Official NetSuite Blog - Cloud NetSuite

Piracle brings Automated Check Printing to NetSuite

The NetSuite ecosystem continues to enhance the core product and the user experience with functionality that make the user’s jobs easier and their business run better.

The latest enhancement is a NetSuite integration that’s helping to take the time, hassle and expense out of check writing. For consumers familiar with online banking, automatic payments and deposits, writing checks by hand may seem quaint, but for most businesses it’s the way things are still done.

And business that have advanced past hand-written checks still have to worry about security of check stock, dedicated printers and keeping the check numbers sequential.

Piracle Systems, an SDN partner and a NetSuite user itself since 2007, has created a Piracle Payment System (PPS) integration for NetSuite, that allows a business to issue checks directly from within the NetSuite system to a dedicated check printer.

Currently, NetSuite users send to a pre-printed check form. The Piracle Systems offering spares a business from having to worry about the security of the pre-printed forms, both the fraud risk and the handling requirements, and print personalized checks directly from NetSuite.

“That usually requires two or three people to run the process,” said Dan Parker, Marketing Director at Piracle. “We’re offering a streamlined capability to use blank stock for their process.”

The integration provides an enhancement that a number of NetSuite customers have requested for check printing capabilities.

Instead of pulling the preprinted check forms out of storage, counting out the right number for the bills at hand and ensuring they match the sequential numbers match the NetSuite system, users can simply send the requested checks to a dedicated printer.

Additionally, companies can customize the checks to match company branding, add additional reference or memo fields and adjust the style.

The functionality is currently available with all U.S. and Canadian banks with some Australian and European banks to come.

It’s just another example of how NetSuite is turning to partners to expand the product, one of many more to come.

-Raghu Gnanasekaran, Senior Director Business Development, NetSuite

CRN Channel Recognition a Tribute to NetSuite, Partners

Recently, NetSuite and I were recognized by CRN with a pair of honors. The NetSuite Solution Provider Program was awarded a 5-Star Partner designation in the CRN 2013 Partner Program Guide and I was named a CRN Channel Chief. It was the fifth year in a row for me and the third year NetSuite has been so honored.

While I’m both thrilled and grateful for the recognition, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the hard work of the growing NetSuite partner community. We have a great group of partners taking advantage of the opportunity we’ve created to spread the cloud message and drive customer success. And there are more joining us every day. These businesses realize that cloud computing has changed the way companies think about ERP and running a business. This is validated by the many recent partners who are joining the Solution Provider Program because their customers were coming to them, asking about cloud ERP. These partners needed to get into the cloud to stay competitive, and win the customer of the future. Businesses want freedom from the aging on-premise systems of the past. They don’t want to be tied down to managing servers and data centers and hassling with upgrades when the Cloud enables them to focus those resources on expanding their businesses as they see fit. 

The channel is taking note of the rapid rush to the cloud. Analyst projections point to a $32 billion addressable market for ERP and CRM business applications and we are at a rich inflection point as Y2K-era solutions are reaching end of life and need replacing. With the industry’s first cloud channel program NetSuite has more than 14 years of experience and wisdom to bring to an exploding market. And we’re not worried about cannibalizing our legacy non-cloud business either; that’s why we can offer industry-leading margin and incentive programs, like NetSuite SP 100.

In short, the combination of a world-class product, a dedicated family of partners and a perfect storm of opportunity for the cloud have helped to garner this recognition for our program. So thank you to CRN, thank you to our partners, thank you to my team here at NetSuite. We plan to keep winning.

And stay tuned for more news about our partners and the service they’re providing in the weeks leading up to SuiteWorld 2013.

-Craig West, VP, Channel Sales

Six Reasons Finance and Accounting in the Cloud Presents the Next Great BPO Opportunity

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is undergoing a new wave and in the past we’ve discussed how enterprises can engage with global systems integrators in this new model. Yet, I believe Finance and Accounting (F&A) is ready to come of age and the public cloud is the mechanism enterprises and GSIs alike will choose for it. Here’s why:

1. Security: Once enterprise organizations understood the economic benefits of moving F&A processes to the public cloud, they still remained concerned that cloud solutions might not deliver the unparalleled controls and risk mitigation of the highest tier of multinational operations come to expect. Yet, leading cloud financial platforms such as NetSuite are now compliant with the crucial reporting and auditing standards for global business, including EU Safe Harbor, SSAE 16 and ISAE 3402.

2. Opportunity: Enterprises now recognize that F&A outsourcing is the next logical step in the ongoing drive to focus on core business and strategic differentiation. In short, enterprise wants to sell more, not budget for accounting software upgrades.

3. Affordability and available talent: Financial departments are typically resource-constrained, meaning they cannot always get the best people for the job—just the people who fit into the budget. Outsourcing F&A processes to the cloud enables enterprise to focus on creating and selling while opening up new talent pools.

4. Process Modernization: Transforming F&A processes in the cloud, with a trusted GSI advisor, provides the enterprise with the perfect opportunity to purge legacy processes. Most organizations know that far too much of their financial health and insight resides in spreadsheets designed to meet the demands of a long-departed CFO. Instead of enduring the fact that key processes such as order-to-cash are bound to inefficient and outdated systems and spreadsheets, the move to cloud F&A leads to modern and repeatable transactions.

5. CFO Buying Power:
The office of the CIO no longer wields iron-fisted control of technology decisions that materially impact the business. Functional leaders, including the CFO, now enjoy more flexibility to make their own decisions about the technology and strategy which support their strategic and operational goals. CIOs remain involved in the adoption and governance process, of course, but the ultimate buyer of F&A processes and technology is now a finance executive, not a technology executive.

6. Consensus: The entire financial organization understands potential and opportunities created by the cloud. CFOs have long seen the advantages of the key dashboard and trending figures they need when speaking to analysts, while controllers understand the functional advantages and day-to-day enhancements that modern, cloud-based F&A can provide. These are not competing goals, and with more of the trusted voices behind the CFO advocating the same direction, cloud F&A becomes inevitable.

-Charles Simmons, Sr. Strategic Alliance Director - BPO/BPaaS at NetSuite

NetSuite in the Twittersphere: Acquisitions, Media Coverage, and Toolkits

NetSuite has an active and engaged community of followers, customers and fans on Twitter. Today we’re highlighting some of the feedback, comments and shout outs we saw in the last quarter. To keep up to date with the NetSuite Twitter community, be sure to follow us @NetSuite.

NetSuite’s acquisition of Retail Anywhere got some positive reaction at the National Retail Federation 2013 Conference.

Netsuite's purchase of Retail Anywhere shows tech vendors beginning to catch up with the omnichannel aspirations of retailers. #nrf13

— Geoffrey Barraclough (@GeoffreyB) January 14, 2013

NetSuite CEO Zach Nelson’s appearance on Bloomberg West and his thoughts on enterprise software found some fans.

The rise of the enterprise with @netsuite's @zachnelson and @boxhq's @levie on a special @bloombergwest

— Emily Chang (@emilychangtv) January 16, 2013

The volunteer work of NetSuite employees and its commitment to service grabbed the attention of SmartRecruiters.

Congrats @netsuite you've been named among the elite of Facebook Employer Branding for highlighting social good! bit.ly/WWg1n9

— SmartRecruiters (@SmartRecruiters) January 25, 2013

The combination of NetSuite, OzLink and SPS Commerce was a winning formula for Lionel NASCAR Collectibles.

"@netsuite, @ozedge and SPS Commerce are fundamental to our operation." -R.Gemereth VP of IT @lionelnascar #TF13 #TFNY bit.ly/WblDg3

— SPS Commerce (@SPS_Commerce) January 28, 2013

The new NetSuite toolkit also found some fans.

Taking my first look at the new @netsuite #phpToolkit. Way slick, and a huge improvement over previous versions.

— Dave Weiss (@DaveWeissDotNet) January 25, 2013

Some Practice Fusion folks were happy to be part of the NetSuite billboard.

Billboard love! @practicefusion @netsuite #NetSuite twitter.com/PF_Kev/status/…

— Kevin (@PF_Kev) January 31, 2013

10 Tips for Getting the Most Out of SuiteWorld 2013

With a new location, a new slate of sessions and a wealth of new NetSuite partners and customers, SuiteWorld 2013 promises to be the best one yet.

The NetSuite conference is moving from San Francisco to the San Jose Convention Center this year to accommodate the roughly 5,000 attendees expected to be at the show May 13-16. And a show with that kind of turnout with more than 180 breakout sessions requires a little preparation. Here are 10 ways SuiteWorld attendees can ensure they get the most out of the conference.

1. Research.  SuiteWorld offers a wealth of information for getting the most out of your NetSuite deployment with sessions that cover every facet of the suite. Factor in some free time, but be sure to spend the time up front figuring out your business needs and the schedule that makes the most sense for you. Then you’ll be better positioned to come home with actionable information.
2. Go Early. SuiteWorld’s preconference in-depth training workshops offer a deep dive into all areas of the solution for intermediate to advanced NetSuite users, spanning reporting, OneWorld, workflows and more.
3. Take Note of the Keynotes. NetSuite leadership (CEO Zach Nelson, CTO and founder Evan Goldberg, and COO Jim McGeever) will open each day with a keynote session providing entertaining, informative insight into NetSuite’s progress, product roadmap and vision for the future of the cloud.
4. Learn at Lunch. SuiteWorld has three ways to make your lunch more than just a break from the show to scarf down some food.  Tuesday offers a chance to sit down with show sponsors to get answers to your questions about the cloud, integration or simply network. Wednesday offers the chance to meet with the user group community and share best practices across multiple roles. Wednesday also presents the chance to have lunch with SuiteWorld bloggers and NetSuite product experts. Just sit down at the table with the topic you’re interested in.
5. Brainstorm. If the excitement of the show and the energy of progressive companies executing on their vision has you inspired, wander over to the SUITEideas area to whiteboard your ideas and get insight from NetSuite product experts on how to execute on your own vision.
6. Network. There’s perhaps no better way to learn and grow at SuiteWorld than by talking and sharing with fellow customers and partners. In the session rooms, the hallways, the coffee area, it’s a chance not only to learn how to get the most out of your NetSuite implementation, but potentially find the right partner or business opportunity. Better yet, chill out in the SuiteLife lounge where you can rest, recharge and network in comfort.
7. Meet the SuiteGuru. Sit down with our technical experts and get your specific questions about CRM, Ecommerce, ERP, OneWorld, OpenAir, the SuiteCloud platform or Web design answered in 30-minute meetings. But be sure to schedule them, pre-registration is required and seating is limited.
8. Tour the Floor. Wander the show floor, pick up some schwag and find the solution your business needs to accomplish its vision. It’s all on display. When you’re done, wander over to the SuiteStore to pick up your official SuiteWorld gift from customers such as Incipio (iPhone 4 or 5 case), Nakajima (Hello Kitty swag), Philz Coffee (lb of coffee), Liberty Water Bottle (official SW water bottle) or School of Rock (t-shirt). 
9. Get Out. You’ve traveled to San Jose, now take some time to get outside. Take a walk, go out to eat at one of the area’s signature restaurants, soak up Silicon Valley.
10. Get Down.  After all the contacts are made, the questions answered and your mission accomplished, be sure to grab a cold drink and have a suite time at Wednesday night’s SuiteCelebration Gala.

We look forward to seeing you. Be sure to follow @NetSuite and #NSW13 on Twitter to keep up to date on the show. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out the scene
from last year:

 

For more information on SuiteWorld 2013, please visit: http://www.netsuite.com/portal/press/events/nsw2013/main.shtml

Welcoming the First New Partners of the New Year

In my line of work, the New Year means a clean start, time to finish celebrating the mutual partner successes of last year, move on to renewing ties with established partners and welcoming new companies to the NetSuite cloud as we begin to execute on our 2013 plans. This year has started strong, with several additions to our channel program, so with the first month of the new year in the books I want to take a moment to acknowledge some of our new partners. We've welcomed some big names in the on-premise VAR space to the NetSuite Solution Provider Program over the past couple of months, as well as a new venture started by some established friends of NetSuite.

Although each of our new partners has its own distinct strengths in regional presence, vertical market specialty and professional services, each comes to NetSuite with the understanding that the cloud is becoming the best place for everyone to do business. Decades of experience in the on-premise marketplace has given them standing as trusted advisors to their clients, and they recognize that providing a competitive, comprehensive cloud solution is the right way forward for a growing number of firms.

WAC Consulting Group came to NetSuite for the best possible reason—prospects wouldn't stop asking WAC about our solution, even at events held by on-premise competitors. Startups and the new generation of executives insisted on the scalability and flexibility cloud solutions deliver and have no time for costly customization and resulting version lock. WAC has an experienced practice in the wholesale/distribution, manufacturing and professional service markets that are among the cornerstones of NetSuite's 12,000 client companies and subsidiaries worldwide, making our solution an easy fit.

ISM has been one of the leading names in Sage eCommerce solutions for years—the company is practically the go-to provider for Sage clients with complex eCommerce needs. NetSuite's single-database design and integrated ERP, CRM, and eCommerce capabilities have the advantages ISM wanted in order to deliver higher-value eCommerce solutions, with more emphasis on design and capabilities rather than database management and manual software integration.

Like WAC, Sikich knew that NetSuite was the right solution for future growth when our name was coming up so often it couldn't be ignored—in four out of every five prospect conversations. NetSuite's end-to-end business capabilities are the perfect fit with Sikich's interdisciplinary offerings, which combine accounting, banking, technology and advisory solutions under one roof.

Finally, we welcome some old friends under a new name—SD Mayer & Associates is picking up where founder Stephen D. (Steve) Mayer left off from his old firm, Burr Pilger Mayer. This time, he's building an accounting, consulting and wealth management company around NetSuite from day one, both for the firm's own business architecture and as the core business tool for clients. Steve thinks this approach will unlock completely new verticals for NetSuite, and we're pulling for SD Mayer and all of our new partners to succeed in 2013.

-Craig West, VP, Channel Sales 

Five Steps in Building a Cloud ERP Practice: Webinar Replay

We know business application resellers, technology consulting firms, web developers, and mid-market software VARs are all keenly aware of the cloud opportunity and want to understand how to capitalize on it. In fact, there is a $32 billion addressable market for ERP and CRM business applications and we are at a rich inflection point as Y2K-era solutions are reaching end of life and need replacing.

Need proof of the interest in building a Cloud ERP practice? Hundreds of channel professionals attended last month's UBM Channel webinar featuring NetSuite vice president of channel sales Craig West. If you missed the live broadcast, you're still in luck. The 40-minute presentation, hosted by CRN technology editor Jonas Tichenor, shares the five most important steps solution providers and VARs need to consider when building a cloud ERP practice and is still available for free replay here.

As NetSuite's channel chief, Craig has played a critical role in the strategic development, growth and success of NetSuite's Solution Provider program over the past 10 years. In this informative webinar, both Craig and Jonas explore the changing world of enterprise software delivery for channel partners. For example, analysts calculate almost 40 percent of all IT spending will be off-premise and in the cloud this year, and that figure is increasing rapidly. The five building blocks discussed in the webinar will help channel partners understand how to position their business to participate in the surging demand for cloud computing.

The UBM Channel webinar explores in detail the following five steps in building a Cloud ERP practice:

• Conducting a complete readiness assessment. Many VARs consider readiness only from the customer demand perspective. But being an effective cloud channel partner may require repositioning your services and vertical expertise.
• Staffing for success. Cloud solutions benefit from new skillsets – sales staff in particular may need to learn a new brand of business process-focused selling. The decision-makers purchasing cloud solutions want to have conversations about solving problems, not acquiring technology. Channel sales professionals must be ready to meet that new challenge.
• Assessing cloud vendors. Channel-oriented cloud vendors ensure their partners are deeply involved in the customer relationship and provide services enablement in areas such as CRM, ERP, and eCommerce. Craig covers in detail the key qualities to look for in Cloud vendors.
• Aligning demand generation. The sales engagement point has shifted further back in the opportunity funnel, from the information-gathering stage to the evaluation step. Resellers and solution providers  need to be prepared to work with customers who now have a more fully-informed opinion before first enagement is made by their sales teams.
• Ensuring positive ROI. Craig describes in detail the positive financial return and necessary investments in becoming a cloud-oriented business. In particular he notes how cloud solutions can deliver two- to three-times ROI to partners ready to embrace the opportunity.

This webinar can help solution providers align their business with the richest opportunities, made possible by the high demand for Cloud application solutions.

-Amede Hungerford - Sr. Director, Partner Marketing

Microsoft, Sage VARs See Their Future in the Cloud

In the last quarter alone, seven major channel partners with a long history of providing Microsoft Dynamics GP or Sage products have joined the NetSuite Solution Provider Program. Most are members of the Accounting Today VAR 100. A few years ago, signing just two VARs of this caliber would have been news. Today, it's very clear that even those VARs who have enjoyed tremendous success with on-premise software see their future in the cloud.

By diversifying now, our new Solution Provider partners (Oasis Computer Solutions, Accordant Company, RKL eSolutions, Kraft Enterprise Systems, BCS ProSoft, SWK Technologies Inc. and MIBAR) have made a significant investment in the evolution of their companies. Enhancing a proven practice with cloud solutions is a by-the-numbers decision. The growth in demand for cloud solutions far outstrips that for on-premise systems, and that trend shows no sign of reversing. Strong demand for cloud solutions is frequently cited by new partners as a key reason for joining the NetSuite Solution Provider Program. "We went from seeing cloud mentioned in 10 percent of opportunities, to seeing it in 90 percent of opportunities, in just 24 months," said Bart Nachimow, MIBAR CEO and founder.

We have worked hard at NetSuite to ensure that channel partners don't miss a beat while standing-up their NetSuite practices’ — many partners with decades of experience have praised our program's innovative recurring revenue sharing, partner enablement process, and marketing demand generation opportunities. "NetSuite has taken a very collaborative approach with us as we begin the onboarding process, and they have been easy to work with," said Jeffrey D. Roth, SWK CEO.

Top-shelf VARs aren't just coming to NetSuite so they can say they have an extra club in the bag. Becoming a stronger, more valuable partner for client organizations is simply easier when VARs can offer extensive, end-to-end business functionality in a business suite that is constantly updated to meet emerging business requirements. "Our professional services organization confirmed that NetSuite provides the perfect Cloud ERP solution for our customers and prospects with tremendous depth of functionality for the back office as well as eCommerce functionality for the front office," said Joe Noll, President at RKL eSolutions.

The real story here isn't about one approach to software delivery over another, but about making the best decisions now to position channel partners for long-term success. "NetSuite is the next logical step for us as we stay on the cutting edge of what our clients need," said Michael Drury, Partner at Oasis.

-Amede Hungerford - Sr. Director, Partner Marketing

The NetSuite Business Cloud Thunders into Latin America

I was positively blown away by the overwhelming response to NetSuite's recent Business Cloud Tour of Latin America. We held a total of seven events in four key business hubs for two weeks this past November, and we're still following up with customers and partners seeking to move to the Business Cloud with NetSuite. By meeting in person with potential clients, VARs, SIs and developers, our Latin America team confirmed the pent-up demand in these hot emerging markets and brought the benefits of the Business Cloud directly to where our future customers and partners live and work. Businesses in the Latin America region are so ready to adopt cloud business management solutions.

Each stop had its own highlights, but three events particularly stand out in my mind. The first was our customer event in Mexico City, which produced a standing room-only crowd. I do not exaggerate when I say that the audience was absolutely locked on to the entire presentation, which featured an executive panel of three Mexico-based, Spanish-speaking NetSuite customers. After seeing hundreds of potential new customers so deeply engaged in their peers' NetSuite success stories, I knew the rest of our tour would be a positive and productive one. Our solution provider partners agreed. "This event was exactly what we needed to attract bigger and more qualified prospects," said Hector Garcia, CEO of NetSoft.

In Lima, Peru, we attracted an audience twice as large as expected when we first planned the tour. Four NetSuite customers held court that day, including one customer executive who was so committed to helping spread the cloud message that he connected via Skype while on business travels in Miami. Our Peruvian partners that turned out to support the event were very pleased to see we hit the mark when the attendee evaluation forms showed a strong interest in embracing cloud business solutions. Carlos Zumaeta, the president of One Systems, told us that a major prospect decided to switch from SAP Business One to NetSuite OneWorld shortly after attending our session.

In Sao Paulo, Brazil we confirmed that experienced ERP channel partners were absolutely ready to bring the cloud to their market. I'm positive the partners that deliver an estimated 90 percent of the MS Dynamics revenue in Brazil were represented amongst the channel partners who attended our Sao Paolo partner recruiting session. Heavy rains further complicated the city's notorious traffic, but the major players in ERP still didn’t miss our event. Some of our attendees told us they braved two and a half hours of gridlock to arrive on time. Can you imagine the advantages of anytime, anywhere access to real-time information with Cloud based business management solutions for companies in Sao Paulo, Brazil? Clearly, Brazilian business wants the freedom and flexibility that on-premise solutions just cannot offer.

Special thanks go out to our established regional NetSuite solution provider partners who helped us plan for and hold successful events in each city. Expanding the number of NetSuite solution providers in a region brings an added boost to the awareness of cloud solutions in the region, and seeing our partners embrace that spirit is extremely encouraging.

This trip was both tremendously productive and gratifying for me, personally, and I can't say enough about the warm reception NetSuite and the Business Cloud received as we thundered through each city. If you're looking to help companies succeed in the cloud in these markets, drop me a line and we can discuss why hundreds of companies in Latin America took time out of their busy schedules to meet with us.

-Craig West, VP, Channel Sales

The SuiteCloud Developer Network: The First Multi Vertical Ecosystem in the Cloud Part 2

More than 12,000 companies and divisions run NetSuite solutions for their integrated, enterprise-grade ERP, CRM and Ecommerce operations, but the real power of NetSuite isn't only found in a customer record or an inventory screen, but also found in the flexible, extensible and eminently accessible SuiteCloud cloud platform that powers our solution and NetSuite’s growing roster of SuiteApps partners. NetSuite brings the power and potential of SuiteCloud, NetSuite’s customization platform, to ISVs worldwide through the SuiteCloud Developer Network, NetSuite's dedicated developer program.

Being part of the SDN means having access to the gold standard in enterprise cloud development. We don't simply hand you a bare-bones IDE and a couple of sample objects. The SuiteCloud toolset is a fully integrated aspect of the NetSuite solution. SDN offers a point-and-click IDE, workflow management, a comprehensive toolset and extensive objects. Unlike some systems which limit API access to pre-defined, standard data records, our web services API provides complete access to all data records, including unlimited custom fields and custom records. Similarly, SuiteFlow action scripts can call other third-party SuiteApps, making your modules more valuable to customers and more integrated with the overall NetSuite experience.

We don't believe in forcing anybody to reinvent the wheel, so we offer pre-built connectors to major cloud and on-premise business applications. That lets you focus on your core specialty and speeds your time to market. Our workflow engine is the most powerful in the cloud, making it an ideal platform for micro-vertical customization that solves crucial business challenges for small but valuable business niches.

We emphasize quality, not quantity in our SuiteCloud Developer Network. That doesn't mean being an SDN partner is complicated or burdensome. Many of our developers are able to post their first SuiteApps to the NetSuite ecosystem within three to four weeks. All SDN members have access to online technical content, webinars and the SDN newsletter. Select and Premier partners gain additional benefits, including early beta access, integration guidance, referrals and other development and sales.

In addition to development support, NetSuite provides sales and marketing assistance, particularly through the SuiteApp.com portal. Once you package your SuiteApp for distribution with our SuiteBundler tool, our joint customers can browse for add-on capabilities by vertical or by business need, and adoption for most SuiteApps is a simple point-and-click process for NetSuite administrative users.

The SuiteCloud Developer Network opens NetSuite's always-on enterprise architecture to the ISV's vertical expertise, making it possible to create new business solutions quickly and bring them to market through a proven channel. Take part in one of our monthly SDN webinars and find out how NetSuite helps innovative ISVs reach today's high-growth customers.

-Raghu Gnanasekaran, Senior Director Business Development, NetSuite