SaaS vendors typically offer a means for controlling the introduction of new functionality. Such as turning new features off by default and allowing the customer to enable them when they are ready. My department deals with a number of SaaS vendors and have been through many upgrades without incremental expenses or negative ramifications.
With SaaS there is a steady stream of new functionality being added with minimal effort.
By comparison, the last time our on-premise ERP system was upgraded the project took over a million dollars in consulting and a team of people 15 months to do it. The next upgrade will be deferred for as long as possible to avoid a similar expense and effort.
An IT organization should focus on adding business value and not get caught in a recurring cycle of upgrading existing solutions. I view an on-premise upgrade to stay on a maintained release a waste of money that benefits the vendor more than the company.
Joe Graves
CIO
Stratus Technolgies
The best of ZDNet, delivered
ZDNet Newsletters
Get the best of ZDNet delivered straight to your inbox
