athenahealth - Competitors

athenahealth Competition

Now Viewing athenahealth's competition in: Computer Software Development (primary)

Recent Developments

Microsoft Making Open Source Push - Microsoft has announced a series of efforts designed to boost its presence in the open source software community; open source software means that the source code is available to any user. Microsoft's own releases have thus far focused on Internet applications, such as building websites. However, the company also has new projects that it will fund to enable new products based on its open source software.

Ruby Language Making Gains - Software developers have long relied on a series of standard computer languages that allow them to create new software. However, according to Black Duck Software, which owns a search engine used by programmers, requests for information about a newly popular language called "Ruby" have spiked. Ruby is different from other languages, such as C++, and Black Duck's data indicate that it now ranks fourth in popularity among programmers; industry experts predict further increases in use.

Major Movements Among Security Firms - The faltering US economy is resulting in predictions of lower software sales, at least for businesses. However, experts contend that one area that will remain strong is security software. In the past six months, security software companies, such as Symantec and McAfee, have made major consolidation moves, expanding market share. Experts predict that the consolidations will continue, as security is a concern even in a weak economy.

Competitive Landscape

The US economy heavily influences business spending for software products. The success of programming companies depends heavily on strong technical expertise. The success of packaged-software companies depends on technical expertise and good marketing. Small software companies compete mainly by developing packaged products in small niches or producing custom products for individuals. Many small companies form alliances with larger ones to market their products.

Full Industry Overview For Computer Software Development

Computer Software Development Industry Forecast

from Hoover's/D&B subsidiary First Research

The output of US software publishers is forecast to grow at an annual compounded rate of 6 percent between 2008 and 2013.

Computer Software Growth Uneven

First Research forecasts are based on INFORUM forecasts that are licensed from the Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc. (IERF) in College Park, MD. INFORUM's "interindustry-macro" approach to modeling the economy captures the links between industries and the aggregate economy.