For years, those of us in the business community have bemoaned the poor user interface in the far majority of business software applications.  I've seen disastrous implementations of SAP, Siebel, and other ERP solutions.  I've witnessed countless analysts and project managers pull their hair out trying to use Microsoft Project or Microsoft Access.  Heck, ever tried to use mail merge in MS Word?  It can be done, but it is not fun nor simple. 

All the while I ask myself, "why does this have to be so hard"? 

Far too often, business software requires training, complex manuals, and constant help desk intervention to save users.  Why is that?  Why should we have to accept such poor products in 2008? 

In her article in the WSJ, Buckman writes:  "Online software offered by Salesforce.com Inc. ...'was basically a replica of the Amazon.com user interface,' Chief Executive Officer Marc Benioff said. Though Salesforce offers a two-hour, online tutorial to introduce users to its product, the training is minimal, Mr. Benioff said, because commonly used Web sites such as 'Yahoo and eBay are training people in how to use complex applications" already.' "

I love it.

This is exactly what we will see (and already are seeing) in the evolution of software today.  The lessons of intuitive, logical, standard Web design practices and paradigms are making (or have already made) their way into business software.  No longer should a user have to "figure out" how to accomplish simple tasks by reading manuals and taking classes.  Just use it.  Software today is becoming more intuitive and logical, and it is taking advantage of the Web habits and skills that most Web-savvy folks have developed in recent years.

I might add - this also is going to create a lot of opportunity for hungry entrepreneurs out there...