NetSuite Launches cloud platform

Vendor launches into buoyant cloud computing space with tailored offering for VARs

Business management software vendor NetSuite has unleashed its SuiteCloud Ecosystem for partners to tailor applications in the lucrative cloud computing market.

The ‘platform as a service’ will compete with similar offerings from rivals such as Google and Oracle.

SuiteCloud is a range of new products, development tools and services. This includes the new SuiteCloud Developer Network (SDN), a developer programme for ISVs.

Additionally, NetSuite unveiled SuiteApp.com, an online marketplace where ISVs, customers and solution providers can find developed applications.

Craig Sullivan, vice-president of international products at NetSuite, said the launch will help partners attack new verticals. “SuiteApps.com is a directory for partners and customers to find the right application for their business needs,” he said.

ISVs can build SuiteApps either on NetSuite’s SuiteCloud development platform, the NetSuite Business Operating System (NS-BOS), or integrate existing applications with it.

Steve Saunders, a developer at ISV BlueBridge One, said his firm had already developed SuiteApps for the e-commerce market.

“Our MaxMind fraud detection service enables businesses to check customers before accepting them,” he said. “The data is grabbed from the sale before being sent back to the business with a risk assessment.”

NS-BOS enables partners to create applications by building on the core of NetSuite’s ERP, CRM and e-commerce system.

Guy Mucklow, managing director of NetSuite partner Postcode Anywhere, said its web service builds upon the NS-BOS platform: “We tailored the application so businesses can search for an organisation and find useful information about it.

“We charge 40p per record for this service and are also working with NetSuite on route planning.”