Niche vs mainstream: A matter of technology

By Jacqui Powell, U2 General Manager at Workgroup

Just because a particular software application is not mainstream doesn`t mean it serves no purpose. Niche certainly doesn`t mean a bad choice, but simply a unique position with a specific function or role to play, such as in specialised vertical application software.

Consider that it is perhaps the very "uniqueness" of the technology - flexibility, scalability, low cost of ownership and administration requirements - that gives application developers and end-users a competitive-edge. Niche technology might be different, but that doesn`t mean that it is not exciting, appropriate and stable.

Making a technology decision between a standard, on-size-fits-all application and a customised, industry-specific alternative that is going to meet at least 80% to 100% of your business needs can be tough. To substantiate the final decision around what is going to be the most appropriate software solution for your organisation, you need to be asking yourself a number of key questions that will also justify the decision to the board.

Is the business ready to make the transition? Is there a definite need to change and has it been clearly discussed and defined? There is little value in simply forging ahead if the solution you`re considering is not going to add value to your business processes. Also take into consideration whether there are any major stumbling blocks that could be considered risks in terms of the implementation, remembering that risk equals money.

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Will the solution deliver what you need? If so, what percentage of the total needs will be met? Here, we are looking at whether the solution will be able to provide the functionality and features that enable your business to either continue running as is, or further streamline operations, rather, than changing your operation to suit the new software. Steer away from complexity and modules you don`t need. Don`t be fooled into believing that just because the application runs on mainstream technology that it will meet your needs more so than a solution based on niche technology.

What`s the price difference? Organisations need to determine what the level of spend is, and whether it will deliver the equivalent value. Mainstream technologies can be cheaper or more expensive than niche technologies. You need to determine whether the cost difference compensates for the difference in functionality. If not, you may be purchasing a product that is overkill for your business at a price that reflects the same.

Another winning question around pricing is, `And, is this all?` Is the initial cost what you`re actually in for, or are there any hidden or additional costs down the line that may be unavoidable to the business decision you`re making today? Not only do you have to make provision for the software application spend, but you also need to look at the cost to the organisation around the implementation (time, resources and achieving full functionality). You also need to take into account how many additional IT staff are going to be required or, if you`re relying on a service provider or software vendor to provide services, how many resources are they using to set up the solution and what it`s going to cost you.

Can the software be customised? The answer may be "sure, it all can" - but at what price? This is usually where the hidden costs lurk. Also ask how quickly and easily the supplier can make the required changes to your application. And, take into consideration the flexibility of the vendor to change the software to suit your industry or company needs? Are you looking at two months for a simple governmental legislation change or 24 hours (if that), and who`s going to ultimately carry that cost? In terms of these costs, a niche application often wins out over the more mainstream alternatives.

Can the solution be easily integrated with other disparate applications and/or databases in the organisation? A specific solution requirement might be met by an application that doesn`t fit with the organisation`s chosen technology. In the ever-changing IT world, development houses realise the importance of moving data between disparate systems quickly and efficiently.

Does it actually matter what the backend technology is? Being adamant about finding a solution that runs with the organisation`s chosen technology may be creating a rod for your own back, and limiting the opportunity to ensure you have the right tool for the job.

What does mainstream technology ultimately offer that niche technology doesn`t? As Susie Siegesmund, Worldwide Director of IBM U2, says about different database technology: "They have different markets and different purposes." It`s not about one being superior to the other.