What is BPM Software?  What is BPM?

Business Process Management (BPM and BPM Software) is no longer the stuff of acadmeia.  In recent months, it has suddenly become one of the most talked about segments in the enterprise software market, and has started a creep downward from enterpriser into the upper SMB market as well.  BPM is somewhat of an omnidirectional term, meaning different things to different people in different positions in different industries, which is why it's important to understand the jargon and capabilities for any supposed 'BPM vendor'.  The avalanche of industry analyst reports showcases the mainstream adoption of BPM as a concept; however, so does the ever-growing list of companies claiming to offer BPM software solutions. 

BPM Software Vendors 

First it was "CRM?  Me too!", now it's BPM's turn.
In past few years, a host of software vendors quickly changed their product taglines to include terms like 'CRM Solution' and shout "me too!" when they smelled the CRM rose.  Likewise, the same phenomenon is occuring today with BPM.  Dozens of software package that might help organize the processes in a business suddenly gets a BPM nameplate change, even if the functionality is the same.  Sifting through this sea of newcomers is a somewhat laborous task.