NetSuite (News - Alert) has introduced a suite of cloud-based CRM and ERP software solutions for Apple's iPhone and iPod touch.

The integrated suite of applications, which is now available on the iTunes App Store, provides NetSuite users who are also iPhone (News - Alert) users with real-time dashboards that deliver key ERP, CRM and e-commerce operational data.

NetSuite said in a release that the suite, which is available for free, was downloaded more than 1,000 times in the first two weeks it was available.

 

Thousands of companies use NetSuite’s cloud-based CRM solutions to manage their key business processes, such as invoicing, customer records, inventory and financial reporting. Because these solutions are offered via the software-as-a-service model, they can be accessed from any Internet-enabled computer. Many of the top executives and managers in these companies are also iPhone users.

NetSuite says its customers can now access NetSuite functionality via a rich interface designed to run natively on iPhone and iPod touch. If a company has implemented custom fields, custom records, role-based security or custom dashboard elements in their NetSuite account, they will all be seamlessly reflected in the NetSuite app.

 

NetSuite users will no doubt appreciate having real-time access to their NetSuite calendar and task lists, including the ability to accept or decline events and mark tasks complete. Sales representatives can benefit from access to leads and opportunities, the ability to view customers and contacts, and to review quotes and orders. Field service users can inquire about customer history, browse associated cases, and see all issues filed by a customer. Executives can browse financial trends, watch dashboards in real-time, and drill into Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), as well as generate report snapshots and scorecards.

 

In the release, Elliott Rabin, president of Ridout Plastics Co. Inc., a plastics manufacturer based in San Diego, Calif., said "Access is very fast overall, and trend graphs are much faster than through a browser. From a CEO view, I can see my KPIs and can get ‘top 10’ information quickly – by sales, customers, sales reps, etc. Like in a browser, the app lets me find a customer quickly through searching – and I'm one who loves 'recent records' for quick access to information. The iPhone application adds tremendous value to my NetSuite experience."

Last week NetSuite announced a new incentive program, the “NetSuite Crossroads Initiative,” as part of its ongoing effort to lure more SAP (News - Alert) customers over to its NetSuite OneWorld cloud-based offering. The new program targets SAP customers facing “end-of-life scenarios” with their SAP R/3 software.

SAP has announced that maintenance for R/3 V4.6 will end as of March 2010; and maintenance for SAP R/3 4.7 will be extended, but at a higher cost. These changes will affect approximately 70 percent of SAP users who now face the difficult decision of whether to pay increased costs for maintenance, or upgrade to SAP ERP 6.0.

As part of the program, NetSuite is offering an enhanced version of its Business ByNetSuite program for SAP customers, initially launched in November 2008. This version of Business ByNetSuite offers SAP R/3 customers a total migration package in year one of their subscription, including all license fees, implementation and support, equal to customers’ annual maintenance cost with SAP. Thereafter, as long as they remain with NetSuite, the program provides customers with a fixed 50 percent off NetSuite’s then-current list price for an annual subscription. The enhanced Business ByNetSuite program is valid worldwide through the fourth quarter of 2009.