Asia/Pacific (Excluding Japan) Software-As-A-Service Market Highlights, 1H08

This IDC Update is a summary of the activities and announcements in the Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) or APEJ software-as-a-service (SaaS) market. It encapsulates the events that shaped the SaaS market in the APEJ region during 1H08. The key insights generated by this update include:

• SaaS providers are focusing on forming new strategic relationships to substantiate the SaaS offerings in the region as well as support existing relationships to provide localized support, training, and implementation services to clients in the region.
• 1H08 witnessed the release of many tailor-made solutions for vertical industries. SaaS vendors are gradually enhancing their solutions with vertical functionalities and features that fit the specific requirements of their customers.
• In 1H08, an increasing number of SaaS vendors dedicated their resources to focus on small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and increase their market share. Vendors are developing new solutions that will cater to the unique business needs of SMBs. Furthermore, new functionalities are being developed to enable the existing solution to support the business aspects of the clients.