Thanks for looking in (re: comment #3), however (and this is where I am an ass), where can you tell me “how?” this will happen?

I believe that this is a very good thing for Manugistics and its customers but I don’t think my 3 readers (thanks mom), would let me off the hook when I lead with “…an honest discussion about supply chain..” when you tell me its good and you sound like you’re reading off the press release or a script.

Which customers will “…need retail and manufacturing solutions under one roof?” No people who have a retail solution have gaps that Manugistics’ functionality can fill (pricing, revenue management, etc). Companies with Manugistics in retail (office max as an example), could work with one vendor to get more out of the total footprint of the solution.

I figure if I talk smack, I needed to offer up a solution.

- The “issue with the underlying technology platform” is because they are different. JDA will port to SQL Server to offer another DB support and J2EE is different than .Net…. But then there is the composite application SOA approach — that’s where it could get interesting.

When you study mergers and acquisitions, you look at three types of fit:
Business fit: are the businesses complimentary or will the combination be the breath of fresh air that each company needs to grow even faster as one (in the face of two formidable foes in Oracle and SAP)
Financial Fit: Do the numbers make sense. I believe the CFO (JDAs) and her analysis of the debt load (they took on debt to retire debt) and that the combined organization can manage it.
Organizational Fit: Face it, they never really are (it takes a strong leader and a person who can take in the whole footprint or “big picture”). It will also hinge the ability of the acquiree to work well with the acquirer (and vice versa. Also there is the hope that each organization recognizes the value that the other organization brings to the table.

- I don’t moderate posts, but lets keep it honest and think about this a little more. You have to admit, the discussion would be a lot more fun and interesting.

JDA Software, a leader in the retail software with more than 4,800 customers will acquire Manugistics, a leading supply chain software vendor with over 800 customers. While JDA started by focusing on POS and retail optimization software, Manugisti

Thanks for the feedback; sorry for the misstatement (embarrassingly, I’ve read those postings too).

You do bring up a point, SCM, honestly, to me needs to focus on not doing more or looking further (how boring would an analyst report look using my approach?), vendors need to simplify their messaging, their solutions, and the overall implementation envelope, so that the uptake of SCM apps within the enterprise increases.

OK, across companies with complex supply chains — maybe your stretch is needed. However, outside of highly complex supply chain companies sophisticated users, the benefit and the opportunity of SCM applications is still…foggy.

I know users who don’t care if its SOA, client server, or a brick through the window! They just want (1) a better plan and (2) their users (not their consultants) to be able to get it and tune the software as their business changes.

This comment really was an excuse to rant.

- V

see

http://dealarchitect.typepad.com/deal_architect/2006/03/soa_sos.html

and

http://dealarchitect.typepad.com/deal_architect/2006/04/application_ma.html