MAKATI - A US-based vendor of cloud computing business management software suites is keeping Cebu “within its radar” for the next six to 12 months as a potentially huge source of customers.

NetSuite Inc., which started operations in the country in 2007, is eyeing companies in Cebu that are engaged in business process outsourcing (BPO), tourism and manufacturing, among others, to avail of their services.

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NetSuite offers cloud computing business management software suites for mid-market companies and divisions of large enterprises to manage core business operations in a single system, including accounting and enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, and e-commerce.

Through cloud computing, clients are provided with scalable and virtual resources as a service over the Internet on a utility basis.

Right now, NetSuite’s customers in the Philippines are based in Manila such as BPO company Prople Inc. and automotive service center chain Motech Automotive Education Center Inc.

Other clients have branches or franchised outlets in other regions, including Cebu, like the coffee company Figaro Coffee Systems Inc. and car rental company Diamond Fleet Management System.

Netsuite Philippines general manager James Dantow said there are many potential customers in Cebu and they would like to see more clients coming from the province.

“The growth of Cebu, being the second largest economic center in the Philippines will keep the province within our radar for the next six to 12 months. It’s a great place and there are a lot of industrial activities there. The infrastructure there is as good as Makati and the telecommunication facilities are (good),” he told Cebu reporters.

“There is so much going on there. I think you would see a lot of us in the next year through our representatives. We would love to put up an office in Cebu but as to when, only time will tell,” he added.

Dantow regularly visits Cebu to check on the cloud computing licenses the company donated to the accountancy department of the University of San Carlos more than a year ago. More than 100 accountancy students have already been exposed to NetSuite applications.

Through cloud computing, companies have the option to let someone else run their software for a monthly or annual fee.

Users can access the programs or application over live Internet connections.

This is a cost-cutting measure for a small business company, a government agency, or an academic institution seeking ways to save money in an economic crisis, said NetSuite president and chief executive officer Zach Nelson.

Yesterday, he announced that the company is doubling Manila operations to signal its commitment to build on its position as the Philippines’ largest and leading cloud computing applications vendor.

The expansion will include product development and quality assurance capabilities in addition to software architecture and integration, finance and back office support, professional services, client management, and technical support. From a few workers in 2007, the office now employs nearly 300 workers.

“Manila’s astrong, business-friendly infrastructure has been a tremendous asset to NetSuite. The acceptance of our cloud-based business applications product by global companies headquartered in Manila is a great strength of NetSuite in meeting the needs of local industry leaders.”

Other NetSuite clients are Jollibee Foods Corp. whose NetSuite application allows its stores to reorder inventory, as well as ABS-CBN Global Ltd. that is able to expand to new regions such as Australia and Canada with its NetSuite application.