In: Operations Management
Outline the case for a partnership strategy for a software company
A strategic partnership for a software company is a relationship
between two business entities that is formally established by one
or more trade agreements. Strategic partnerships will usually not
be legal entities, agencies or corporate partnerships. Strategic
partnerships can take many forms, from handshakes, contractual
cooperation, by all means, to joint ventures or the formation of
joint ventures or cross-border ventures.
Two companies typically form strategic partnerships when each
acquires one or more business assets or has skills that will help
each other through improving their business. This can also mean
that one company helps another company to expand its market to
other markets by helping with some skills. According to Cohen and
Levintal, significant internal experience that complements a
partner’s technological activity is a prerequisite for successful
business knowledge and technology capabilities beyond their
boundaries. Countries want to benefit from win-win and long-term
innovation based on mutually desired outcomes.
Whether the employment contract is terminated between the two
parties or not, a relationship between the partners based on trust
is essential.
General Strategic Partnerships involve companies that provide
services for production engineering or product development,
partnerships with smaller enterprises, or innovators to develop
unique new products. Usually a large company provides the capital
and capacity necessary for product development, marketing,
production and distribution, while a smaller company provides
technical knowledge or innovation.
Another general strategic partnership involves manufacturers /
suppliers partnering with distributors or wholesalers. Instead of
approaching operations between companies as a simple link in the
supply chain of a product or service, the two companies form a
closer relationship where they engage in advertising, marketing,
branding, product development. And other business functions. For
example, a car manufacturer may approach a strategic partnership
with its parts supplier or music distributor with a
recording.
This strategic partnership activity may also include joint research
and development between partners. This requires a high level of
knowledge sharing as well as a high level of technology sharing.
But in this way, the costs and risks of innovation can be shared
between partners.
Strategic partnerships have also emerged to address many of the
company’s business issues. The Book of Vested: How P&G,
McDonald and Microsoft Redefine Win in Business Relationships
Demonstrates Strategic Partnerships in Large Business Operations,
External Relations, Public-Private Infrastructure Projects, Venue
Management and Supply Chain Relationships. Strategic procurement
processes and state-of-the-art procurement enable organizations to
use results-based or resource-based business models to establish
strategic relationships with suppliers.