Actuate Launches Its First Web-Based Performance Management Software

Actuate on Monday launched its first software-as-a-service product that encompasses scorecards, key performance indicators, reporting and other business performance metrics.

Actuate OnPerformance includes many of the same features as the company's on-premise Performancesoft Suite. Support options for the on-demand product include database creation, population and support; and design of the system, including tailoring of reports and developing visualizations based on the needs of users.

In addition, Actuate services could include quality checks to ensure data accuracy and KPI relevance and reliability.

Companies are increasingly investigating the software-as-a-service model to avoid the cost of licenses, deployment and maintenance of on-premise software. Depending on the type of performance management software, from 17% to 23% of companies would prefer subscribing to a SaaS option rather than buying the software, according to AMR Research.

Actuate is hoping to take advantage of that finding by offering its SaaS product as an option to companies that are forced to postpone the acquisition of an on-premise system because of budgetary restraints or a lack of IT staff.

The price of Acutate OnPerformance ranges from $60 to $120 per user per month, depending on the terms of commitment. The new product comes in two editions. The workgroup edition is for small workgroups and departments. The product includes four performance views, five briefing books, and three strategy maps. The enterprise edition for larger user communities includes unlimited views, books and maps, advanced scheduling, Internet publishing, and an audit trail. Technical details are available on the Acuate Website.

Actuate was among the winners of the Intelligent Enterprise 2008 Editors' Choice Award. The company has built a strong foundation for business intelligence and reporting tools by tapping interest in open-source BI and the popularity of Eclipse. Actuate has more than 4,000 customers in a variety of business areas, including financial services and the public sector, according to the company. Founded in 1993, the company is based in San Mateo, Calif.