摘要

In early July 2008, software configuration/change management (SCM) then application lifecycle management (ALM) specialist Serena released one of its latest pre-built ‘business’ mashups, which, despite the name, focuses on the IT-centric problem of application release management. In the summer of 2008, Serena plans to release its entire Serena Business Mashup suite. This provides Ovum with an opportunity to take a step back and look at the way Serena is currently trying to reinvent itself, not just as a ‘business mashup’, but also as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) and project and portfolio management (PPM) provider, among other things. Overall, we doubt that Serena has and does what it takes to become one of the top SaaS tool and/or business mashup providers.

目录及图表

Key messages
Serena is still struggling to establish its ALM credentials
Serena is right to pull itself together
Its problem is no longer poor execution but poor strategy
The company is going in too many directions
From SCM to ALM: a difficult transition
Serena first reinvented itself via acquisitions
Serena has done well on many fronts
But difficulties have slowed the company down
Serena reinvents itself again and pulls itself together
Using the SCM cash cow, as usual, but without acquisitions
New delivery model: SaaS
A new attitude
Seeking expansion in a variety of markets
From ALM to mashups: an awkward transition
Serena has big mashup ambitions
Need to connect new mashup and old ALM ambitions