As the business mainstream begins to look for new avenues of driving both efficiencies and savings in their supply chain practice, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) vendors are coming into their own as the only real alternative to the traditional, and largely ineffective ERP-based solution providers.

This has prompted a migration of sorts for Tier One giants such as Oracle and Ariba, who now find themselves in the unenviable position of having to do what one senior executive called a complete DNA transformation of their corporate cultures to remain competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.

Whether or not they can successfully morph from the monolithic software architectures that have been the hallmark of failed initiatives usually costing clients 10s if not 100s of millions of dollars in the process, remains to be seen.

On the other hand, the prospects for the true SaaS providers are infinitely better, as the solutions they offer are the epitome of streamlined, real-time adaptive efficiency. The added benefit, especially for the client, is that the SaaS pricing model is tied directly to usage versus implementation services and ongoing support. In short, and in line with the old writer's adage of publish or perish, the client only pays if they actually use the software. So the software better work, and work from the from the start.

One of the future Titans of the SaaS world is Emptoris. Joining me to discus the exciting developments in both the company's comprehensive solution suite as well as its executive suite is Emptoris' VP of Marketing and Product Management Kevin Potts.