It’s no secret that Apple has been facing questions as to the ability to continue to innovate as Samsung, Google, Amazon and Microsoft nip at its heels. However, as Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, reminded us, Apple’s competitors are still playing catch-up; they’re in structural-build mode while Apple already has the software, hardware, and services in place and decades of expertise in all three.
“‘Apple is in a fairly unique and, in my view, unrivaled position because Apple has skills in software, in hardware, and in services,’ says Cook…. Google is great at software and services, but not at hardware. Microsoft is in the same boat. Samsung is great at hardware, but not software or services. Amazon is good at services, but not software or hardware” (article).
But, is there truth behind the old saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none”?
If, for example, Google and Samsung were to successfully partner, their individual strengths combined could rival Apple.
Even superheroes, with their amazing strengths, eventually team up for a reason – highly specialized skills make for awesomely unbeatable teams. Think, “The Avengers.”
The arena of business intelligence is no different; it can be your S.H.I.E.L.D.
“None of us is as smart as all of us.”
– Ken Blanchard
In implementing a comprehensive BI strategy, companies have two basic models: Buy & Build or Partner
Specifically, they can…
- Spend time and money to build their own hardware and software or buy preexisting software, then train employees and manage it themselves.
- Rent software and services from specialists who already have demonstrable capabilities and expertise.
One option offers clear advantages: Partner.
Or, in industry terms, utilize SaaS (Software as a Service) which is “software that is owned, delivered and managed remotely by one or more providers” (Gartner).
Teaming up with a SaaS provider allows companies to integrate business intelligence without having to build or maintain it and they take advantage of others’ experience, expertise and continuous improvement initiatives.
At DSS, we are the “Jack of retail/e-commerce logistics and master of assortment-level profitability improvement.”
In our clients’ battles for top- and bottom-line improvement, we have the tools, talent and techniques to be your S.H.I.E.L.D.