Lawson, Intentia Merger Getting Delayed

Infoworld reports that Lawson Software and Intentia International will have take more time for coming together. The two companies say that they are extending the deadline by three months for completing their planned merger. The coming together , was expected to give them the size to become the dominant vendor in the midmarket ERP software space. Three observations here:

A. Reading these things make oracle's claim of being able to integrate like a well oiled machinery (the claim may be tall, but still) - look a significant accomplishment - Frieds tell me that even the planned siebel-oracle merger may be formalised in a few weeks - I am also given to understand that Oracle top management (thay may include Larry as well) are already talking to siebel employees at all levels (privately or together as a group.)

B. Lawson & Intentia together shall definitely show good size(that is a big plus while competing for new deals), but may have to communicate the value proposition much better - it is not enough to talk about geographical reinformcement of strengths alone - what would a nnew customer get out of this - statements of direction of integration of technologies, product roadmaps - all these need to come out more clearly. Make it better known to all that could be interested ( a plan could be in place- but its needed to be known by a lot more)

c. The sales & marketing efforts need a huge push now - its time that the combined entity capitalise on the expected momentum and increase the market noise levels.