NetSuite has been around for two decades, and over that time has become the largest, fastest growing cloud accounting and ERP solution. During this time, competitor brands have emerged over the years—each with their own messaging, value propositions, and features. This said, one of the most common tactics taken by any competitor brand is to attack the “old guard.”
While some of the attacks on NetSuite are within the realm of acceptable public discourse, many of the attacks are flat-out myths. While people and companies are more than welcome to their opinions, these opinions rarely hold a candle to a cursory fact check.
In the coming months, we would like to take the role of fact checker, debunking some of the more common myths that have been spread about NetSuite, exploring the common tactics, how the myths spread, why the statements are wrong, and the real news. Today, we would like to explore one of the most ill-informed yet prevalent myths: “NetSuite isn’t focused on small, growing businesses.”
The Myth: NetSuite Is Only for Massive Organizations
No matter how it’s worded, the myth is the same. The goal of this myth is to convince you that “You’re too small to buy NetSuite,” and should instead choose to work with them—and their preferred vendor.
The Tactics
We’ve scoured the web, and found that some of the most common arguments fall into the following categories.
- They’ll mention Oracle’s acquisition of NetSuite, attempting to point out that you’ll be a small fish in a big pond, and how it is somehow linked with customer service.
- They’ll bring up NetSuite attacking SAP in a 2014 Wall Street Journal ad, linking this attack with an “aggressive enterprise mentality.”
- They’ll make attempts to position themselves as future-proof—ready for your small/medium business, but able to grow and scale with you.
- They’ll tell you that you’re too small for ERP, and should instead opt for a simple solution.
How the Myth Spread
This lie is often spread by Value Added Resellers (VAR) trying to corner the “too big for QuickBooks” market, and is usually discussed in detail by small VARs that can only support said “outgrowing QuickBooks” customers.
Many of the companies promoting this are still looking for their first sale, but when enough of these companies dogpile on this opinion, you start seeing dozens, if not hundreds of blogs saying, “NetSuite is too big for you.” Much like the spread of fake news, if you see something enough times, you might be fooled into thinking it’s true.
The Verdict: Mostly False
Did Oracle buy NetSuite? Yes. Did NetSuite run an ad in the Wall Street Journal saying “Someone Should Get Fired for Buying SAP?” Yes. However, this is where they begin to start stretching the truth about NetSuite being “too big” for the growing organization.
The Reality: NetSuite Can Handle the Needs of Any Size Business
We’ve heard these arguments for a while, and today, we would like to offer a correction to their arguments that “NetSuite is too big for your growing business.”
Why the Oracle/NetSuite Argument is Overblown:
Compare your search for accounting or ERP software to a car search. You know what type of car you’re looking for, but maybe not the specific car itself. When a company says that Oracle’s acquisition of NetSuite makes the company “too big” to handle your needs, this is akin to saying “We can’t buy this car from Chevy, because GM owns them.” There is power in size, meaning that like GM, Oracle and NetSuite have the people to build products matching the needs of any company.
Why the “NetSuite is Focused Aggressively on the Enterprise Market” Argument is Wrong
Again, with the car metaphor, this argument would be like saying, “I’ll never buy a compact car from this brand, because they also make trucks/vans/SUVs.”
NetSuite has options for many different sized businesses. While they did run an ad targeting the enterprise, it’s because they sell enterprise software. They also have options for your business, all of which can be tailored to your specific needs by an experienced solution partner like MIBAR.net.
Flaws in the “Future-Proof Alternative” Argument
As mentioned above, this is one of the most prevalent myths among new VARs, who have the size and scope to handle smaller organizations. Even if the software they sell can grow with you to enterprise level, the VAR will quickly become unable to handle your needs.
When it comes to selecting and implementing accounting or ERP software, having the right implementation and support partner is nearly as important as the software itself. While the wrong partner is often the reason for implementation failures, the right partner can quickly become the wrong partner once your company sees a bit of growth.
Often is the case, these small VARs with limited resources can help you today, but three years from now, will their team of three be able to support your growing staff? With the right help, you can get the right software for today, tomorrow, and ten years from now.
Looking for More Fake News about NetSuite? Stay Tuned!
Over our years in the cloud business, we’ve seen a lot of these myths, and are excited to share them with you. Stay tuned as we debunk other myths like “NetSuite can’t integrate,” “suites can’t provide rapid ROI,” “suites carry a high deployment risk,” “NetSuite is too rigid for our needs,” and many more.
Do you want to be the first to see these and other posts? Register for the MIBAR.net email list, read our blog, Three Ways Executives Can Avoid ERP Project Pitfalls, read our very own Noel Slater’s first “Go Live” story, and contact us for a free consultation.
