I agree on the app store vs oracle point. I'll add that it simply appears that these new start-up guys just don't understand B2B sales. They (and I know I am generalizing here) think because they buy iTunes songs and android apps at a store, enterprise level equivalents would be sold similarly.
For the most part they aren't, and primary because clients want sales calls and knowledgeable sales people to tell them about their product. Clients don't want to spend 2 weeks looking at a company's website to decide if a Oracle IT solution is right for them, a good sales person will explain what the client wants to know in a fraction of the time (though a good website is paramount to getting the lead in the first place) and act as an unpaid consultant. Later when the company decides to upgrade or change its service, a meeting with the same sale person gives the client a better idea of what option is best for them.
Never mind the fact that both companies walk away with a good deal. I see no fault with the way B2B sales currently operate.
For the most part they aren't, and primary because clients want sales calls and knowledgeable sales people to tell them about their product. Clients don't want to spend 2 weeks looking at a company's website to decide if a Oracle IT solution is right for them, a good sales person will explain what the client wants to know in a fraction of the time (though a good website is paramount to getting the lead in the first place) and act as an unpaid consultant. Later when the company decides to upgrade or change its service, a meeting with the same sale person gives the client a better idea of what option is best for them.
Never mind the fact that both companies walk away with a good deal. I see no fault with the way B2B sales currently operate.