This archived TechRepublic Premium report, originally published in April 2014, is available for free to registered TechRepublic members. For all the latest research reports, 100+ ready-made policies, IT job descriptions, and more, check out TechRepublic Premium.

From the report:

Admittedly, enterprise software isn’t the sexiest topic in technology. But in terms of its value and relevance for day-to-day operations, enterprise application software (EAS) is crucial and forms the backbone businesses rely on to get things done.

EAS is a somewhat complex and ethereal term. It has varied meaning depending on who you ask, and applies to a broad range of technologies including business intelligence,
customer relationship management (CRM), financial and accounting
applications, and more. There are many household names among
the established EAS vendors, but there are also many new vendors springing up to address specific needs.

Last year, TechRepublic Premium conducted a survey to learn more about current use and future plans for enterprise apps. Survey participants shared valuable information such as which vendors they use, or were considering using, as well as why. They let us know what they like or dislike about various vendors, and what capabilities they were most interested in.
Fast forward to 2014. Using last year as a baseline, we have asked many of those same questions to see how things have changed from 2013. This year, we set out to determine where the current trends have gotten us, and attempt to predict what the future of EAS has in store. Find out what the 196 respondents shared with us about EAS.