Workday interview: Insights from a deep enterprise cloudist

We often think about cloud computing as being synonymous with consumer-oriented services on the Web. In fact, virtually all the largest enterprise software companies have ambitious plans to deliver cloud software.

In this video interview, Aneel Bhusri, co-CEO of Workday, offers insight into his view of enterprise cloud software and the consumer Internet. Workday's vision is to sell ERP software that competes directly with Oracle and SAP. During the interview, Bhusri characterizes Workday as an "ERP replacement" company, further highlighting the intensity of his competition with the established players.

It's interesting to hear Aneel discuss lessons learned from his experience in the industry. At one point, the interviewer asks about a potential future acquisition from Oracle:

Interviewer: Once you are a public company, what is to stop Larry Ellison from coming around and knocking on the door [as he did in the past, acquiring PeopleSoft]?

Bhusri: He can knock on the door, but it will be locked. Between Dave [Duffield] and I we will control well more than fifty percent of the company.

As a cloud-based ERP vendor selling to the largest companies, Workday combines the enterprise with a strong nod toward consumer Internet sensibilities. The conversation is thoughtful and engaging, making this interview highly worthwhile for anyone interested in enterprise software and the cloud.