ensure a strong foundation for Oracle Cloud ERP implementation success
Even if you do determine that Oracle Cloud ERP is the best fit for your organization, it is critical to have a strong transformation strategy and plan in place. Other articles we have posted outline how to implement Oracle Cloud ERP better and how to ensure a successful Oracle Cloud ERP implementation.
It may be that Oracle has been hiding in the shadows for a while in order to bypass the questions and concerns regarding its fluctuating application roadmap, but they have certainly been busy. The innovation, press releases and new clients including MGM Resorts have started to push Oracle back into the mainstream, and we are excited to see what’s next.
