The Emptoris Evolution: A Vision of Planned Continuity

As the business mainstream begins to look for new avenues of driving both efficiencies and savings in their supply chain practice, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) vendors are coming into their own as the only real alternative to the traditional, and largely ineffective ERP-based solution providers.

This has prompted a migration of sorts for Tier One giants such as Oracle and Ariba, who now find themselves in the unenviable position of having to do what one senior executive called a complete DNA transformation of their corporate cultures to remain competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.

Whether or not they can successfully morph from the monolithic software architectures that have been the hallmark of failed initiatives usually costing clients 10s if not 100s of millions of dollars in the process, remains to be seen.

On the other hand, the prospects for the true SaaS providers are infinitely better, as the solutions they offer are the epitome of streamlined, real-time adaptive efficiency.  The added benefit, especially for the client, is that the SaaS pricing model is tied directly to usage versus implementation services and ongoing support.  In short, and in line with the old writer’s adage of publish or perish, the client only pays if they actually use the software.  So the software better work, and work from the start.

One of the future Titans of the SaaS world is Emptoris.  Joining me on PI Window on Business on Septemebr 29th to discus the exciting developments in both the company’s comprehensive solution suite as well as its executive suite is Emptoris’ VP of Marketing and Product Management Kevin Potts.

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Kevin Potts Bio:

As Senior Vice President, Product Management and Marketing, at Emptoris, Inc., Kevin works closely with customers, industry leaders, and the business and technology press to share the company’s vision for how its innovation can accelerate profitable growth.  Kevin has over 9 years of enterprise software marketing experience, including 7 years directly in the supply and contract management arena.

Prior to joining Emptoris, Kevin was the Director of Product Marketing at FairMarket, Inc., an e-commerce and auction software provider focused on retail solutions for the business-to-consumer segment. While at FairMarket, he led a cross functional team in architecting and championing the software product line representing 60% of the company’s revenues.

He routinely worked with executives from Wal-Mart, JC Penney, Dell Computer and W.W. Grainger to expand their sales presence online.  During this period, FairMarket conducted a successful Initial Public Offering which raised over $100 million. Before joining FairMarket, Kevin worked with McKinsey & Company consulting in the petroleum, electric utility, banking, media and engineering and construction sectors, helping clients pursue product diversification and product line profitability strategies.

A graduate with distinction from the United States Naval Academy with a BS in Control Systems Engineering, Kevin served as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps.  He is a decorated combat veteran of the first Gulf War, where he co-led a 225 Marine team during the assault on Kuwait.  After leaving the military, Kevin earned his MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

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