Enterprise software powers businesses of all sizes and industries worldwide. From managing operations and finances to enabling collaboration and boosting productivity, enterprise software provides critical tools for organizations.
The enterprise software industry is massive, with estimated revenues of over $500 billion in 2021. As businesses continue adopting cloud-based solutions, the market is projected to grow substantially in the coming years.
Here is an overview of the 10 largest enterprise software companies globally based on annual revenues, along with a look at their key products and services.
1. Microsoft
Revenue: $168 billion (FY 2021)
As one of the world‘s largest technology companies, Microsoft is best known for its Windows operating system and Office productivity suite. However, the company offers a vast array of enterprise software and cloud services.
Key products include:
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Azure: Microsoft‘s cloud platform for building, deploying, and managing applications and services. Azure provides infrastructure, database, analytics, AI, and Internet of Things (IoT) services.
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Microsoft 365: A suite of cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools including Office apps, Exchange, SharePoint, Teams, and more.
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Dynamics 365: Cloud-based ERP and CRM applications for sales, finance, operations, marketing, and other business functions.
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Power Platform: Low-code/no-code tools for building business apps, automating workflows, and analyzing data.
With operations in over 190 countries, Microsoft provides software and services to businesses of all sizes across the globe. The company invests heavily in R&D, with over $19 billion spent in 2021.
2. Oracle
Revenue: $40.5 billion (FY 2021)
Oracle is a longstanding provider of database management systems, enterprise software, and cloud infrastructure. The company offers solutions tailored to companies in a wide range of industries.
Key Oracle products include:
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Oracle Database: The company‘s flagship relational database management system, widely used by large enterprises.
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Oracle ERP Cloud: Cloud-based financial, project, procurement, risk management, and other ERP modules.
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Oracle HCM Cloud: Human capital management software covering HR, talent, workforce management, and compensation.
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Oracle CX Cloud: CRM applications for sales, marketing, commerce, service, and customer data management.
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Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): IaaS platform providing computing, storage, networking, database, and analytics services.
Oracle has over 430,000 customers globally. In recent years, the company has focused on expanding its cloud infrastructure and SaaS offerings.
3. SAP
Revenue: $32.3 billion (2021)
SAP is a leader in enterprise application software, especially within ERP and business intelligence. The company is based in Germany and serves customers in over 180 countries.
Key SAP products include:
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SAP S/4HANA: The latest generation of SAP‘s ERP suite, running on an in-memory database for real-time insights.
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SAP SuccessFactors: Cloud-based HCM solutions for core HR, talent management, payroll, and more.
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SAP Ariba: Procurement software and business network for sourcing, contract management, payments and more.
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SAP Analytics Cloud: Tools for planning, predictive analytics, and reporting.
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SAP C/4HANA: CRM and customer experience solutions including marketing, sales, service, and commerce.
SAP emphasizes user experience and integration across its wide portfolio. The company has over 400,000 customers, including 9 out of 10 of the world‘s most valued brands.
4. IBM
Revenue: $23.4 billion (Enterprise computing segment, 2021)
IBM provides hardware, software, and services catering to enterprises worldwide. Its software business includes middleware, automation, security, and analytics solutions.
Major IBM enterprise software products:
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WebSphere: Application server software and complementary tools.
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Db2: IBM‘s flagship relational database management system.
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IBM Cloud Paks: Containerized software packages running on Red Hat OpenShift. Cover workloads like data, integration, automation and more.
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Maximo: Asset and facilities management software.
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SPSS Modeler: Data mining and predictive analytics platform.
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Security QRadar: Security information and event management (SIEM) software.
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TRIRIGA: Real estate and facility management applications.
IBM invests heavily in emerging technologies like quantum computing, blockchain, and AI. With clients in over 175 countries, the company generated over $57 billion in revenue in 2021.
5. Salesforce
Revenue: $17.1 billion (FY 2021)
Salesforce pioneered the concept of CRM cloud software. Today, the company offers a vast platform for sales, service, marketing, analytics, and more.
Major Salesforce products include:
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Sales Cloud: CRM for sales force automation and pipeline management.
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Service Cloud: Tools for contact centers and customer service teams.
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Marketing Cloud: Applications for marketing automation, analytics, and social media.
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Tableau: Business intelligence and analytics solutions.
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MuleSoft: Integration platform for connecting SaaS and enterprise applications.
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Community Cloud: Tools for building online communities.
Salesforce has over 150,000 customers. The company is well-known for its culture of innovation and philanthropy.
6. Adobe
Revenue: $15.8 billion (FY 2021)
Adobe is the global leader in creative software and digital document solutions. The company also provides marketing, analytics, and e-commerce applications.
Key Adobe enterprise products include:
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Adobe Document Cloud: Solutions for PDF, e-signatures, and document workflow automation.
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Adobe Experience Cloud: Applications for marketing, analytics, advertising, and commerce.
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Adobe Creative Cloud: Design, video, and photography tools including Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro.
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Marketo: Part of Experience Cloud, Marketo offers lead management and marketing automation software.
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Magento Commerce: Flexible e-commerce platform now part of Adobe Experience Cloud.
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Adobe Analytics: Robust web, mobile, IoT, and marketing analytics solution.
With a global footprint, Adobe serves enterprise customers across media, manufacturing, financial services, and other sectors. The company has over 20,000 employees worldwide.
7. Fiserv
Revenue: $14.9 billion (2021)
Fiserv provides fintech and payment processing solutions to financial institutions, retailers, and businesses globally. The company powers digital commerce and money movement for thousands of enterprises.
Major Fiserv offerings include:
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Account processing: Core account management solutions for banks and credit unions.
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Card services: Credit, debit, prepaid card issuance and processing.
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Digital channels: Online, mobile and API-based banking solutions.
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Business solutions: Billing, payments, and merchant services.
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Risk and compliance: Fraud detection, case management, AML, and more.
Fiserv drives innovation in real-time payments, data analytics, and digital transformation for financial services organizations. The company has over 40,000 clients and regularly makes acquisitions to expand its capabilities.
8. ADP
Revenue: $14.6 billion (FY 2021)
ADP is a leading global provider of HR, payroll, benefits administration, talent, and time management solutions. The company serves over 810,000 organizations worldwide.
Major products and services include:
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Payroll services: Payroll processing, tax filing, and payment solutions.
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HR management: Tools for personnel tracking, compliance, onboarding, and analytics.
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Benefits administration: Medical, dental, vision, COBRA, and retirement plan management.
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Time and attendance: Time tracking with scheduling, leave management, and overtime calculation.
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Talent management: Recruitment, performance reviews, learning, and compensation analysis.
ADP combines scale, experience, and innovative technology to handle critical HCM tasks for enterprises and SMBs alike. The company has over 58,000 employees with offices in 26 countries.
9. Dell Technologies
Revenue: $11.9 billion (Infrastructure solutions group, 2021)
Dell Technologies provides hardware, software, and services enabling digital transformation for organizations of all sizes. The company has a comprehensive portfolio tailored to IT needs.
Major enterprise software offerings from Dell include:
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VMware: Software for virtualization, hybrid cloud, and digital workspaces (majority owned by Dell).
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Boomi: Cloud-based integration platform to connect data, apps, and processes.
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Secureworks: Managed security services combining AI and human experts.
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Dell EMC PowerProtect: Data protection and backup solutions.
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Dell EMC PowerScale: Software for file and object storage.
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Dell EMC PowerMax: AI-driven enterprise storage platform.
Dell Technologies also provides servers, networking, PCs, cloud infrastructure, and professional services. The company has operations worldwide and over 165,000 team members.
10. Broadcom
Revenue: $7.1 billion (Semiconductor solutions segment, 2021)
Broadcom is a global technology company providing semiconductor and infrastructure software solutions. Its software offerings focus on DevOps, security, and other IT operations needs.
Major Broadcom enterprise software includes:
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Symantec Enterprise Security: Cybersecurity software including endpoint, web, and data protection.
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CA Technologies: Infrastructure software for automation, mainframe management, AIOps, and more.
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BlueCat Networks: DNS, DHCP, and IP address management solutions.
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Tektronix: Network test, measurement, and monitoring tools.
In 2021, Broadcom acquired AppNeta, empowerIT, and Densify to expand into network performance monitoring, IT management, and hybrid cloud optimization. The company has over 13,000 engineers worldwide focusing on next-gen technologies.
Key Takeaways
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Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, and IBM lead the pack as the largest enterprise software companies globally, each generating over $20 billion in annual revenue.
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Cloud platforms, business applications, analytics, and security are major focus areas for enterprise software vendors.
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Adoption of SaaS solutions like CRM, HCM, and marketing automation is driving growth for companies like Salesforce, Adobe, and Oracle.
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Niche players like Fiserv and ADP leverage expertise in financial services, HR, and payroll to serve their large client bases.
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Acquisitions and investments in new technologies are accelerating innovation across the competitive enterprise software landscape.
As digital transformation accelerates, enterprises will continue relying on software providers big and small to optimize operations, boost productivity, and harness data-driven insights. The major vendors profiled here are at the forefront in enabling organizational success through technology.