Howard Dresner Interview: Conclusion

This is the conclusion of our interview with Howard Dresner. You can read the first part of our interview with Mr. Dresner here.

EyeOnBI: Many companies have a practice of using their own software internally as part of a testing regimen and for user feedback. Does Hyperion use its own software internally? If so, in what capacity and across how much of the business?

Yes, we use all of our own products. I would argue that’s one of the reasons that we’re such a well run company. Of course, we’re also tech support’s worst nightmare. We’ve got some pretty savvy users and we’re in close proximity to them.

EyeOnBI: Which competitors frighten you the most, and what are you doing to keep ahead?

Oracle and MSF have been in this space for more than a decade. We have, and will continue to recognize them as competitive threats and will continue to stay ahead through innovation, focus, and laser-like customer satisfaction. At the same time, we recognize that many customers have strategic relationships with these vendors, especially as they extend their platform and technology stacks (also IBM & SAP). So while we recognize that these vendors can be competitors, we also work closely with them as partners to serve our common customers. A fundamental part of our strategy is to complement and extend the value of the customer’s investment in these transactional systems and data management platforms by providing strong integration. For example, we have a development center set up at SAP HQ and certified integration, co-development with MSFT in areas such as XMLA, and many other initiatives.

Competitors come and go. If we were to look back in history, we would find vendors like Metaphor, Information Advantage, Comshare, Execucom, IRI, and many others that are no longer around. But here we are 25 years after we were founded, and we’re still here and going strong. In fact, we continue to have record-breaking quarters, like our recent year-end and Q1. So, we don’t fear competition at all. We observe it, analyze it, respect it and win against it. Together we make the market as vibrant as it is. Without competitors, there’d be les innovation. And, on that point, it’s our tireless innovation that will continue to keep us above the fray. For example, our recent announcement of Hyperion System 9 Smart Space continues to raise the bar and distinguish us from the competition.