Predictions 2012: The ePurchasing Market Will Grow 10%

The market for ePurchasing software (software to support buying, sourcing, contracting, and vendor management activities) continues to be a growing and dynamic market, with new entrants, acquisitions, and superior growth rates compared with other applications. Our 2012 predictions lay out the prospects for growth and acquisitions in each product category, and our review of our 2012 predictions shows our forecasting track record. We expect 10% growth in the overall category and even better growth in software-as-a-service (SaaS) and analytical applications like spend analysis, contract life-cycle management, supplier risk and performance management, services procurement, and supplier network services. The pace of acquisitions should exceed that of 2011, with Ariba, Basware, IBM, Oracle, and SAP the most likely acquirers.