The role of professional services in software companies

I just saw a great piece on LinkedIn written by venture investor Mark Suster (@msuster) of Upfront Ventures. His piece is about the importance of professional services to building a VC backed company/product. I can add no more to his take (bolded text is on me):

Have an in-house professional services team that implements your software. It will bring down your overall margins but will produce profitable revenue. Most importantly in ensures long-term success. I wrote about The Importance of Professional Services here. I know, I know. Your favorite investor told you this was a bad idea. Trust me – you’ll thank me a few years from now if you control your own destiny and improve quality through services. If your investor worked inside of a SaaS company for years and disagrees with me then listen to them. If they’re a spreadsheet jockey then on this particular issue I promise you they are FOS. Spreadsheet quant does not equal success, properly implemented software does.

'Nuff said. I've never met Mark, but I like where he's coming from!

/s/ Miles

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