Enterprise application describes applications — or software — that a that a business would use to assist the organization in solving enterprise problems.
What is an Enterprise Application?
Enterprise application, enterprise app, enterprise software, and finally, enterprise application software (EAS) are all commonly used phrases to describe applications — or software — that a that a business would use to assist the organization in solving enterprise problems. In most cases, when the word “enterprise” is combined with “application“, it usually notes a software platform that is too large and too complex for individual or small business use.
Enterprise applications are designed to be deployed across a variety of corporate networks, intranets or the Internet and also meet strict requirements for security and administration management.
Unlike consumer or small business applications, which are used for a specific business function (e.g. accounting software or a graphics program), an enterprise application provides business logic and supports an entire organization and all its departments, in an effort to lower costs and improve both productivity and efficiency in the enterprise.
Common Types of Enterprise Applications
Some of the more common enterprise applications include the following:
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Learn more about different types of enterprise applications on eCRM Guide.
Learn more about Business Intelligence software on Datamation.
Enterprise Application Development and Deployment
Proprietary enterprise applications are usually designed and deployed in-house by a specialized IT development team within the organization. However, some enterprises may outsource some or all of the development of the application and bring it back in-house for deployment. Enterprise applications are typically designed to interface with other enterprise applications used within the organization.
Today, using enterprise application service providers are becoming more prevalent. In this scenario, the enterprise software is designed by a third-party application service provider (ASP) and leased to the enterprise, as an on-premise (internal corporate network) or hosted service (via the Internet, or “cloud“).
Another trend in enterprise applications is the move to cloud computing, where the enterprise moves some or all of its infrastructure to the cloud (see cloud computing) where many enterprise applications can be delivered as a SaaS solution over the Internet. Some enterprises may also choose a hybrid solution where cloud applications are integrated with on-premise systems.
Cloud computing has a number of advantages over on-premise enterprise application deployment among them is the cloud’s ability to provision on-demand services, always-on network access, and application portability that is optimized by virtualization and cloud delivery platforms.
Learn more about enterprise application development and deployment on ECRM Guide.
Enterprise Application Research and White Papers
Business Intelligence
- Business Intelligence for Sales Reps
An Aberdeen Group study finds that sales intelligence reduces the time sales reps spend searching for information by 9 percent. - Business Intelligence Market Survey
A recent survey shows that while business intelligence buyers are generally happy with their software, they do find technical support and integration lacking. - Four Key Strategies for Successful Business Intelligence
Optimal Business Intelligence efficiency includes competency centers, increased user education and improved process.
CRM
- Search and Web Analytics Are Key to a Web CMS Strategy
Sitecore survey of more than 100 decision makers finds that 90 percent of organizations are now implementing Web analytics. - CRM Predictions for 2010
Gartner has released two reports offering its predictions regarding customer relationship management in the coming year.
Customer Engagement and Retention
- The Importance of Personalized Customer Engagement
An Aberdeen Group study looks at the importance of personalized attention to customer data. - Leveraging Customer Data
A white paper from Infor and Pepper & Rogers Group offers advice on how financial institutions can use customer data to rebuild trust. - Five Steps To Effective CRM
This white paper looks at the five steps that are the ‘new’ imperatives for retailers. - CEOs Focus on Customer Retention
A Gartner study finds that CEOs’ top priorities are shifting from cutting costs to retaining customers.
Social Enterprise Applications
- Social Media and the Customer Relationship
An IDC report looks at the competitive opportunities that social networks provide for retailers. - Gartner Looks at Social Software in the Enterprise
A new report offers five key predictions for the future of enterprise social media.
Read more enterprise application white papers and market research on ECRM Guide.
Based in Nova Scotia, Vangie Beal is has been writing about technology for more than a decade. She is a frequent contributor to EcommerceGuide and managing editor at Webopedia. You can tweet her online @AuroraGG.
This article was originally published on May 21, 2010
