Many ERP vendors have developed strategies to make their software available to small to medium enterprises (SME's). These strategies have focused around pre-configured solutions, implementation methodologies and hosting options. More recently, a new technology known as Software as a Service (Saas) has been used to introduce a low-cost ERP solution to SME's.

Discuss the various strategies ERP vendors have developed, with the main focus of your research being on SaaS, providing examples of SME's who have utilised these new options.

Your paper should include the following areas :

• A definition of an SME
• Why ERP vendors are focussing on SME's
• Barriers to implementation of ERP systems in SME's
• How the ERP vendors can overcome these barriers i.e. the strategies used.
• A brief explanation of SaaS technology
• An example of one vendor's SaaS offering
• Case Studies

Your task is produce a 3000 - 4000 word research paper which discusses the issues relating to the above.  The paper should demonstrate a depth and breadth of reading and should be appropriately referenced.  The paper should be referenced using the Harvard referencing standards and formatting according to the approved style guide.