What's your experience - Do most companies prefer

web based services or software on their own servers?

[SlimKim]

Do most large companies prefer web based services or software on their own servers?

I know that Salesforce attained a noticeable share of Siebel's business by selling web based services and now Siebel offeres both.

So both may be the logical answer.

I'm developing software for fortune 5oo companies and am hung betwixt the three choices. Some companies are so concerned about security that they are slow to use web based. My gut tells me to focus on the software edition only but i thought i would get your opinion.

Thanks for your comments.

[edited by: SlimKim at 4:16 am (utc) on Mar. 12, 2007]

[vincevincevince]

I think it depends on the size of the existing IT infrastructure in the company. If the company has a team of programmers and developers of their own, then they will want the system on their own servers, and either with a good API or with the source open. That way they will be able to do whatever they want.

[monkeythumpa]

In my experience, most small businesses want the easiest solution, even if it costs more, so web based solutions with a monthly charge are good for them. For Fortune 500 companies, it is a toss up. Some have the resources to take it in house, while others have the money to pay a good application service provider. Can you do both?