| The ERP Evolution Continues |
The ERP systems evolution is taking an
unusual turn. For those that may remember, ERP applications were
originally introduced as mainframe and host-based monolithic
applications in the 1970's and 1980's. McCormack and Dodge and MSA
(Management Sciences America) were fierce competitors and between them
owned the lions share of the ERP software market. The two rivals
ultimately merged to become Dun & Bradstreet Software. Following the
merger of the number one and number two market share leaders, Dun &
Bradstreet Software believed itself to be an unstoppable ERP
application titan, however, was soon thereafter completely replaced by
the introduction of client/server applications and later sold to Geac
for a marginal fee valued largely on existing customer software
maintenance contracts.
