IBM acquires social HCM Kenexa, outpaces Salesforce in the Social Enterprise race

September 05, 2012 | Author: Michael Stromann


Last week IBM acquired (for $ 1.3 billion) the SaaS talent management system Kenexa. After all, all software giants are now buying SaaS talent management systems (Salesforce acquired Rypple, SAP acquired SuccessFactors, Oracle acquired Taleo). Therefore, IBM management thought that it's a good decision. Moreover, Kenexa is not just a SaaS talent management system, it's the Social SaaS talent management system (it allows to use Twitter and Facebook for attracting talents and building relationships with them). And all Social is very appreciated in our days. Even despite of the fact that since 2007 Kenexa has posted losses totaling about $150 million. (It's very interesting, how it can be loss-making, having 8.900 customers, including Starbucks, Walmart, Verizon).

By the way, it appears that IBM is now the Social Enterprise market leader due to its SmartCloud for Social Business suite. At least this is stated by the respected analytical firm IDC. So it outpaces Salesforce, despite of all its social efforts. Last week Marc Benioff even tried to register "Social Enterprise" as his trademark, but this attept had no success.

See also: Top 10 Public Cloud Platforms

Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email stromann@liventerprise.com