Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Interview: Bob Stutz, SAP senior vp for Worldwide CRM Product and Strategy
Interview: Bob Stutz, SAP senior vp for Worldwide CRM Product and Strategy: "Where on demand may come in handy is getting non-CRM using SAP CRM customers to get into CRM. That sounds like a bizaare description until you recall that SAP CEO Henning Kagermann himself admitted a couple of years ago that because the CRM modules were shipped as part of the wider SAP portfolio, there was a sizeable chunk of customers who were counted as CRM customers but had never fired the software in anger. Could on demand be the quick and easy deployment to get such recalcitrant customers up and running and into CRM?"
Interview: Bob Stutz, SAP senior vp for Worldwide CRM Product and Strategy
Interview: Bob Stutz, SAP senior vp for Worldwide CRM Product and Strategy: "Where on demand may come in handy is getting non-CRM using SAP CRM customers to get into CRM. That sounds like a bizaare description until you recall that SAP CEO Henning Kagermann himself admitted a couple of years ago that because the CRM modules were shipped as part of the wider SAP portfolio, there was a sizeable chunk of customers who were counted as CRM customers but had never fired the software in anger. Could on demand be the quick and easy deployment to get such recalcitrant customers up and running and into CRM?"
SAP urges upgrades - Computer Business Review
SAP urges upgrades - Computer Business Review: "Although SAP wraps its ESA message in soft-sell coating of incremental change, evolutionary development at the customer's pace, and business value, there is no mistaking the hard core. For its long-term plans to come to fruition, SAP needs the vast majority of its customer base to upgrade to ESA and next-generation service-enabled applications."
EFYTimes.com - Latest technology news, india, international, electronics, IT and telecom news
EFYTimes.com - Latest technology news, india, international, electronics, IT and telecom news: "
The enterprise resource planning (ERP) application from SAP would serve State Bank Group's global strength of more than 370,000 employees and retirees, making it one of the largest HCM implementations in the banking industry globally. With the SAP software, the State Bank Group aims to respond faster to market demands, enable real-time information access and assign the right people to the right positions at the right time.
Implementation of mySAP ERP will help State Bank Group drive advancement and innovation in areas of human capital management and enterprise resource planning, such as e-learning, virtual classrooms, career development and succession planning, competency assessment, performance management and property management."
The enterprise resource planning (ERP) application from SAP would serve State Bank Group's global strength of more than 370,000 employees and retirees, making it one of the largest HCM implementations in the banking industry globally. With the SAP software, the State Bank Group aims to respond faster to market demands, enable real-time information access and assign the right people to the right positions at the right time.
Implementation of mySAP ERP will help State Bank Group drive advancement and innovation in areas of human capital management and enterprise resource planning, such as e-learning, virtual classrooms, career development and succession planning, competency assessment, performance management and property management."
Computerworld > NetWeaver dominates SAP conference
Computerworld > NetWeaver dominates SAP conference: "However, several other users were more hesitant about adopting the technology, wondering just what it would entail or fearing they would have to abandon their existing investments in Microsoft .Net technology.
Just what NetWeaver is has yet to be fully defined, says Stanley Ezzell, vice president of strategic initiatives at Wellborn Cabinet. The furniture maker has successfully deployed a set of ERP applications through the SAP BusinessOne programme, which is tailored to medium-sized businesses. Ezzell has done customisations with his R/3 application and doesn�t want to lose them if he consolidates his stack on NetWeaver.
�What NetWeaver really means to the R/3 customer I don�t know,� he says. He is also unclear about just what migration path he would have to take to get mySAP ERP 2005 if he chose to migrate.
�For me to go and say to my company, �We�ve spent millions on this and, guess what, we�ll spend more millions for that�, I might be calling looking for another job,� he says. For now, he plans to hold off making any moves until he has a higher comfort level with SAP�s plans.
SAP executives have made it clear they won�t force any customers to NetWeaver and have stressed that it�s an open, industry-standard-based architecture. "
Just what NetWeaver is has yet to be fully defined, says Stanley Ezzell, vice president of strategic initiatives at Wellborn Cabinet. The furniture maker has successfully deployed a set of ERP applications through the SAP BusinessOne programme, which is tailored to medium-sized businesses. Ezzell has done customisations with his R/3 application and doesn�t want to lose them if he consolidates his stack on NetWeaver.
�What NetWeaver really means to the R/3 customer I don�t know,� he says. He is also unclear about just what migration path he would have to take to get mySAP ERP 2005 if he chose to migrate.
�For me to go and say to my company, �We�ve spent millions on this and, guess what, we�ll spend more millions for that�, I might be calling looking for another job,� he says. For now, he plans to hold off making any moves until he has a higher comfort level with SAP�s plans.
SAP executives have made it clear they won�t force any customers to NetWeaver and have stressed that it�s an open, industry-standard-based architecture. "
Computerworld > NetWeaver dominates SAP conference
Computerworld > NetWeaver dominates SAP conference: "However, several other users were more hesitant about adopting the technology, wondering just what it would entail or fearing they would have to abandon their existing investments in Microsoft .Net technology.
Just what NetWeaver is has yet to be fully defined, says Stanley Ezzell, vice president of strategic initiatives at Wellborn Cabinet. The furniture maker has successfully deployed a set of ERP applications through the SAP BusinessOne programme, which is tailored to medium-sized businesses. Ezzell has done customisations with his R/3 application and doesn�t want to lose them if he consolidates his stack on NetWeaver.
�What NetWeaver really means to the R/3 customer I don�t know,� he says. He is also unclear about just what migration path he would have to take to get mySAP ERP 2005 if he chose to migrate.
�For me to go and say to my company, �We�ve spent millions on this and, guess what, we�ll spend more millions for that�, I might be calling looking for another job,� he says. For now, he plans to hold off making any moves until he has a higher comfort level with SAP�s plans.
SAP executives have made it clear they won�t force any customers to NetWeaver and have stressed that it�s an open, industry-standard-based architecture. "
Just what NetWeaver is has yet to be fully defined, says Stanley Ezzell, vice president of strategic initiatives at Wellborn Cabinet. The furniture maker has successfully deployed a set of ERP applications through the SAP BusinessOne programme, which is tailored to medium-sized businesses. Ezzell has done customisations with his R/3 application and doesn�t want to lose them if he consolidates his stack on NetWeaver.
�What NetWeaver really means to the R/3 customer I don�t know,� he says. He is also unclear about just what migration path he would have to take to get mySAP ERP 2005 if he chose to migrate.
�For me to go and say to my company, �We�ve spent millions on this and, guess what, we�ll spend more millions for that�, I might be calling looking for another job,� he says. For now, he plans to hold off making any moves until he has a higher comfort level with SAP�s plans.
SAP executives have made it clear they won�t force any customers to NetWeaver and have stressed that it�s an open, industry-standard-based architecture. "
Computerworld > SAP promises interface will make apps easier for users
Computerworld > SAP promises interface will make apps easier for users: "SAP developed the GUI over the past year, through a close partnership with Macromedia and Adobe Systems, which acquired Macromedia in December.
Project Muse will let users access SAP�s mySAP Business Suite applications from their Mac, Linux or Windows desktops and from mobile devices, says Shai Agassi, president of SAP�s product and technology group. He demonstrated the interface during his keynote address at the Sapphire conference."
Project Muse will let users access SAP�s mySAP Business Suite applications from their Mac, Linux or Windows desktops and from mobile devices, says Shai Agassi, president of SAP�s product and technology group. He demonstrated the interface during his keynote address at the Sapphire conference."
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Stock Market News and Investment Information | Reuters.com
Stock Market News and Investment Information Reuters.com: "Software maker SAP (SAPG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday played down speculation it was interested in a merger, saying it was happy to remain independent and saw no reason to emulate rival Oracle (ORCL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) in pursuing major M&A deals.
'We are independent and we are pretty strong so there's no reason why we should not continue,' Chief Executive Henning Kagermann told journalists ahead of a company event in Paris.
SAP's co-founder and supervisory board chairman Hasso Plattner said in a newspaper interview published earlier this month that only three companies were capable of buying SAP: IBM (IBM.N: Quote, Profile, Research), Microsoft (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) and Google (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research)."
'We are independent and we are pretty strong so there's no reason why we should not continue,' Chief Executive Henning Kagermann told journalists ahead of a company event in Paris.
SAP's co-founder and supervisory board chairman Hasso Plattner said in a newspaper interview published earlier this month that only three companies were capable of buying SAP: IBM (IBM.N: Quote, Profile, Research), Microsoft (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) and Google (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research)."
Four Hundred Stuff--SAP on the iSeries: No Longer the "Best Kept Secret"?
Four Hundred Stuff--SAP on the iSeries: No Longer the "Best Kept Secret"?: "While SAP on the iSeries numbers are trending up, they still trail the pSeries installs by a fairly significant margin, according to Koerner, who's also in charge of the SAP relationship as it pertains to the AIX server. And while Unix used to be the favored platform for all SAP implementations, Unix installs now pale in comparison to SAP's business on Windows, which make up by far the majority of SAP implementations. HP, for example, recently boasted of more than 50,000 SAP installations, most of which it obtained in its acquisition of Compaq's Windows-based server business.
There is also the fact that practically all SAP implementations are going to require at least one Microsoft Windows Server running SQL Server, as some modules only run on Windows and SQL Server. 'There are some SAP modules that are not supported on OS/400 native. But that's the same for Unix based,' Koerner says. 'Some of the SAP modules required the SQL database running on Windows Intel only. It's no problem for the iSeries customer because we support the Windows application by either using the IXS or attaching the System x server to a system i box.'
Despite these hurdles, the prognosis of SAP on the iSeries is good, Koerner says. 'Yes, it is more difficult. But I think SAP has done a lot of work over the last one-and-a-half to two years to improve their reputation,' he says. Hopefully, the work will dispel the reputation of SAP on the iSeries as the best kept secret in business software. "
There is also the fact that practically all SAP implementations are going to require at least one Microsoft Windows Server running SQL Server, as some modules only run on Windows and SQL Server. 'There are some SAP modules that are not supported on OS/400 native. But that's the same for Unix based,' Koerner says. 'Some of the SAP modules required the SQL database running on Windows Intel only. It's no problem for the iSeries customer because we support the Windows application by either using the IXS or attaching the System x server to a system i box.'
Despite these hurdles, the prognosis of SAP on the iSeries is good, Koerner says. 'Yes, it is more difficult. But I think SAP has done a lot of work over the last one-and-a-half to two years to improve their reputation,' he says. Hopefully, the work will dispel the reputation of SAP on the iSeries as the best kept secret in business software. "
The 'City of Light' Illuminates With SAP: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
The 'City of Light' Illuminates With SAP: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "As part of the selection process, Paris city officials evaluated several software vendors and consulted with comparable city governments, including Vienna, Madrid and Paris sister city Rome, all which have chosen SAP. In addition to extensive public sector experience, the city was also seeking a solution that would support its move to an open source environment. City officials were impressed by SAP's accomplishments in this area, such as porting SAP solutions to run on Linux as early as 1999 and the company's continuing support for open source databases. City officials also consider SAP NetWeaver� a great technical platform to power the city's current and future application infrastructure, as the platform's open and standards-based approach allows customers the broadest possible choice in their technology road maps.
'The financial system will be the backbone that allows us to manage all the processes of both the department and the city,' said Pierre Guinot-Delery, general secretary, Paris City Council.
Accenture, with the contribution of SAP Consulting, has been selected to manage the implementation, training and rollout of the financial system. mySAP ERP will be used by up to 2,000 users progressively from beginning of the first quarter of 2007 until completion of the rollout at the beginning of 2008."
'The financial system will be the backbone that allows us to manage all the processes of both the department and the city,' said Pierre Guinot-Delery, general secretary, Paris City Council.
Accenture, with the contribution of SAP Consulting, has been selected to manage the implementation, training and rollout of the financial system. mySAP ERP will be used by up to 2,000 users progressively from beginning of the first quarter of 2007 until completion of the rollout at the beginning of 2008."
India's Largest Bank Chooses SAP to Streamline Human Capital Management Worldwide: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
India's Largest Bank Chooses SAP to Streamline Human Capital Management Worldwide: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "SAP was selected to align the State Bank Group's current human resource management system (HRMS) with the groups' growing business needs and to empower its large workforce to manage processes in a collaborative environment. Using SAP� software, State Bank Group aims to respond faster to market demands, enable real-time information access and assign the right people to the right positions at the right time.
Implementation of mySAP ERP will help State Bank Group drive advancement and innovation in areas of human capital management and enterprise resource planning such as e-learning, virtual classrooms, career development and succession planning, competency assessment, performance management and property management."
Implementation of mySAP ERP will help State Bank Group drive advancement and innovation in areas of human capital management and enterprise resource planning such as e-learning, virtual classrooms, career development and succession planning, competency assessment, performance management and property management."
The Four Hundred--IBM to Buy SAP? Why Not?
The Four Hundred--IBM to Buy SAP? Why Not?: "The question you need to ask is this: How many more SAP installations can there be in a world where IBM has 500,000 enterprise customers, which is the largest installed base of enterprise customers in the world?
Which is why SAP might give some serious consideration to doing the following: Buying IBM."
Which is why SAP might give some serious consideration to doing the following: Buying IBM."
SAP CEO Kagermann reiterates company wants to remain independent - Forbes.com
SAP CEO Kagermann reiterates company wants to remain independent - Forbes.com: "Kagermann added that SAP does not plan to 'initiate' merger talks with any of its major rivals.
A report appeared in the French press earlier this week stating that SAP was in exploratory talks with Microsoft Corp. "
A report appeared in the French press earlier this week stating that SAP was in exploratory talks with Microsoft Corp. "
SAP sees most customers using new core product by 2009 - MarketWatch
SAP sees most customers using new core product by 2009 - MarketWatch: "German software giant SAP AG (SAP) anticipates that virtually all its customers will have migrated to the company's new core product by the end of 2009, a senior SAP executive responsible for product development said Tuesday.
Shai Agassi, who is also a member of SAP's executive board said: 'In 18 months 6,000 ERP customers will have migrated, and 15 months later that number will rise to 15,000.' Agassi was speaking in an interview with Dow Jones Newswires at the sidelines of SAP's customer-event Sapphire in Paris.
ERP, or Enterprise Resource Planning, is software that automates back-office functions of corporations. SAP has build its business on ERP systems R/2 and R/3. With R/3, SAP became the world's largest business-software maker, expanding its annual sales to about $10 billion last year from around $1 billion in the mid-1990s. "
Shai Agassi, who is also a member of SAP's executive board said: 'In 18 months 6,000 ERP customers will have migrated, and 15 months later that number will rise to 15,000.' Agassi was speaking in an interview with Dow Jones Newswires at the sidelines of SAP's customer-event Sapphire in Paris.
ERP, or Enterprise Resource Planning, is software that automates back-office functions of corporations. SAP has build its business on ERP systems R/2 and R/3. With R/3, SAP became the world's largest business-software maker, expanding its annual sales to about $10 billion last year from around $1 billion in the mid-1990s. "
Stock Market News and Investment Information | Reuters.com
Stock Market News and Investment Information Reuters.com: " SAP CEO says happy for firm to remain independent
Mon May 29, 2006 12:33 PM ET
PARIS, May 29 (Reuters) - Software maker SAP (SAPG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday played down speculation it was interested in a merger, saying it was happy to remain independent and saw no reason to emulate rival Oracle (ORCL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) in pursuing major M&A deals.
'We are independent and we are pretty strong so there's no reason why we should not continue,' Chief Executive Henning Kagermann told journalists ahead of a company event in Paris.
SAP's co-founder and supervisory board chairman Hasso Plattner said in a newspaper interview published earlier this month that only three companies were capable of buying SAP: IBM (IBM.N: Quote, Profile, Research), Microsoft (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) and Google (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research).
SAP has in the past held exploratory merger talks with Microsoft and Plattner said he could imagine a merger with IBM -- rumours of which have swirled around markets recently -- although he said no talks were going on"
Mon May 29, 2006 12:33 PM ET
PARIS, May 29 (Reuters) - Software maker SAP (SAPG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday played down speculation it was interested in a merger, saying it was happy to remain independent and saw no reason to emulate rival Oracle (ORCL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) in pursuing major M&A deals.
'We are independent and we are pretty strong so there's no reason why we should not continue,' Chief Executive Henning Kagermann told journalists ahead of a company event in Paris.
SAP's co-founder and supervisory board chairman Hasso Plattner said in a newspaper interview published earlier this month that only three companies were capable of buying SAP: IBM (IBM.N: Quote, Profile, Research), Microsoft (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) and Google (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research).
SAP has in the past held exploratory merger talks with Microsoft and Plattner said he could imagine a merger with IBM -- rumours of which have swirled around markets recently -- although he said no talks were going on"
Wrigley's trade promotion gets boost with SAP CRM
Wrigley's trade promotion gets boost with SAP CRM: "The trade promotion management system goes live on July 10 in the U.S. and Canada, but it will not include the mobile salesforce. If all goes well with the pilot systems, Wrigley plans to roll out SAP's trade promotion management application in Australia by the end of 2006 and in parts of Europe in 2007. "
RED HERRING | SAP Wants to Be Single
RED HERRING SAP Wants to Be Single: "SAP is the market leader in business applications that help companies run core business functions such as accounting, inventory, human resources, and salesforce automation.
"We are independent and we are pretty strong, so there's no reason why we should not continue," said Mr. Kagermann, according to Reuters.
Shares of SAP's American depository receipts dropped $1.00 to $52.70 in recent trading.
Earlier this month, SAP co-founder and supervisory board Chairman Hasso Plattner said only three companies were capable of buying SAP: Microsoft, IBM, and Google. He added that he did not see too many scenarios in which the company could be merged, and confirmed there were no ongoing talks"
"We are independent and we are pretty strong, so there's no reason why we should not continue," said Mr. Kagermann, according to Reuters.
Shares of SAP's American depository receipts dropped $1.00 to $52.70 in recent trading.
Earlier this month, SAP co-founder and supervisory board Chairman Hasso Plattner said only three companies were capable of buying SAP: Microsoft, IBM, and Google. He added that he did not see too many scenarios in which the company could be merged, and confirmed there were no ongoing talks"
NextAction dumps Microsoft for Oracle and open source
NextAction dumps Microsoft for Oracle and open source: "Helle said that he had never seen SQL Server scale to that size and believed it was time for a change. He was also concerned about the operating system and the hardware.
'It just was a matter of the company growing so fast and the data volume growing so fast that it just outpaced SQL Server,' Helle said. '[And] I like Windows for my desktop, but I didn't like Windows running a 13 terabyte database environment.'
Following a lengthy evaluation and testing process, the company decided to dump Microsoft Windows and SQL Server for Oracle Database 10g running on the open source Suse Linux operating system from Novell Inc. During the six-month implementation which lasted from December to June of 2005, Helle said the firm also moved off direct attached SCSI storage in favor of an HP-based storage area network (SAN) offering from a local reseller.
Helle says the biggest benefit of the now-completed initiative -- other than protected revenue as a result of reduced downtime -- is the fact that things run a lot faster now. He added that the new systems store data much more efficiently, resulting in smaller file sizes.
'We have a much faster system now and a much more scalable system,' he said. 'Right now that primary database is up to about seven terabytes, and we're on a SAN that can grow to about 330 terabytes.' "
'It just was a matter of the company growing so fast and the data volume growing so fast that it just outpaced SQL Server,' Helle said. '[And] I like Windows for my desktop, but I didn't like Windows running a 13 terabyte database environment.'
Following a lengthy evaluation and testing process, the company decided to dump Microsoft Windows and SQL Server for Oracle Database 10g running on the open source Suse Linux operating system from Novell Inc. During the six-month implementation which lasted from December to June of 2005, Helle said the firm also moved off direct attached SCSI storage in favor of an HP-based storage area network (SAN) offering from a local reseller.
Helle says the biggest benefit of the now-completed initiative -- other than protected revenue as a result of reduced downtime -- is the fact that things run a lot faster now. He added that the new systems store data much more efficiently, resulting in smaller file sizes.
'We have a much faster system now and a much more scalable system,' he said. 'Right now that primary database is up to about seven terabytes, and we're on a SAN that can grow to about 330 terabytes.' "
news - SAP and Tata Consultancy Services Expand Partnership to Accelerate Customers� Journey to Enterprise SOA
news - SAP and Tata Consultancy Services Expand Partnership to Accelerate Customers� Journey to Enterprise SOA: "TCS � A New SAP Global Services Partner
TCS joins a select group of the market�s largest consultancies to join the �SAP Global Partner � Services� program. As a new global services partner, TCS will invest in joint marketing resources and strategic planning with SAP going forward. TCS� services practice for SAP applications currently employs more than 2,200 people worldwide with significant investments in building composite applications that are powered by the SAP NetWeaver� platform. The company is strengthening its field teams serving SAP customers globally and also is building competencies through investment in 20,000 training days over the next two years. "
TCS joins a select group of the market�s largest consultancies to join the �SAP Global Partner � Services� program. As a new global services partner, TCS will invest in joint marketing resources and strategic planning with SAP going forward. TCS� services practice for SAP applications currently employs more than 2,200 people worldwide with significant investments in building composite applications that are powered by the SAP NetWeaver� platform. The company is strengthening its field teams serving SAP customers globally and also is building competencies through investment in 20,000 training days over the next two years. "
Daily Times - Site Edition
Daily Times - Site Edition: "The certification of Oracle applications, which includes Oracle Retail, Oracle e-business Suite, PeopleSoft and JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, with Oracle Fusion Middleware is expected to benefit customers both immediately and in the long-term.
The certifications make it easier for organizations to integrate their Oracle retail applications with other packaged and custom applications using a service-oriented architecture (SOA). �The choice is paramount for retailers,� said Duncan Angove, senior vice president and general manager, Oracle Retail Global Business Unit. "
The certifications make it easier for organizations to integrate their Oracle retail applications with other packaged and custom applications using a service-oriented architecture (SOA). �The choice is paramount for retailers,� said Duncan Angove, senior vice president and general manager, Oracle Retail Global Business Unit. "
Friday, May 26, 2006
TiVo turns to SAP, BearingPoint after outsourcing disaster
TiVo turns to SAP, BearingPoint after outsourcing disaster: "Those who know of TiVo, probably don't know the beginning of the TiVo story, Zoppi said. Early on, the company relied heavily on third-party providers and outsourced critical factors of its business. Once the logistics provider crashed and burned, he said, things had to change.
This was the defining moment for the company, Zoppi said. TiVo turned to BearingPoint Inc., a consulting firm it used for an SAP R/3 implementation in 2000. Together with BearingPoint, TiVo worked quickly not only to save immediate logistical plans but to create better business processes for the future.
TiVo wanted to take advantage of BearingPoint's experience from the initial implementation in 2000. Albert Kleynhans, senior manager for SAP and CRM at BearingPoint, worked as an adviser on the initial implementation and was brought in for the latest project. "
This was the defining moment for the company, Zoppi said. TiVo turned to BearingPoint Inc., a consulting firm it used for an SAP R/3 implementation in 2000. Together with BearingPoint, TiVo worked quickly not only to save immediate logistical plans but to create better business processes for the future.
TiVo wanted to take advantage of BearingPoint's experience from the initial implementation in 2000. Albert Kleynhans, senior manager for SAP and CRM at BearingPoint, worked as an adviser on the initial implementation and was brought in for the latest project. "
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2006/052506-smb-china-kingdee.html
http://www.networkworld.com/cgi-bin/mailto/x.cgi: "At present, Kingdee competes with SAP and Oracle in the midmarket ERP (enterprise resource planning) space, but not in the high-end applications arena. The largest single customer deal Kingdee signed in 2005 was under $1 million, Ho said.
However, the Chinese company is already spending around two-thirds of its R&D budget on its Enterprise Application Suite (EAS) offering. Kingdee is also working with EAS customers to build up its expertise in particular industries. For instance, the company has worked closely with Wuhan Tobacco Group on its specific ERP implementation needs so Kingdee can later apply the knowledge learnt to other companies in the same industry, he said.
Kingdee was pleasantly surprised recently to be named by SAP as a future possible competitor, Ho said.
L�o Apotheker, SAP president of customer solutions and operations, described Kingdee as a 'meaningful company' at SAP's Sapphire U.S. user conference last week in Orlando. While Hasso Plattner, SAP's co-founder, said he expects to see a major Chinese applications player emerge within the next five to 10 years.
Kingdee is hoping to be that company, with the goal of becoming the dominant SMB ERP market player in Asia-Pacific by 2010 and harbors a longer term, more ambitious desire to rank among the world's top 10 application software providers. "
However, the Chinese company is already spending around two-thirds of its R&D budget on its Enterprise Application Suite (EAS) offering. Kingdee is also working with EAS customers to build up its expertise in particular industries. For instance, the company has worked closely with Wuhan Tobacco Group on its specific ERP implementation needs so Kingdee can later apply the knowledge learnt to other companies in the same industry, he said.
Kingdee was pleasantly surprised recently to be named by SAP as a future possible competitor, Ho said.
L�o Apotheker, SAP president of customer solutions and operations, described Kingdee as a 'meaningful company' at SAP's Sapphire U.S. user conference last week in Orlando. While Hasso Plattner, SAP's co-founder, said he expects to see a major Chinese applications player emerge within the next five to 10 years.
Kingdee is hoping to be that company, with the goal of becoming the dominant SMB ERP market player in Asia-Pacific by 2010 and harbors a longer term, more ambitious desire to rank among the world's top 10 application software providers. "
People's Daily Online -- SAP and Neusoft join forces
People's Daily Online -- SAP and Neusoft join forces: "German software maker SAP and China's largest software exporter Neusoft announced yesterday that they will sign a co-operation agreement to form a strategic partnership.
The move aims to better tap into China's large, small and medium-sized business (SMB) enterprise resource planning (ERP) software market.
Under the agreement, SAP will invest 10 million euros (US$12.8 million) to buy a nearly 3-per cent stake in outsourcer Neusoft, the Financial Times Deutschland said yesterday, quoting company sources. Both parties declined to disclose the amount invested.
'This is a milestone in SAP's development in China,' said Klaus Zimmer, president of SAP Greater China. "
The move aims to better tap into China's large, small and medium-sized business (SMB) enterprise resource planning (ERP) software market.
Under the agreement, SAP will invest 10 million euros (US$12.8 million) to buy a nearly 3-per cent stake in outsourcer Neusoft, the Financial Times Deutschland said yesterday, quoting company sources. Both parties declined to disclose the amount invested.
'This is a milestone in SAP's development in China,' said Klaus Zimmer, president of SAP Greater China. "
Oracle Certifies Retail Merchandising Apps With Oracle Fusion Middleware 10g - ebizQ
Oracle Certifies Retail Merchandising Apps With Oracle Fusion Middleware 10g - ebizQ: "Oracle has certified Oracle(r) Retail Merchandising Planning and Optimization applications with Oracle Fusion Middleware 10g.
The certification enables retail customers to protect, extend and evolve their existing investments in Oracle Applications, using Oracle Fusion Middleware, a family of standards-based middleware products. This marks a key milestone in delivering the Oracle Fusion Architecture and the benefits of service-oriented applications to retailers."
The certification enables retail customers to protect, extend and evolve their existing investments in Oracle Applications, using Oracle Fusion Middleware, a family of standards-based middleware products. This marks a key milestone in delivering the Oracle Fusion Architecture and the benefits of service-oriented applications to retailers."
FMCG sector opts for one-two punch of hardware and ERP - Express Computer
FMCG sector opts for one-two punch of hardware and ERP - Express Computer: "A strong MNC presence in the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) sector, the existence of a wide distribution network, intense competition, the availability of key raw materials, lower labour costs, and a presence across the entire value chain have resulted in a thriving market for FMCG companies. The sector will grow by over 50 percent in rural and semi-urban India by 2010. With the opening up of the Indian market to foreign players, Indian companies have increased their use of IT as a business tool. Indeed, it has become an essential element for these companies to understand the needs of their customers and handle their employees."
SAP Partners with Neusoft to Expand in China
SAP Partners with Neusoft to Expand in China: "SAP China, a subsidiary of SAP AG, has also signed a separate agreement with Neusoft under which Neusoft will expand its training offerings for SAP software in China.
These agreements will strengthen the relationship between the two companies, further extend training and solution offerings for SAP customers in China, and establish Neusoft as an important SAP training and development center in China."
These agreements will strengthen the relationship between the two companies, further extend training and solution offerings for SAP customers in China, and establish Neusoft as an important SAP training and development center in China."
Thursday, May 25, 2006
news - Oracle Certifies Oracle� Retail Merchandising System with Oracle Fusion Middleware
news - Oracle Certifies Oracle� Retail Merchandising System with Oracle Fusion Middleware: "The certification of Oracle Applications, which includes Oracle Retail, Oracle E-Business Suite, PeopleSoft and JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, with Oracle Fusion Middleware is expected to benefit customers both immediately and in the long-term. Today, the certifications make it easier for organizations to integrate their Oracle Retail applications with other packaged and custom applications using a service-oriented architecture (SOA). Additionally, as the underlying SOA platform for Oracle Fusion Applications, Oracle Fusion Middleware will help customers to more easily move to Oracle Fusion Applications, if they choose to do so. Today, and in the future, retailers will benefit from the ability to integrate multiple systems in a secure manner-from supply chain and merchandising to point-of-sale-and adjust their processes and policies to react to market changes like seasonal demands and regional expansion.
Retailers Integrate Best-of-Breed Applications Establishing this type of architecture is crucial for retailers that have, over the years, adopted a wide range of best-of-breed solutions and now want those solutions to work in concert."
Retailers Integrate Best-of-Breed Applications Establishing this type of architecture is crucial for retailers that have, over the years, adopted a wide range of best-of-breed solutions and now want those solutions to work in concert."
SAP's Agassi Outlines ESA
SAP's Agassi Outlines ESA: "What SAP has put in place since it first introduced the concept of ESA is the underlying technology platform, NetWeaver�essentially a middleware platform that takes on development, master data management and integration, among other infrastructure components.
At the same time, SAP's componentized its applications�or at least is well down the road�and created the first ERP suite (mySAP ERP 2005, released May 17) that encompasses ESA and NetWeaver.
To read more about NetWeaver, click here.
It also created an Enterprise Services Repository, with the first 500 mySAP ERP 2005 Web services documented and productized.
It's possible customers aren't quite getting it. "
At the same time, SAP's componentized its applications�or at least is well down the road�and created the first ERP suite (mySAP ERP 2005, released May 17) that encompasses ESA and NetWeaver.
To read more about NetWeaver, click here.
It also created an Enterprise Services Repository, with the first 500 mySAP ERP 2005 Web services documented and productized.
It's possible customers aren't quite getting it. "
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
SAP to extend enterprise search to Google with Argo
SAP to extend enterprise search to Google with Argo: "The new software also extends SAP enterprise search to connect to Web services. A generic Web service that invokes search services such as Google is included in the beta version, according to information obtained from the SAP Developer Network Web site."
SAP United States - Press Release
SAP United States - Press Release: "SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced the signing of several agreements with Neusoft Group, one of China�s leading IT services and training companies. At a global level, SAP concluded a master relationship agreement with Neusoft that will expand cooperation between the two organizations. SAP will also take a minority equity stake in the Neusoft Group. Terms of the all-cash transaction were not disclosed. In addition, SAP China, a subsidiary of SAP AG, signed a separate agreement with Neusoft under which Neusoft will expand its training offerings for SAP� software in China. Together, the agreements will deepen the relationship between the two companies, further extend training and solution offerings for SAP customers in China, and establish Neusoft as an important SAP training and development center in China. The agreements are the latest in a series of steps extending SAP�s operations in China and expanding its ability to serve Chinese customers and partners across the country"
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
SAPPHIRE Blogger Corps
SAPPHIRE Blogger Corps: "The greatest contention I have with the more formal message came from Bill McDermot who runs SAP America, a cute soundbite that Best of Breed does not Breed. Well, Best of Show is a Dog. First of all, the longstanding claim against a diverse vendor population is that if proliferated results in complexity unwanted by IT. Second, this contradicts the NetWeaver vision of SoA reducing the need to standardize on a software stack and enabling ISVs to deliver value. Third, it's the ecosystem that wags the dog into needed change. Fourth, why would software be the one area of spending that shouldn't adopt a portfolio strategy. Fifth, when I look at the industry today I see substantial innovation. I'm harping on a soundbite out of context, and the comment was probably more directed towards Oracle. "
New data transfer tool could ease SAP upgrades
New data transfer tool could ease SAP upgrades: "The tool was previously used by SAP's services organization to help customers migrate data from one instance to another. SAP executives decided to make the tool available to SAP customers who are experiencing trouble moving data across SAP environments to conduct testing of new software development, implementations and upgrades.
Called the SAP Test Data Migration Server, the tool simplifies the process of extracting representative application data from a productive system and standardizes the set-up of non-productive systems.
'The process for migrating data from production to non production has been a real headache job for IT support staff,' said Paul Hamerman, vice president of enterprise applications at Forrester Research Inc. 'This tool is what SAP needs to make the process easier and support upgrades and implementations.' "
Called the SAP Test Data Migration Server, the tool simplifies the process of extracting representative application data from a productive system and standardizes the set-up of non-productive systems.
'The process for migrating data from production to non production has been a real headache job for IT support staff,' said Paul Hamerman, vice president of enterprise applications at Forrester Research Inc. 'This tool is what SAP needs to make the process easier and support upgrades and implementations.' "
Doughnut firm swaps SAP for Coda - Technology\Enterprise Software - 23/May/2006
Global doughnut and coffee chain Krispy Kreme has switched financial systems from SAP Business One to Coda.Dominic Jaques, finance director at Krispy Kreme, said, “The main reason for changing supplier was to get the weekly sales information to the stores in a controlled environment where everybody has got the same set of...
... numbers on their screens.”
Krispy Kreme had been using SAP Business One since it launched in the UK in 2003. It took the decision to switch to Coda last November, and the changeover took less than three months.
The system not only gives managers a single view of business data, it allows Krispy Kreme to set up new stores more quickly, said Jaques. “We can do things now in hours that took me days before,” he said.This could be critical to Krispy Kreme because the retailer plans to grow its turnover from the £12.5m it achieved last year to £80m by 2010 through store expansion.
... numbers on their screens.”
Krispy Kreme had been using SAP Business One since it launched in the UK in 2003. It took the decision to switch to Coda last November, and the changeover took less than three months.
The system not only gives managers a single view of business data, it allows Krispy Kreme to set up new stores more quickly, said Jaques. “We can do things now in hours that took me days before,” he said.This could be critical to Krispy Kreme because the retailer plans to grow its turnover from the £12.5m it achieved last year to £80m by 2010 through store expansion.
Krispy Kreme and SAP to take UK by storm - vnunet.com
Krispy Kreme and SAP to take UK by storm - vnunet.com: "Krispy Kreme, the US doughnut brand, is implementing SAP Business One by working with UK VAR PCMS Group as it begins operations in the UK.
As a 'nominated reseller' for SAP Retail products, PCMS handles all of Kripsy Kreme's IT provision as a fully managed service.
This includes 24-hour helpdesk support, installing point-of-sale (POS) systems and the integration of Business One with its IT infrastructure."
As a 'nominated reseller' for SAP Retail products, PCMS handles all of Kripsy Kreme's IT provision as a fully managed service.
This includes 24-hour helpdesk support, installing point-of-sale (POS) systems and the integration of Business One with its IT infrastructure."
SAP sweetens deal for doughnut brand - vnunet.com
SAP sweetens deal for doughnut brand - vnunet.com: "And, in a move to simplify its management, Krispy Kreme has outsourced its SAP implementation and bespoke technical integration with its point-of-sales system to reseller PCMS Group.
'Our IT strategy makes my life as simple as possible,' said Jaques. 'It ensures that the system is easy and simple to maintain and that there are as few manual points of intervention as possible.'
PCMS' Java bean-based retail platform, BeanStore, will capture the point-of-sale data created in future Krispy Kreme stores and integrate it into Business One.
The combination of Krispy Kreme's IT strategy and Business One's functionality means 'we have one set of numbers in the system', said Jaques.
'We have found a solution that will allow us to grow that is like manna from heaven.'"
'Our IT strategy makes my life as simple as possible,' said Jaques. 'It ensures that the system is easy and simple to maintain and that there are as few manual points of intervention as possible.'
PCMS' Java bean-based retail platform, BeanStore, will capture the point-of-sale data created in future Krispy Kreme stores and integrate it into Business One.
The combination of Krispy Kreme's IT strategy and Business One's functionality means 'we have one set of numbers in the system', said Jaques.
'We have found a solution that will allow us to grow that is like manna from heaven.'"
IT Business
IT Business: "One SAP-Microsoft partner already working on an early version of the software is Montreal's Nakisa Inc., whose Web-based application lets users create organization charts and diagrams from SAP data.
�For us, (Duet) is an exciting opportunity,� said John Payes, director of Nakisa's Microsoft partnership.
The first release of the software will include four �scenarios,� linking to SAP's budget monitoring aimed mainly at general users covering time management, leave management and organization management functions."
�For us, (Duet) is an exciting opportunity,� said John Payes, director of Nakisa's Microsoft partnership.
The first release of the software will include four �scenarios,� linking to SAP's budget monitoring aimed mainly at general users covering time management, leave management and organization management functions."
Four Hundred Stuff--SAP Focuses on Web Services, SOA with mySAP ERP 2005
Four Hundred Stuff--SAP Focuses on Web Services, SOA with mySAP ERP 2005: "The new Web services in mySAP ERP 2005 will enable users to more quickly and easily connect with the business systems of their customers and suppliers, says Henning Kagermann, SAP's CEO. 'Now customers and partners can build composite solutions on top of our service-enabled suite,' he says. 'Customers cannot vertically integrate all they need�..[they need to] partner with suppliers and service providers. And it has to be flexible; the switch has be seamless and done in a minute.'
SAP also announced the enterprise services workplace as a way for users, developers, business partners, and even SAP employees to work together on these 500 business processes to be delivered within the 28 industry verticals supported by the mySAP Business Suite. The enterprise SOA exploration tool will be available on the SAP Developer Network at www.sdn.sap.com."
SAP also announced the enterprise services workplace as a way for users, developers, business partners, and even SAP employees to work together on these 500 business processes to be delivered within the 28 industry verticals supported by the mySAP Business Suite. The enterprise SOA exploration tool will be available on the SAP Developer Network at www.sdn.sap.com."
Shakers: EasyJet is studying a Middle East unit - Marketplace by Bloomberg - International Herald Tribune
Shakers: EasyJet is studying a Middle East unit - Marketplace by Bloomberg - International Herald Tribune: "SAP, based in Walldorf, Germany, now generates less than 1 percent of its total sales from the country, Kagermann said during an interview in Beijing. Kagermann is among a group of executives accompanying Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany on a trip to China.
SAP plans to grow in China by tapping smaller clients, a strategy it is also applying globally as new deals with large corporations become scarcer.
To spur growth, SAP entered a partnership on Monday with the Chinese software provider Neusoft, Kagermann said. The alliance will also help SAP recruit more local workers from universities, he said. SAP plans to hire 3,500 people this year."
SAP plans to grow in China by tapping smaller clients, a strategy it is also applying globally as new deals with large corporations become scarcer.
To spur growth, SAP entered a partnership on Monday with the Chinese software provider Neusoft, Kagermann said. The alliance will also help SAP recruit more local workers from universities, he said. SAP plans to hire 3,500 people this year."
Monday, May 22, 2006
SAP and on-demand: 'The switch is tougher' | Newsmakers | CNET News.com
SAP and on-demand: 'The switch is tougher' Newsmakers CNET News.com: "What about your customer base? How far along are they in moving to a services architecture?
Kagermann: Well, the customer base has to do a lot. I think there has been some introduction in the customer base. But I believe the first big wave will come this year.
SAP has been, more or less, the first company bringing those applications to the market. The first was last year with ERP 2004, but we had no services in. With ERP 2005, we now have over 500 services, so now you can really say this is ERP on a services architecture. Over time, you can imagine that we will have 1,000 or 1,500 services. But with 500, you can already do a lot.
I think customers now see that this is a step where it makes sense to switch from client-server, because they already, with these services, have 70 percent of what they need and the rest comes in smaller chunks, so it's worth doing it."
Kagermann: Well, the customer base has to do a lot. I think there has been some introduction in the customer base. But I believe the first big wave will come this year.
SAP has been, more or less, the first company bringing those applications to the market. The first was last year with ERP 2004, but we had no services in. With ERP 2005, we now have over 500 services, so now you can really say this is ERP on a services architecture. Over time, you can imagine that we will have 1,000 or 1,500 services. But with 500, you can already do a lot.
I think customers now see that this is a step where it makes sense to switch from client-server, because they already, with these services, have 70 percent of what they need and the rest comes in smaller chunks, so it's worth doing it."
Agassi: SAP to 'compete like gentlemen' | InfoWorld | News | 2006-05-22 | By China Martens, IDG News Service
Agassi: SAP to 'compete like gentlemen' InfoWorld News 2006-05-22 By China Martens, IDG News Service: "IDGNS: How quickly are SAP users moving from your older R/3 applications to the newer mySAP versions?
Agassi: It's typically very fast. It'll be 6,000 to 8,000 customers moving to mySAP ERP [enterprise resource planning] over the next 18 months. That's equivalent to all of PeopleSoft. It's as if Oracle converted all PeopleSoft users to Oracle 11i or Fusion. That's the magnitude of what we're doing. "
Agassi: It's typically very fast. It'll be 6,000 to 8,000 customers moving to mySAP ERP [enterprise resource planning] over the next 18 months. That's equivalent to all of PeopleSoft. It's as if Oracle converted all PeopleSoft users to Oracle 11i or Fusion. That's the magnitude of what we're doing. "
SAP to expand in Chinese software market via tie-up with China's Neusoft - Forbes.com
SAP to expand in Chinese software market via tie-up with China's Neusoft - Forbes.com: " SAP AG will sign a cooperation agreement with China's Neusoft today in order to expand its presence in the Chinese software market, chief executive Henning Kagermann told the Financial Times Deutschland.
'The strategic investment shows that this cooperation is going to be quite meaningful,' Kagermann told the newspaper.
Kagermann said Neusoft's main attraction is its qualified workforce, which makes software specifically for the Chinese market.
Industry sources told the newspaper that SAP will invest 10 mln eur in Neusoft and receive a 3 pct stake in the company."
'The strategic investment shows that this cooperation is going to be quite meaningful,' Kagermann told the newspaper.
Kagermann said Neusoft's main attraction is its qualified workforce, which makes software specifically for the Chinese market.
Industry sources told the newspaper that SAP will invest 10 mln eur in Neusoft and receive a 3 pct stake in the company."
SAP marries CRM on-premise to CRM on-demand
SAP marries CRM on-premise to CRM on-demand: "SAP CRM 2006s will be released this summer and will be Web service-enabled for ease of integration with SAP and non-SAP back-end systems. Customers can install mySAP CRM in complex, on-premise deployments and use the on-demand version for smaller deployments that require faster implementation times, according to executives at Sapphire, SAP's annual conference, being held here this week. The hybrid option is designed to appeal to SAP's existing customer base. In fact, SAP has acknowledged some barriers to deployment with its current CRM systems, which SAP CRM 2006s will most likely address. "
Sapphire attendees see potential in Duet, composite applications
Sapphire attendees see potential in Duet, composite applications: "Duet, the joint SAP-Microsoft project formerly known as Mendocino, was one of the hot topics, drawing crowds around both the presentation theaters and the demo stations on the conference floor.
Catherine Johnston, a global systems leader at a large consumer product manufacturer in the Chicago area, had an opportunity to see Duet. The software combines Microsoft Office products with some SAP transactions for end users. "
Catherine Johnston, a global systems leader at a large consumer product manufacturer in the Chicago area, had an opportunity to see Duet. The software combines Microsoft Office products with some SAP transactions for end users. "
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Techworld.com - SAP releases analytical engine
Techworld.com - SAP releases analytical engine: "The BI accelerator comes pre-installed on blade servers from IBM or HP powered by Intel's 64-bit Xeon processor.
SAP shipped BI accelerator to 30 initial customers in October 2005 including Novartis, The Coca-Cola Company, British Petroleum. Once it had implemented the engine, beverage manufacturer Coca-Cola saw the time to run a query against 60 million rows of data drop from 30 to three seconds, Agassi said.
BP used BI accelerator to more rapidly query five fiscal quarters of its retail data gathered from all its gas stations across Europe amounting to over one billion data records.
For testing the accelerator, SAP has recently been using blades based on Intel's latest dual-core Xeon processor, code-named Woodcrest, and has seen a doubling in performance speeds versus the older Xeon chips it initially used last year, Agassi said. "
SAP shipped BI accelerator to 30 initial customers in October 2005 including Novartis, The Coca-Cola Company, British Petroleum. Once it had implemented the engine, beverage manufacturer Coca-Cola saw the time to run a query against 60 million rows of data drop from 30 to three seconds, Agassi said.
BP used BI accelerator to more rapidly query five fiscal quarters of its retail data gathered from all its gas stations across Europe amounting to over one billion data records.
For testing the accelerator, SAP has recently been using blades based on Intel's latest dual-core Xeon processor, code-named Woodcrest, and has seen a doubling in performance speeds versus the older Xeon chips it initially used last year, Agassi said. "
SAP Executive Resource Center
SAP Executive Resource Center: "Innovation isn't all there is to selling enterprise software, but it's an excellent indicator of how a customer's investment in a particular vendor's vision is going to grow. Based on what is debuting from SAP in the next month, SAP's version of innovation looks a whole lot more innovative than Oracle's. You be the judge. "
deal architect : A Sapphire about nothing
deal architect : A Sapphire about nothing: "Yet, as I walk around and talk to several analysts in the press room where we all are, the general reaction is shrugs - no real major announcements. Till I got to Bruce Richardson of AMR Research. His comment 'Yes somewhat unexciting from an analysis perspective. But all the customers I have talked to seem to like this pace. Nothing really disruptive.'
Wait till SAP starts pushing the majority of customers to upgrade to mySAP. Indeed at the registration desk, attendees were greeted with a sheet on why they should actively consider an upgrade.
Till it does, Sapphire kinda feels like the Seinfeld show. A show with lots - yet a show about nothing, really."
Wait till SAP starts pushing the majority of customers to upgrade to mySAP. Indeed at the registration desk, attendees were greeted with a sheet on why they should actively consider an upgrade.
Till it does, Sapphire kinda feels like the Seinfeld show. A show with lots - yet a show about nothing, really."
SAP database endorsement at Sapphire bolsters feud with Oracle
SAP database endorsement at Sapphire bolsters feud with Oracle: "As many as 60% of SAP customers have deployed SAP applications on Oracle databases, said Noel Yuhanna, a senior industry analyst with Cambridge, Mass.-based Forrester Research.
'When running ERP systems like SAP, it typically requires large database deployments and the kind of high end scalability and performance that can be found in Oracle and DB2,' Yuhanna said. 'In terms of market share, it's been all Oracle, but we do see SAP trying to change that in the current market environment.' "
'When running ERP systems like SAP, it typically requires large database deployments and the kind of high end scalability and performance that can be found in Oracle and DB2,' Yuhanna said. 'In terms of market share, it's been all Oracle, but we do see SAP trying to change that in the current market environment.' "
Information Architecture > Databases > Oracle�s Fusion � too much, too soon?
Information Architecture > Databases > Oracle�s Fusion � too much, too soon?: "SOA � which has acquired buzzword status today � defines the use of services to support software user requirements. Unlike traditional point-to-point architectures, SOAs comprise loosely coupled, highly interoperable services.
The term featured prominently in yesterday's presentation by Oracle executive, Thomas Kurian at the 2006 JavaOne conference in San Francisco. Laying out his company�s 'vision of the future,' Kurian, who is senior vice-president, Oracle Server Technologies, said his company's SOA-based products 'will further simplify and help developers tailor their applications' to fit their business. "
The term featured prominently in yesterday's presentation by Oracle executive, Thomas Kurian at the 2006 JavaOne conference in San Francisco. Laying out his company�s 'vision of the future,' Kurian, who is senior vice-president, Oracle Server Technologies, said his company's SOA-based products 'will further simplify and help developers tailor their applications' to fit their business. "
Information Architecture > Databases > Oracle�s Fusion � too much, too soon?
Information Architecture > Databases > Oracle�s Fusion � too much, too soon?: "SOA � which has acquired buzzword status today � defines the use of services to support software user requirements. Unlike traditional point-to-point architectures, SOAs comprise loosely coupled, highly interoperable services.
The term featured prominently in yesterday's presentation by Oracle executive, Thomas Kurian at the 2006 JavaOne conference in San Francisco. Laying out his company�s 'vision of the future,' Kurian, who is senior vice-president, Oracle Server Technologies, said his company's SOA-based products 'will further simplify and help developers tailor their applications' to fit their business. "
The term featured prominently in yesterday's presentation by Oracle executive, Thomas Kurian at the 2006 JavaOne conference in San Francisco. Laying out his company�s 'vision of the future,' Kurian, who is senior vice-president, Oracle Server Technologies, said his company's SOA-based products 'will further simplify and help developers tailor their applications' to fit their business. "
BI Accelerator from SAP: Special to DM Review
BI Accelerator from SAP: Special to DM Review: "BI accelerator comes pre-installed on 64-bit Xeon processor-based blade servers from IBM and HP. Intel and SAP worked together to develop the engine, which they call a new breed of process-embedded analytical application that combines transactional and analytical capabilities into a single process."
SAP Unveils New CRM Software
SAP Unveils New CRM Software: "To Shai Agassi, president of the Product and Technology Group and member of the executive board, SAP, this means the company has accomplished its goals. 'SAP is innovating its CRM offering with customers' strategic business benefits in mind.'
Speaking of the future, Agassi added, 'By taking our entire CRM offering to the hybrid deployment model by 2007, we give our customers the ability to focus on their success with customers while we in turn see to it that the CRM application is integrated with backend systems and flexibly deployable in exactly the way the company benefits the most from it.' "
Speaking of the future, Agassi added, 'By taking our entire CRM offering to the hybrid deployment model by 2007, we give our customers the ability to focus on their success with customers while we in turn see to it that the CRM application is integrated with backend systems and flexibly deployable in exactly the way the company benefits the most from it.' "
AMR Research: SAP CRM Moving to Hybrid Model
AMR Research: SAP CRM Moving to Hybrid Model: "As announced with the original on-demand launch, SAP will continue to use the �isolated tenancy� architecture in which each customer will have their own individual instance of the CRM application. However, SAP and IBM (the hosting partner) will continue to roll out quarterly upgrades though a template so that all instances are always kept on the latest version.
However, not all functionality for 2006s will be available on-demand. Areas in which tight back-office integration is required will likely remain only in the on-premises version. However, SAP remains committed to rolling out enhanced features each quarter for on-demand, and it will gain a larger portion of the on-premises footprint over time."
However, not all functionality for 2006s will be available on-demand. Areas in which tight back-office integration is required will likely remain only in the on-premises version. However, SAP remains committed to rolling out enhanced features each quarter for on-demand, and it will gain a larger portion of the on-premises footprint over time."
SAP gives customers sneak peak at new interface
SAP gives customers sneak peak at new interface: "After a keynote session where customers got a glimpse of the new GUI, many said they were pleased with what they saw. The old interface was 'clunky,' not very intuitive and long overdue for improvements.
Michael Van Dan, a supply chain and warehouse management expert at Minneapolis, Minn.-based Pentair Water, said he believes SAP is on the right course. Customers may still be trying to understand NetWeaver and the development of service-oriented architectures, but this year SAP has made a lot of software enhancements, he said.
'Most of the discussions about NetWeaver seem overwhelming,' he said. 'But there's something here that every attendee can grasp.'
The Project Muse interface has a style similar to SAP's Business One interface and the ease of use of the SAP-Microsoft joint Duet product, which connects SAP processes with familiar Microsoft Office products. While SAP is moving forward with simplifying and enhancing its interfaces for end users, Microsoft is also creating an intuitive platform for end users to easily connect to business applications, said Paul Hamerman, vice president of enterprise applications at Forrester Research Inc.
'SAP knew that their interface had to be more appealing to remain competitive,' Hamerman said. 'The current environment calls for better ways to connect the end user's business processes with the appropriate applications.' "
Michael Van Dan, a supply chain and warehouse management expert at Minneapolis, Minn.-based Pentair Water, said he believes SAP is on the right course. Customers may still be trying to understand NetWeaver and the development of service-oriented architectures, but this year SAP has made a lot of software enhancements, he said.
'Most of the discussions about NetWeaver seem overwhelming,' he said. 'But there's something here that every attendee can grasp.'
The Project Muse interface has a style similar to SAP's Business One interface and the ease of use of the SAP-Microsoft joint Duet product, which connects SAP processes with familiar Microsoft Office products. While SAP is moving forward with simplifying and enhancing its interfaces for end users, Microsoft is also creating an intuitive platform for end users to easily connect to business applications, said Paul Hamerman, vice president of enterprise applications at Forrester Research Inc.
'SAP knew that their interface had to be more appealing to remain competitive,' Hamerman said. 'The current environment calls for better ways to connect the end user's business processes with the appropriate applications.' "
SAP Announces mySAP Suite at Sapphire Conference
SAP Announces mySAP Suite at Sapphire Conference: "But the most significant and anticipated announcement is the release of mySAP ERP 2005, the initial product implementation of SAP's ESA (Enterprise Services Architecture).
ESA is SAP's services-based architecture around which it has redesigned its applications, starting with its NetWeaver integration platform and mySAP ERP 2005. ESA is also the direction SAP is pushing its customers to move in. "
ESA is SAP's services-based architecture around which it has redesigned its applications, starting with its NetWeaver integration platform and mySAP ERP 2005. ESA is also the direction SAP is pushing its customers to move in. "
AMR Research: SAPPHIRE �06: My 10 Takeaways
AMR Research: SAPPHIRE �06: My 10 Takeaways: "Last year�s SAPPHIRE conferences in Boston and Copenhagen brought a series of major announcements (Project Mendocino [now called Duet], hundreds of Enterprise Services, scores of new analytical applications, and rumors of �CRM On Demand�). By comparison, this week�s event in Orlando seemed far more low key. Sure, SAP acquired Frictionless Commerce and unveiled a new venture fund around NetWeaver (see below), but news around a �disruptive� product or technology was absent.
Instead, what we are seeing is the maturation of SAP�s strategy around business process platforms and enterprise service-oriented architecture (SOA). If I were an SAP customer, I�d find that very reassuring, particularly if I�m still wrestling with ERP instance consolidations, global rollouts, upgrades, or driving down my total cost of ownership."
Instead, what we are seeing is the maturation of SAP�s strategy around business process platforms and enterprise service-oriented architecture (SOA). If I were an SAP customer, I�d find that very reassuring, particularly if I�m still wrestling with ERP instance consolidations, global rollouts, upgrades, or driving down my total cost of ownership."
� SAP: On the Knife Edge, Exactly Where They Want To Be | Enterprise Anti-matter | ZDNet.com
� SAP: On the Knife Edge, Exactly Where They Want To Be Enterprise Anti-matter ZDNet.com: "After two days at SAP's Sapphire user conference, I struggled with finding the big picture amidst a plethora of announcements, strategic and tactical, that have spanned the gamut from acquisition (Frictionless), to ecosystem (a new $125 milliion venture fund), to a new interface (Muse), to updated versions of their ERP, CRM, and other products. Lots of great little pieces of news, but the meta-story was still lacking."
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
CRN | Sapphire, SAP | Agassi On Partnering, Oracle
CRN Sapphire, SAP Agassi On Partnering, Oracle: "But other competitors are making what he called 'desperation moves.'
'When you go and hire 12 taxis, put signs on them and run them to drive around this show, you're in desperation mode,' he said alluding to Oracle.
'You can't expect a serious enterprise company that comes to Sapphire to look at 12 circulating taxis and think: 'This is a company I'd like to partner with for the rest of my life.' You make a clown out of yourself. When you skew your numbers that you just reported in an SEC report and you take a line from my presentation, cut the beginning and the end and put portions in the Wall Street Journal, you make a clown out of yourself and it just plays into our hands. But it plays against the industry. One clown in the industry makes us all look less serious,' he noted. "
'When you go and hire 12 taxis, put signs on them and run them to drive around this show, you're in desperation mode,' he said alluding to Oracle.
'You can't expect a serious enterprise company that comes to Sapphire to look at 12 circulating taxis and think: 'This is a company I'd like to partner with for the rest of my life.' You make a clown out of yourself. When you skew your numbers that you just reported in an SEC report and you take a line from my presentation, cut the beginning and the end and put portions in the Wall Street Journal, you make a clown out of yourself and it just plays into our hands. But it plays against the industry. One clown in the industry makes us all look less serious,' he noted. "
"SAP Flexes Its Financial, Technology Muscles" � a Managing Automation� news article
"SAP Flexes Its Financial, Technology Muscles" � a Managing Automation� news article: "SRM competitors were quick to question the wisdom of SAP's latest acquisition. Avner Schneur, president and CEO of SRM vendor Emptoris Inc. (Burlington, MA), called Frictionless's support is weak for SRM functionality such as spend analysis and optimization.
'They (Frictionless) don't really bring much value overall to the SAP offering,' Schneur said.
Zepecki, however, said Frictionless suited SAP's needs because it represented upgrade in an area of SRM functionality where SAP was weak: sourcing. Frictionless was also attractive because it has integrated NetWeaver technologies into its product offering more extensively than competitors such as Emptoris, Zepecki said."
'They (Frictionless) don't really bring much value overall to the SAP offering,' Schneur said.
Zepecki, however, said Frictionless suited SAP's needs because it represented upgrade in an area of SRM functionality where SAP was weak: sourcing. Frictionless was also attractive because it has integrated NetWeaver technologies into its product offering more extensively than competitors such as Emptoris, Zepecki said."
SAP Launches Governance, Risk and Compliance Management Business Unit to Lead New, Emerging Market: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
SAP Launches Governance, Risk and Compliance Management Business Unit to Lead New, Emerging Market: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "SAP has long recognized the growing role of enterprise systems in assisting companies to meet the increasing challenges of corporate compliance and risk management. Customers are looking for powerful compliance solutions that work across heterogeneous IT environments to reduce risk and cost as well as provide improved business control. By embedding compliance into business processes, SAP is making compliance repeatable, sustainable and less costly for companies of all sizes in all industry segments."
SAG or SAP??!!! SAG Microsoft Duet To Simplify ERP And CRM
SAG Microsoft Duet To Simplify ERP And CRM: "SAG AG and Microsoft Corp. confirmed the June release of a product that will allow users to link SAP's business processes and data with Microsoft's Office desktop programs. This product, officially named 'Duet,' is the result of a twelve-month collaboration between the corporations. "
SAP launches investment fund, new software | Tech News on ZDNet
SAP launches investment fund, new software Tech News on ZDNet: "To spur development of products that run on its NetWeaver software, SAP said, the company has launched a $125 million fund. NetWeaver links SAP's software to other new and existing business systems within companies.
The fund will complement SAP's existing SAP Venture investment arm, which backs emerging technology.
SAP is hoping to jump-start development of software from partner companies that could help stimulate sales of its own business applications software.
The company may also acquire some of the partners it backs, said Henning Kagermann, SAP's chief executive. "
The fund will complement SAP's existing SAP Venture investment arm, which backs emerging technology.
SAP is hoping to jump-start development of software from partner companies that could help stimulate sales of its own business applications software.
The company may also acquire some of the partners it backs, said Henning Kagermann, SAP's chief executive. "
SAP buys Frictionless - 5/17/2006 - Purchasing - CA6335603
SAP buys Frictionless - 5/17/2006 - Purchasing - CA6335603: "ERP vendor SAP today announced plans to buy Cambridge, Mass.-based SRM provider Frictionless Commerce for an undisclosed amount. The announcement was made today at the onset of SAP�s SAPPHIRE '06 user conference in Orlando, Fla. 'With today's announcement, SAP continues its extension of mySAP Supplier Relationship Management to include an on-demand option for e-sourcing,' said Shai Agassi, president of the product & technology group and executive board member of SAP.
ADVERTISEMENT
Frictionless has been struggling of late, according to most market watchers. AMR Research�s Mickey North Rizza said in a brief, �The deal meets SAP�s stated strategy of filling holes through targeted acquisition as it further establishes itself as the main business process platform within its customers� businesses...Frictionless was in need of a suitor and had been shopping for one for awhile. The power and strength of SAP gives Frictionless clients a solid future.�"
ADVERTISEMENT
Frictionless has been struggling of late, according to most market watchers. AMR Research�s Mickey North Rizza said in a brief, �The deal meets SAP�s stated strategy of filling holes through targeted acquisition as it further establishes itself as the main business process platform within its customers� businesses...Frictionless was in need of a suitor and had been shopping for one for awhile. The power and strength of SAP gives Frictionless clients a solid future.�"
destinationCRM.com: SAP Targets Enterprise SOA
llerdestinationCRM.com: SAP Targets Enterprise SOA: "SAP unveiled its CRM on-demand offerings in February with the launch of the SAP Sales on-demand solution. The initial release was designed to help organizations manage customers, contacts, and sales pipelines with configurable tools, while enabling businesses to migrate to on-premise deployment at their own pace. SAP's second wave of on-demand functionality is scheduled to be unveiled at SAPPHIRE today, including extended pipeline performance management capabilities for the Sales on-demand offering, along with the first installment of SAP Marketing on-demand.
As to be expected, Greg Gianforte, CEO and founder of CRM on-demand competitor RightNow Technologies, isn't impressed. 'SAP continues to push both their business process solutions and misguided assumptions about the on-demand market,' he says. 'The company continues to remain solely focused on back-office systems that optimize processes, where we, on the other hand, are focused on delivering frontline impact at the point of contact with each customer.' He contends that the company is also misguided in its assumption that on-demand is an entrance ramp to on-premise. 'Siebel fell into the same trap, and Oracle is following right along, as well.'
However, Rod Masney, global information and technology architect for O-I, a manufacturer of consumer goods packaging, says his company is considering SAP's on-demand product. 'It's an exciting offering that we perceive we can get value from.' "
As to be expected, Greg Gianforte, CEO and founder of CRM on-demand competitor RightNow Technologies, isn't impressed. 'SAP continues to push both their business process solutions and misguided assumptions about the on-demand market,' he says. 'The company continues to remain solely focused on back-office systems that optimize processes, where we, on the other hand, are focused on delivering frontline impact at the point of contact with each customer.' He contends that the company is also misguided in its assumption that on-demand is an entrance ramp to on-premise. 'Siebel fell into the same trap, and Oracle is following right along, as well.'
However, Rod Masney, global information and technology architect for O-I, a manufacturer of consumer goods packaging, says his company is considering SAP's on-demand product. 'It's an exciting offering that we perceive we can get value from.' "
IT Business
IT Business: "The company said it hopes to release 500 free enterprise Web services next month to enable NetWeaver users to create business processes faster than through conventional coding.
SAP CEO Henning Kagermann, said mySAP ERP 2007, which will have full ESA capabilities, will be delivered next year as promised. Also coming next year will be new versions of its NetWeaver integration and portal application, which will become what the company calls a business process platform, and a version of All-in-One on NetWeaver."
SAP CEO Henning Kagermann, said mySAP ERP 2007, which will have full ESA capabilities, will be delivered next year as promised. Also coming next year will be new versions of its NetWeaver integration and portal application, which will become what the company calls a business process platform, and a version of All-in-One on NetWeaver."
Oracle Announces Premier Support Capabilities for SAP R/3; Takes One-Stop Support to the Next Level: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
Oracle Announces Premier Support Capabilities for SAP R/3; Takes One-Stop Support to the Next Level: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "Many SAP R/3 customers, faced with looming de-support deadlines as early as December 2007 and significant license charges for upgrades, are looking for new alternatives to support their current R/3 implementations, or alternative application platforms altogether. A majority of these customers are Oracle customers, including many already leveraging Oracle� Fusion Middleware which can enable organizations to easily move to Oracle� Fusion Applications. Oracle also offers up to a 100% license credit for SAP R/3 customers that switch from SAP to Oracle."
New SAP business unit to focus on compliance
New SAP business unit to focus on compliance: "SAP is wrapping its software packages around the technology gained from its recent acquisition of Freemont, Calif.-based Virsa Systems Inc. with the creation of a business unit that will focus solely on compliance.
The announcement is expected today at SAP's Sapphire user conference.
SAP spokesman Bill Wohl said the new unit will create a support team of more than 100 new personnel around the acquired Virsa Systems technology. The unit will ultimately allow SAP customers to better address Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Basel II for the banking industry and other regulatory requirements, he said. "
The announcement is expected today at SAP's Sapphire user conference.
SAP spokesman Bill Wohl said the new unit will create a support team of more than 100 new personnel around the acquired Virsa Systems technology. The unit will ultimately allow SAP customers to better address Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Basel II for the banking industry and other regulatory requirements, he said. "
SAP executives urge customers to upgrade
SAP executives urge customers to upgrade: "Now is the time to begin executing plans to upgrade to the latest version of SAP and put in place the foundation for an Enterprise Services Architecture (ESA), according to SAP executives who kicked off the SAP Sapphire user conference Tuesday.
While customers are seeking ways to sustain growth, reduce costs and achieve competitive advantage, all must follow their own unique course as they investigate when to upgrade to the latest version of SAP, said Leo Apotheker, president of global field operations and a member of the executive board at SAP. Many customers have the roadmap in place, and the time is better than ever to begin upgrading, he said. "
While customers are seeking ways to sustain growth, reduce costs and achieve competitive advantage, all must follow their own unique course as they investigate when to upgrade to the latest version of SAP, said Leo Apotheker, president of global field operations and a member of the executive board at SAP. Many customers have the roadmap in place, and the time is better than ever to begin upgrading, he said. "
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
SAP Customers Extend Investment with Cognos Performance Management Solutions
SAP Customers Extend Investment with Cognos Performance Management Solutions: "Cognos (Nasdaq: COGN; TSX: CSN), the world leader in business
intelligence (BI) and performance management solutions, today announced
that Cognos customers worldwide are quickly and successfully extending the
value of their mySAP applications with Cognos' leading capabilities for
enterprise planning and performance management."
intelligence (BI) and performance management solutions, today announced
that Cognos customers worldwide are quickly and successfully extending the
value of their mySAP applications with Cognos' leading capabilities for
enterprise planning and performance management."
SAP - Press Release
SAP - Press Release: "SAP AG (NYSE:SAP) today announced the formation of four new �industry value networks� (IVNs) serving the consumer products, retail and technology industries and the public sector. Driven heavily by customer participation and SAP�s deep industry expertise, these networks bring together customers, partners and SAP to co-innovate and quickly develop solutions to solve industry-specific customer challenges. The solutions developed through these IVNs will leverage the SAP NetWeaver� platform to create end-to-end business solutions while avoiding costly integration projects between software from partners and SAP solutions through the usage of enterprise services. The end result will enable customers to extend and enrich their investments in SAP� solutions, helping optimize asset utilization and lower IT investment risk"
RED HERRING | RH Software Report
RED HERRING RH Software Report: "And Microsoft now gets a better chance to promote its Windows operating system and Office bundle in SAP�s customer pool. It could also expand the use of its SQL Server database, which competes directly with Redwood Shores, California-based Oracle�s database product. The numbers look compelling on both fronts: 57 percent of SAP installations now run on Windows, and 27 percent run on SQL Server, according to SAP.
Then there�s another feature to the story. The alliance revives speculation that Microsoft might some day acquire SAP. Delphi�s Mr. Hadley says Duet could be one way for the two companies to gauge how much harmony feels right.
Executives from both sides, of course, pooh pooh merger talk. �Not everything has to end up in acquisitions,� says Shai Agassi, president of SAP�s product and technology division.
All very true, but that still leaves room for some things."
Then there�s another feature to the story. The alliance revives speculation that Microsoft might some day acquire SAP. Delphi�s Mr. Hadley says Duet could be one way for the two companies to gauge how much harmony feels right.
Executives from both sides, of course, pooh pooh merger talk. �Not everything has to end up in acquisitions,� says Shai Agassi, president of SAP�s product and technology division.
All very true, but that still leaves room for some things."
Ariba Enhances Supplier Connectivity Solution
Ariba Enhances Supplier Connectivity Solution: "With more than 140,000 registered suppliers in 115 countries engaging in transactions worth more than $90 billion a year, the Ariba Supplier Network is one of world�s largest business transaction networks. Each month, participating buyers and suppliers conduct business with each other electronically, managing the complete procure-to-pay cycle � from sourcing to orders, to invoices, and payment. More than 25 million purchase orders and invoices were carried across the network in 2005.
In launching the Ariba Supplier Connectivity� solution last year, Ariba made it possible for all companies using ERP and other non-Ariba applications to reap the benefits that the Ariba Supplier Network provides. By linking to the network, companies can access pre-enabled suppliers, bring more of their spend under management, and maximize the returns on investment in existing systems."
In launching the Ariba Supplier Connectivity� solution last year, Ariba made it possible for all companies using ERP and other non-Ariba applications to reap the benefits that the Ariba Supplier Network provides. By linking to the network, companies can access pre-enabled suppliers, bring more of their spend under management, and maximize the returns on investment in existing systems."
SAP - Press Release
SAP - Press Release: "Operating nearly 800 stores in 47 states in the United States, Chico�s has been very successful with its traditional business model of selling exclusively designed, private-label clothing and related accessories. As Chico�s looks to continue its strong growth�whether it decides to do so organically through same-store sales and new store sales, by way of acquisition or through introducing new brands to the market�the retailer requires a flexible infrastructure that can scale as it grows.
Chico�s will adopt the SAP NetWeaver� platform as the strategic foundation of its system, allowing the company to consolidate various disparate legacy systems onto a single, integrated platform. SAP for Retail will provide Chico�s with comprehensive, real-time performance metrics combined with powerful planning capabilities designed to help retailers react quickly to changing market trends and customer demands."
Chico�s will adopt the SAP NetWeaver� platform as the strategic foundation of its system, allowing the company to consolidate various disparate legacy systems onto a single, integrated platform. SAP for Retail will provide Chico�s with comprehensive, real-time performance metrics combined with powerful planning capabilities designed to help retailers react quickly to changing market trends and customer demands."
SAP - Press Release
SAP - Press Release: "Following the company�s 2005 acquisition of the IBM Personal Computing Division, Lenovo conducted a comprehensive audit of company-wide software solutions. Integrating data and standardizing on the SAP NetWeaver� platform helps provide Lenovo the critical business capabilities necessary to respond to customer demand with agility, innovate quickly and foster efficient global trading relationships � elements key to the company�s success.
�Our focus from the outset has been on how we can serve our customers better and SAP is helping us as we transform our business,� said Steven J. Bandrowczak, senior vice president and chief information officer, Lenovo. �As a global technology leader, we have the global manufacturing network necessary to be a low-cost leader, built-in innovation centers and a strong reseller channel network. The addition of SAP�s software solutions will complete the suite of components necessary to help us optimize our core processes and make a difference that our customers will see.�"
�Our focus from the outset has been on how we can serve our customers better and SAP is helping us as we transform our business,� said Steven J. Bandrowczak, senior vice president and chief information officer, Lenovo. �As a global technology leader, we have the global manufacturing network necessary to be a low-cost leader, built-in innovation centers and a strong reseller channel network. The addition of SAP�s software solutions will complete the suite of components necessary to help us optimize our core processes and make a difference that our customers will see.�"
SAP - Press Release
SAP - Press Release: "With delivery and support provided by certified SAP partners Automated Solutions Enterprises (ASE) and IMG Americas, Inc., Wellborn Inc. expects several hundred installations across its dealer network to move to SAP Business One over the next 24 months to achieve seamless integration with the mySAP� Business Suite deployment at its headquarters site. The dealers, which are mainly using accounting software from Quickbooks� today, will benefit from the ability to manage their entire businesses in real time, as events occur, with SAP Business One � software designed specifically to provide small and midsize enterprises with integrated business management capabilities and a single, accurate source of all critical business data."
SAP - Press Release
SAP - Press Release: "Gary Player, XtremeMac and Ron Jon are taking advantage of the integrated business management capabilities of SAP Business One to gain better visibility and insight across their entire operations, including financials, manufacturing and customer relationship management. The three customers are among nearly 10,000 small and midsize enterprises worldwide that have selected SAP Business One in the three years since its introduction to market."
Monday, May 15, 2006
SAP database endorsement at Sapphire bolsters feud with Oracle
As many as 60% of SAP customers have deployed SAP applications on Oracle databases, said Noel Yuhanna, a senior industry analyst with Cambridge, Mass.-based Forrester Research.
'When running ERP systems like SAP, it typically requires large database deployments and the kind of high end scalability and performance that can be found in Oracle and DB2,' Yuhanna said. 'In terms of market share, it's been all Oracle, but we do see SAP trying to change that in the current market environment.' "
'When running ERP systems like SAP, it typically requires large database deployments and the kind of high end scalability and performance that can be found in Oracle and DB2,' Yuhanna said. 'In terms of market share, it's been all Oracle, but we do see SAP trying to change that in the current market environment.' "
Rising NetWeaver adoption, new incentives for Siebel customers at Sapphire
Rising NetWeaver adoption, new incentives for Siebel customers at Sapphire: "SAP plans to highlight an apparent increase in NetWeaver adoption as well as its efforts to boost development among independent software vendors (ISVs) at its annual Sapphire user conference next week. "
More than 500 Customers Have Selected Oracle over SAP over the Past 9 Months
More than 500 Customers Have Selected Oracle over SAP over the Past 9 Months: "Oracle's market share gains are documented in SEC filings. According to Oracle's latest SEC filing, Oracle posted license growth of 82% (year over year) in the most recent quarter and 31% (year over year) excluding acquisitions (see page 39 of Oracle Form 10-Q). In contrast, SAP reported 14% license growth (year over year) in its latest filing with the SEC (see page 1 of SAP form 6-K). All figures are in constant currency.*
Additionally, 2000 SAP R/3 customers have registered in the 'OFF SAP' program, or Oracle Fusion for SAP. Under the 'OFF SAP' program, customers receive a 100% license credit for the SAP licenses as they migrate to Oracle Applications. The majority of SAP customers are running older releases that will be de-supported in December 2007. As SAP charges for upgrades, many customers are looking for alternatives, as the strong response to 'OFF SAP' indicates.
'The facts speak for themselves - Oracle is growing faster than SAP. We've reached an inflection point. The era of proprietary applications is closing and Oracle is prepared and investing for the inevitable shift to open standards. The critical list of open standards for the software industry includes Web Services, Java, Linux and XML. ABAP and NetWeaver don't make the list. After all these years, SAP is the only software company shipping applications written in ABAP or running on NetWeaver,' said Oracle President Charles Phillips. "
Additionally, 2000 SAP R/3 customers have registered in the 'OFF SAP' program, or Oracle Fusion for SAP. Under the 'OFF SAP' program, customers receive a 100% license credit for the SAP licenses as they migrate to Oracle Applications. The majority of SAP customers are running older releases that will be de-supported in December 2007. As SAP charges for upgrades, many customers are looking for alternatives, as the strong response to 'OFF SAP' indicates.
'The facts speak for themselves - Oracle is growing faster than SAP. We've reached an inflection point. The era of proprietary applications is closing and Oracle is prepared and investing for the inevitable shift to open standards. The critical list of open standards for the software industry includes Web Services, Java, Linux and XML. ABAP and NetWeaver don't make the list. After all these years, SAP is the only software company shipping applications written in ABAP or running on NetWeaver,' said Oracle President Charles Phillips. "
SAP - Press Release
SAP - Press Release: "SAP has selected HP�s print and output management technology as its preferred strategic platform, and the companies will jointly develop output management solutions to help customers more rapidly and reliably manage information throughout their organizations.
With HP central print management capabilities in SAP NetWeaver, customers can define, manage and track document delivery for business-critical processes from a single location. This helps streamline business workflows, reduce administration costs and increase reliability of printing in document-dependent business processes."
With HP central print management capabilities in SAP NetWeaver, customers can define, manage and track document delivery for business-critical processes from a single location. This helps streamline business workflows, reduce administration costs and increase reliability of printing in document-dependent business processes."
SAP - Press Release
SAP - Press Release: "SAP has selected HP�s print and output management technology as its preferred strategic platform, and the companies will jointly develop output management solutions to help customers more rapidly and reliably manage information throughout their organizations.
With HP central print management capabilities in SAP NetWeaver, customers can define, manage and track document delivery for business-critical processes from a single location. This helps streamline business workflows, reduce administration costs and increase reliability of printing in document-dependent business processes."
With HP central print management capabilities in SAP NetWeaver, customers can define, manage and track document delivery for business-critical processes from a single location. This helps streamline business workflows, reduce administration costs and increase reliability of printing in document-dependent business processes."
Sunday, May 14, 2006
SAP Wants to Wean Customers from R/3
SAP Wants to Wean Customers from R/3: "The value of upgrading to MySAP 2005 stems from the more modern development concepts in play at SAP, particularly around the service enablement of MySAP ERP, and the process integration capabilities inherent with that.
The problem with upgrading is that the technology is confusing, expensive and difficult to implement, customers say.
'In the past, when you just ran R/3, you had a single environment to deal with,' said John Wheeler, CIO of Nova Chemicals, in Calgary, Alberta, which is upgrading to MySAP ERP 2004.
'Now, all the new products run in separate environments, so instead of one production management environment, you end up with something that's four or five times more complex. If one doesn't mitigate that complexity, it's a significant increase in your IT budget.' "
The problem with upgrading is that the technology is confusing, expensive and difficult to implement, customers say.
'In the past, when you just ran R/3, you had a single environment to deal with,' said John Wheeler, CIO of Nova Chemicals, in Calgary, Alberta, which is upgrading to MySAP ERP 2004.
'Now, all the new products run in separate environments, so instead of one production management environment, you end up with something that's four or five times more complex. If one doesn't mitigate that complexity, it's a significant increase in your IT budget.' "
SAP Offering Cut-Rate Support for Oracle Apps
SAP Offering Cut-Rate Support for Oracle Apps: "TomorrowNow will begin May 14 offering third-party support for Siebel applications�a CRM (customer relationship management) software company Oracle acquired Jan. 31. At the same time, SAP will extend its Safe Passage program to Siebel users, offering a 75 percent license credit for Oracle users switching to SAP products.
Click here to read Oracle's plans for integrating Siebel.
SAP charges 17 percent annual maintenance fees for the first five years of implementation. Maintenance fees rise incrementally after that. "
Click here to read Oracle's plans for integrating Siebel.
SAP charges 17 percent annual maintenance fees for the first five years of implementation. Maintenance fees rise incrementally after that. "
Thursday, May 11, 2006
New Oracle BI tool adds color to compliance efforts
New Oracle BI tool adds color to compliance efforts: "Oracle says its newly released Daily Business Intelligence for Compliance software helps companies stay on top of compliance efforts by combining reporting and analytics with the company's Internal Controls application.
[DBAs] really need to understand some of the regulatory requirements that are having a downstream impact on IT.
Chris Leone,
group vice president of applications strategy, Oracle Corp.
SearchOracle.com talked to Chris Leone, Oracle's group vice president of applications strategy, to find out more details about the new BI software. Leone offered product details and explained why Oracle decided to combine BI with compliance. He also had some advice for DBAs who want to be considered invaluable assets when it comes to their companies' compliance initiatives.
Pricing for Oracle Daily Business Intelligence for Compliance is $30USD per employee based on a minimum of 500 employees, according to Oracle. "
[DBAs] really need to understand some of the regulatory requirements that are having a downstream impact on IT.
Chris Leone,
group vice president of applications strategy, Oracle Corp.
SearchOracle.com talked to Chris Leone, Oracle's group vice president of applications strategy, to find out more details about the new BI software. Leone offered product details and explained why Oracle decided to combine BI with compliance. He also had some advice for DBAs who want to be considered invaluable assets when it comes to their companies' compliance initiatives.
Pricing for Oracle Daily Business Intelligence for Compliance is $30USD per employee based on a minimum of 500 employees, according to Oracle. "
CRN | Sapphire, Database Software | SAP To Bless IBM DB2 Viper As Best Midmarket Database
CRN Sapphire, Database Software SAP To Bless IBM DB2 Viper As Best Midmarket Database: "SAP next week is slated to anoint IBM's upcoming DB2 database, code-named Viper, as the 'preferred and recommended' database for midmarket customers.
The announcement is expected to come at SAP's annual Sapphire event in Orlando, Fla. Industry observers estimate that most of SAP's customers, or around 60 percent, still run Oracle databases, but those customers are clustered in older R/3 accounts. The database kingpin�s acquisition of SAP rivals PeopleSoft and Siebel Systems have cast a pall over its relationship with SAP for some time.
Further evidence of IBM's ties to SAP, the company announced SAP flavors for its Workplace and Notes collaboration offerings. Workplace offers browser-based access to SAP applications where as Notes access for SAP lets users tie together SAP data and processes with Notes tasks including workflow, timer reporting and contact management. "
The announcement is expected to come at SAP's annual Sapphire event in Orlando, Fla. Industry observers estimate that most of SAP's customers, or around 60 percent, still run Oracle databases, but those customers are clustered in older R/3 accounts. The database kingpin�s acquisition of SAP rivals PeopleSoft and Siebel Systems have cast a pall over its relationship with SAP for some time.
Further evidence of IBM's ties to SAP, the company announced SAP flavors for its Workplace and Notes collaboration offerings. Workplace offers browser-based access to SAP applications where as Notes access for SAP lets users tie together SAP data and processes with Notes tasks including workflow, timer reporting and contact management. "
Oracle Delivers Enhanced RFID Technology In Oracle Fusion
Oracle Delivers Enhanced RFID Technology In Oracle Fusion: "The latest version of Oracle Sensor Edge Server provides several new features for customers investing in RFID technology including: out-of-the-box integration with a variety of market leading RFID devices; device management for the industry's leading RFID tag readers, antenna, tag printers and response systems, which helps customers reduce deployment time and costs; significantly enhanced user management capabilities, including a task-oriented user interface; enhanced RFID compliance workspace; and the ability to provide valuable insight into the status of items in the RFID and sensor network through a larger number of out-of-the-box reports. Customers benefit from scalability and ease of administration via consolidated views and management of devices on the network.
'Our ability to provide the market with scalable technology that helps maximize ROI on RFID investments is exactly why organizations rely on Oracle Sensor-Based Services,' said Oracle Vice President Server Technologies Amlan Debnath. 'The enhancements to the Oracle Sensor Edge Server represent another step in the company's commitment to providing capabilities that meet existing needs, as well as provide a foundation for growth.'
Oracle Sensor Edge Server is also integrated with Oracle Fusion Middleware to provide customers with enhanced features such as: RFID-driven business process management and workflows through integration with Oracle Enterprise Service Bus and Oracle BPEL Process Manager; Oracle RFID Event Monitoring and Oracle Business Activity Monitoring to help optimize supply chain management with RFID; and pre-packaged business analytics on RFID events. The Oracle Sensor Edge Server and Oracle Fusion Middleware are"
'Our ability to provide the market with scalable technology that helps maximize ROI on RFID investments is exactly why organizations rely on Oracle Sensor-Based Services,' said Oracle Vice President Server Technologies Amlan Debnath. 'The enhancements to the Oracle Sensor Edge Server represent another step in the company's commitment to providing capabilities that meet existing needs, as well as provide a foundation for growth.'
Oracle Sensor Edge Server is also integrated with Oracle Fusion Middleware to provide customers with enhanced features such as: RFID-driven business process management and workflows through integration with Oracle Enterprise Service Bus and Oracle BPEL Process Manager; Oracle RFID Event Monitoring and Oracle Business Activity Monitoring to help optimize supply chain management with RFID; and pre-packaged business analytics on RFID events. The Oracle Sensor Edge Server and Oracle Fusion Middleware are"
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
SAP adds marketing features to CRM on-demand
"Customers may purchase one or both of the on-demand products. The software sells at $75 per user per month for the basic sales force automation capabilities up to $125 per user per month for the full suite once it is available. Customers can also cancel a subscription at any time, said SAP spokesman Bill Wohl.
'This is the first in a series of elements in our CRM strategy that we said we would release quarterly back in February,' Wohl said. 'We'll be meeting the commitment we made to our customers with this quarterly release at Sapphire.'
Marketing on-demand, introduces campaign management functionality to the suite, which allows marketers to analyze customer data using advanced queries and creating target groups based on search results to reach target audiences. Customization features also allow marketing managers to realign owners to specific accounts based on staffing needs"
'This is the first in a series of elements in our CRM strategy that we said we would release quarterly back in February,' Wohl said. 'We'll be meeting the commitment we made to our customers with this quarterly release at Sapphire.'
Marketing on-demand, introduces campaign management functionality to the suite, which allows marketers to analyze customer data using advanced queries and creating target groups based on search results to reach target audiences. Customization features also allow marketing managers to realign owners to specific accounts based on staffing needs"
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Oracle Middleware Leads IT Pack - Forbes.com
Oracle Middleware Leads IT Pack - Forbes.com: "Cowen & Co. analyst Peter Goldmacher maintained an 'outperform' rating on shares of Oracle after meeting with executives in charge of Oracle's middleware software group, Fusion Middleware.
Goldmacher said Fusion Middleware could help drive Oracle (nasdaq: ORCL - news - people )'s revenue growth, improve margins and push up stock prices.
Oracle's Fusion Middleware software was developed to connect businesses' applications, supporting a service-oriented architecture, or SOA. An SOA, according to Oracle, is used to integrate business services into an adaptable IT infrastructure."
Goldmacher said Fusion Middleware could help drive Oracle (nasdaq: ORCL - news - people )'s revenue growth, improve margins and push up stock prices.
Oracle's Fusion Middleware software was developed to connect businesses' applications, supporting a service-oriented architecture, or SOA. An SOA, according to Oracle, is used to integrate business services into an adaptable IT infrastructure."
Euro2day :: Kagermann offered incentive at SAP
Euro2day :: Kagermann offered incentive at SAP: "SAP, the world's biggest business-software maker, has given Henning Kagermann an incentive to renew his contract as chief executive next year by flagging unprecedented bonuses for senior staff.
The supervisory board plans to pay out �300m ($382m) to hundreds of employees if SAP's share price doubles by 2010, with one-third of the sum reserved for the chief executive and the six other executive directors.
Mr Kagermann took over in the aftermath of the tech-bubble bursting and has led SAP to stellar sales and profit growth. He has yet to say whether he will renew a contract that ends in 2007. "
The supervisory board plans to pay out �300m ($382m) to hundreds of employees if SAP's share price doubles by 2010, with one-third of the sum reserved for the chief executive and the six other executive directors.
Mr Kagermann took over in the aftermath of the tech-bubble bursting and has led SAP to stellar sales and profit growth. He has yet to say whether he will renew a contract that ends in 2007. "
Upping the Ante at SAP
Upping the Ante at SAP: "Hamm
What does a company do for an encore when it dominates its core market, grows at twice the speed of its industry, and sees its stock price rise 40% in the past 12 months? If you're SAP (SAP) of Germany, you double down your wager.
On May 9, SAP is announcing that it will pay 300 million euros ($381 million, at current exchange rates) to several hundred managers and key employees if they can double the market capitalization -- with a $57 billion starting point -- by the end of 2010. A third of that would go to the top seven executives.
What does a company do for an encore when it dominates its core market, grows at twice the speed of its industry, and sees its stock price rise 40% in the past 12 months? If you're SAP (SAP) of Germany, you double down your wager.
On May 9, SAP is announcing that it will pay 300 million euros ($381 million, at current exchange rates) to several hundred managers and key employees if they can double the market capitalization -- with a $57 billion starting point -- by the end of 2010. A third of that would go to the top seven executives.
SAP - Press Release
SAP - Press Release: "Members of the IVN for chemicals collaborate to deliver solutions and integration scenarios that address key industry-wide pain points such as price and margin management, predictive process control and optimization and environmental compliance. Applications will leverage the SAP NetWeaver platform, resulting in quick implementations and increased operational efficiencies.
Chemical industry giants including Celanese, Dow Corning, DuPont, Eastman Chemical Company, Hexion Specialty Chemicals and NOVA Chemicals will work with SAP and the IVN for chemicals program partners, including IBM Global Business Services, Invensys, LogicTools, Meridium, NRX, OR Soft, OSIsoft, Pavilion Technologies, SmartOps Corporation, TATA Consultancy Services, TechniData and Vendavo."
Chemical industry giants including Celanese, Dow Corning, DuPont, Eastman Chemical Company, Hexion Specialty Chemicals and NOVA Chemicals will work with SAP and the IVN for chemicals program partners, including IBM Global Business Services, Invensys, LogicTools, Meridium, NRX, OR Soft, OSIsoft, Pavilion Technologies, SmartOps Corporation, TATA Consultancy Services, TechniData and Vendavo."
SAP - Press Release
SAP - Press Release: "SAP America, Inc., a subsidiary of SAP AG (NYSE: SAP), today announced that Southco, a privately held, global provider of engineered access hardware solutions and applications for a broad spectrum of industries, has selected SAP to enable its lean manufacturing strategy and allow it to compete with agility as it expands global operations. Southco chose SAP over Oracle after an extensive evaluation process which included visits to customer sites in China, Hong Kong, the United States and the United Kingdom, based on SAP�s stability as industry leader, superior capabilities for managing end-to-end business processes such as order to cash, and ability to support global operations in emerging markets.
With rapidly expanding global operations and customers in the marine, automotive, truck, off-highway/construction, RV/caravan, consumer electronics, computer hardware, and industrial enclosures industries, Southco manages more than 100,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) for 70,000 customers in 65 countries. The company sought an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution to support its lean six sigma initiatives, increase managerial visibility and maintain responsiveness as it competes against smaller local and regional providers across the world."
With rapidly expanding global operations and customers in the marine, automotive, truck, off-highway/construction, RV/caravan, consumer electronics, computer hardware, and industrial enclosures industries, Southco manages more than 100,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) for 70,000 customers in 65 countries. The company sought an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution to support its lean six sigma initiatives, increase managerial visibility and maintain responsiveness as it competes against smaller local and regional providers across the world."
SAP - Press Release
SAP - Press Release: "SAP America, Inc., a subsidiary of SAP AG (NYSE: SAP), today announced that Southco, a privately held, global provider of engineered access hardware solutions and applications for a broad spectrum of industries, has selected SAP to enable its lean manufacturing strategy and allow it to compete with agility as it expands global operations. Southco chose SAP over Oracle after an extensive evaluation process which included visits to customer sites in China, Hong Kong, the United States and the United Kingdom, based on SAP�s stability as industry leader, superior capabilities for managing end-to-end business processes such as order to cash, and ability to support global operations in emerging markets.
With rapidly expanding global operations and customers in the marine, automotive, truck, off-highway/construction, RV/caravan, consumer electronics, computer hardware, and industrial enclosures industries, Southco manages more than 100,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) for 70,000 customers in 65 countries. The company sought an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution to support its lean six sigma initiatives, increase managerial visibility and maintain responsiveness as it competes against smaller local and regional providers across the world."
With rapidly expanding global operations and customers in the marine, automotive, truck, off-highway/construction, RV/caravan, consumer electronics, computer hardware, and industrial enclosures industries, Southco manages more than 100,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) for 70,000 customers in 65 countries. The company sought an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution to support its lean six sigma initiatives, increase managerial visibility and maintain responsiveness as it competes against smaller local and regional providers across the world."
Monday, May 08, 2006
SAP aims Duet at largest customers, beta tester sees benefits
SAP aims Duet at largest customers, beta tester sees benefits: "ly functionality in Duet has been 'quite thin,' said Paul Hamerman, vice president of enterprise applications at Forrester Research Inc. 'This announcement is more about revealing a strategy or roadmap moving forward.'
Rather than explaining the new features in Duet 2.0 at this point, SAP and Microsoft are focusing on two value packs to be released in the third and fourth quarters of 2006.
These packs will add many scenarios and functionalities, such as CRM, SCM and analytics, and will take advantage of the Duet capabilities of the Office 12 release coming later this year."
Rather than explaining the new features in Duet 2.0 at this point, SAP and Microsoft are focusing on two value packs to be released in the third and fourth quarters of 2006.
These packs will add many scenarios and functionalities, such as CRM, SCM and analytics, and will take advantage of the Duet capabilities of the Office 12 release coming later this year."
Centrica takes back IT project - vnunet.com
Centrica takes back IT project - vnunet.com: "Centrica says the programme is on schedule and the third phase will be done by the end of 2006.
But company documents indicate a series of delays stretching back at least two years. An executive briefing in 2003 said the SAP migration phase was to be completed by mid-2004. And Paul Bysouth, the director in charge of Jupiter, is quoted as saying legacy billing systems will be terminated by the end of 2005.
By February 2004, an internally-circulated article by Paul Bowtell, British Gas director of finance, acknowledged a �frustrating� nine-month delay.
In the 2003 documents British Gas managing director Mark Clare said that 2004 would be �a heavy year in terms of delivery cost� because the company would be running new SAP software and old legacy systems.
So far only a third of customer accounts have been migrated onto SAP, and the parallel platforms will run until the end of this year."
But company documents indicate a series of delays stretching back at least two years. An executive briefing in 2003 said the SAP migration phase was to be completed by mid-2004. And Paul Bysouth, the director in charge of Jupiter, is quoted as saying legacy billing systems will be terminated by the end of 2005.
By February 2004, an internally-circulated article by Paul Bowtell, British Gas director of finance, acknowledged a �frustrating� nine-month delay.
In the 2003 documents British Gas managing director Mark Clare said that 2004 would be �a heavy year in terms of delivery cost� because the company would be running new SAP software and old legacy systems.
So far only a third of customer accounts have been migrated onto SAP, and the parallel platforms will run until the end of this year."
Centrica takes back IT project - vnunet.com
Centrica takes back IT project - vnunet.com: "Centrica says the programme is on schedule and the third phase will be done by the end of 2006.
But company documents indicate a series of delays stretching back at least two years. An executive briefing in 2003 said the SAP migration phase was to be completed by mid-2004. And Paul Bysouth, the director in charge of Jupiter, is quoted as saying legacy billing systems will be terminated by the end of 2005.
By February 2004, an internally-circulated article by Paul Bowtell, British Gas director of finance, acknowledged a �frustrating� nine-month delay.
In the 2003 documents British Gas managing director Mark Clare said that 2004 would be �a heavy year in terms of delivery cost� because the company would be running new SAP software and old legacy systems.
So far only a third of customer accounts have been migrated onto SAP, and the parallel platforms will run until the end of this year."
But company documents indicate a series of delays stretching back at least two years. An executive briefing in 2003 said the SAP migration phase was to be completed by mid-2004. And Paul Bysouth, the director in charge of Jupiter, is quoted as saying legacy billing systems will be terminated by the end of 2005.
By February 2004, an internally-circulated article by Paul Bowtell, British Gas director of finance, acknowledged a �frustrating� nine-month delay.
In the 2003 documents British Gas managing director Mark Clare said that 2004 would be �a heavy year in terms of delivery cost� because the company would be running new SAP software and old legacy systems.
So far only a third of customer accounts have been migrated onto SAP, and the parallel platforms will run until the end of this year."
Microsoft, SAP Play Duet
Microsoft, SAP Play Duet: "The companies announced the product in a joint press conference featuring a senior executive from each. Although the tone was very friendly, Shai Agassi, president of SAP's Product and Technology Group, was cautious when asked if more joint products are in the offing. 'If this works well, we will talk again,' he said.
Microsoft's Jeff Raikes, who heads the company's business division, noted the difficulty of 'bringing together two companies with two different styles and approaches to the marketplace.' Despite the obstacles, he said, Duet is launching on time, with more functionality than was originally envisioned when the project began some two years ago. "
Microsoft's Jeff Raikes, who heads the company's business division, noted the difficulty of 'bringing together two companies with two different styles and approaches to the marketplace.' Despite the obstacles, he said, Duet is launching on time, with more functionality than was originally envisioned when the project began some two years ago. "
TECH CHRONICLES / A daily dose of postings from The Chronicle's technology blog (sfgate.com/blogs/tech)
TECH CHRONICLES / A daily dose of postings from The Chronicle's technology blog (sfgate.com/blogs/tech): "When Reuven Agassi ran TopManage, Shai Agassi said, it was in three countries: Israel, Poland and Panama. After SAP bought it, within three years it was in 45 countries. Around that time, a year and a half ago, the Agassis got together at a family reunion in Mexico.
Shai saw his father and saw that his dad was seriously stressed. 'He was so stressed,' the younger Agassi recalled. 'So I said, 'You're fired.' '
It was for his own good, Agassi said, and not because dad wasn't getting the job done. It was because the son didn't want his father to 'have a heart attack on my watch.'
Guess what? Dad wasn't thrilled. "
Shai saw his father and saw that his dad was seriously stressed. 'He was so stressed,' the younger Agassi recalled. 'So I said, 'You're fired.' '
It was for his own good, Agassi said, and not because dad wasn't getting the job done. It was because the son didn't want his father to 'have a heart attack on my watch.'
Guess what? Dad wasn't thrilled. "
InformationWeek | Application Integration | SAP, Microsoft Ready Product For Data Integration | May 8, 2006
InformationWeek Application Integration SAP, Microsoft Ready Product For Data Integration May 8, 2006: "SAP and Microsoft spent the past year developing software that funnels SAP data into Microsoft desktop applications. And now your cost: $125 per PC.
The companies last week introduced Duet, software that ties business data from SAP's accounting, human resources, and inventory applications to Microsoft's Outlook E-mail program. Duet eventually will share SAP data with other Office apps, too. Formerly code-named Mendocino, Duet will be available next month from Microsoft, SAP, and their channel partners.
Microsoft client-access licenses for Duet will list at $125. Customers also will need licenses for mySAP ERP 2004, Microsoft Office 2003 Professional Edition or higher, and Windows Server and Exchange Server. "
The companies last week introduced Duet, software that ties business data from SAP's accounting, human resources, and inventory applications to Microsoft's Outlook E-mail program. Duet eventually will share SAP data with other Office apps, too. Formerly code-named Mendocino, Duet will be available next month from Microsoft, SAP, and their channel partners.
Microsoft client-access licenses for Duet will list at $125. Customers also will need licenses for mySAP ERP 2004, Microsoft Office 2003 Professional Edition or higher, and Windows Server and Exchange Server. "
Oracle updates RFID edge server - Computer Business Review
Oracle updates RFID edge server - Computer Business Review: "The goal is to offer users out-of-the-box integration of RFID hardware and software with enterprise technologies, said Redwood Shores, California-based Oracle.
New features Oracle has added to its RFID server include management capabilities for RFID tag readers, antennas and printers, and improved real-time event management."
New features Oracle has added to its RFID server include management capabilities for RFID tag readers, antennas and printers, and improved real-time event management."
Computerworld > Microsoft, SAP to ship link in June
Computerworld > Microsoft, SAP to ship link in June: "Duet is aimed at corporate users who rarely run SAP applications but are regular Office users, says Sharada Achanta, SAP's senior director of solution marketing for emerging solutions.
The first iteration of the tool, Duet 1.0, will link Microsoft and SAP applications to support budget monitoring, employee time and leave management, and organisation management. For example, an employee can record work and billable hours in Microsoft Outlook and then synchronise the data with SAP software.
While Duet will probably be successful, it faces a number of hurdles. Among them is the need for competitors Microsoft and SAP to closely cooperate, according to a recent note issued by analysts at Boston-based consultancy AMR Research. "
The first iteration of the tool, Duet 1.0, will link Microsoft and SAP applications to support budget monitoring, employee time and leave management, and organisation management. For example, an employee can record work and billable hours in Microsoft Outlook and then synchronise the data with SAP software.
While Duet will probably be successful, it faces a number of hurdles. Among them is the need for competitors Microsoft and SAP to closely cooperate, according to a recent note issued by analysts at Boston-based consultancy AMR Research. "
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
SAP aims Duet at largest customers, beta tester sees benefits
SAP aims Duet at largest customers, beta tester sees benefits: "Analysts have balked at the early version of Duet, citing the need for greater functionality beyond employee and manager tasks. But Agassi and Raikes said the goal of Duet was to link everyday SAP tasks with the Microsoft Office environment familiar to end users.
Related information:
Microsoft, SAP to release Mendocino as Duet, unveil Web site
Podcast: SAP CRM on demand; Mendocino unwrapped
Microsoft-SAP Mendocino project has opportunities, drawbacks
SAP-Microsoft project has roots in Israel
SAP-Microsoft project triggers unanswered questions
Podcast: SAP user group head explains SAP successes, challenges
'People are feeling a sense of information overload, and in some cases this leads to information underload,' Raikes said. 'SAP's leadership in the enterprise space is the thing we focused on jointly; in addition, we are each approaching how Office fits into the rest of our product lines.'
Early functionality in Duet has been 'quite thin,' said Paul Hamerman, vice president of enterprise applications at Forrester Research Inc. 'This announcement is more about revealing a strategy or roadmap moving forward.'"
Related information:
Microsoft, SAP to release Mendocino as Duet, unveil Web site
Podcast: SAP CRM on demand; Mendocino unwrapped
Microsoft-SAP Mendocino project has opportunities, drawbacks
SAP-Microsoft project has roots in Israel
SAP-Microsoft project triggers unanswered questions
Podcast: SAP user group head explains SAP successes, challenges
'People are feeling a sense of information overload, and in some cases this leads to information underload,' Raikes said. 'SAP's leadership in the enterprise space is the thing we focused on jointly; in addition, we are each approaching how Office fits into the rest of our product lines.'
Early functionality in Duet has been 'quite thin,' said Paul Hamerman, vice president of enterprise applications at Forrester Research Inc. 'This announcement is more about revealing a strategy or roadmap moving forward.'"
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Microsoft, SAP to release Mendocino as Duet, unveil Web site
Microsoft, SAP to release Mendocino as Duet, unveil Web site: "Of more importance than a name change, the announcement today gives more specifics around the roadmap of Duet, said Paul Hamerman, vice president of enterprise applications, Forrester Research Inc. Hamerman said a second release will provide more significant functionality, including sales activity and purchasing management that will expand Duet beyond a few self-service features.
'The initial scenarios are pretty thin, but I think more importantly they are providing a more comprehensive vision around what kind of applications could be offered under this partnership,' Hamerman said.
Microsoft itself has been retooling its Dynamics brand ERP software by incorporating Dynamics into a more Microsoft Office-like environment. Microsoft's Dynamics initiative, aimed at the midmarket, is far more extensive than Duet, Hamerman said, and it will virtually synchronize the Microsoft environment with the Dynamics environment"
'The initial scenarios are pretty thin, but I think more importantly they are providing a more comprehensive vision around what kind of applications could be offered under this partnership,' Hamerman said.
Microsoft itself has been retooling its Dynamics brand ERP software by incorporating Dynamics into a more Microsoft Office-like environment. Microsoft's Dynamics initiative, aimed at the midmarket, is far more extensive than Duet, Hamerman said, and it will virtually synchronize the Microsoft environment with the Dynamics environment"
Monday, May 01, 2006
Investor's Business Daily: Open-Source Trend Brings Big Challenge To Software Leaders
Investor's Business Daily: Open-Source Trend Brings Big Challenge To Software Leaders: "As more companies and government agencies use open-source software, a trend many expect will continue, traditional software companies face the wrenching decision of how much they should move toward open source, if at all.
Two companies stand out for not embracing open source at all. But then, they might have the most to lose from open source. They are Microsoft, (MSFT) the largest software company, and SAP, (SAP) the largest maker of business software.
Many other big software vendors, most notably Oracle (ORCL) � an archrival to both SAP and Microsoft � are making moves toward at least the outskirts of the open-source camp."
Two companies stand out for not embracing open source at all. But then, they might have the most to lose from open source. They are Microsoft, (MSFT) the largest software company, and SAP, (SAP) the largest maker of business software.
Many other big software vendors, most notably Oracle (ORCL) � an archrival to both SAP and Microsoft � are making moves toward at least the outskirts of the open-source camp."
news - Oracle Launches 1000 Event Application World Tour
news - Oracle Launches 1000 Event Application World Tour: "Oracle President Charles Phillips today launched the start of 1000 Events: Oracle Applications World Tour. At these events held in cities across the globe, Oracle executives and experts will provide an update on the strategy and direction of the current Oracle Applications and discuss 'Applications Unlimited,' Oracle's plans to provide ongoing enhancements to the current Oracle Applications beyond the delivery of Oracle Fusion Applications in 2008. Additionally, the events will discuss the evolutionary path customers can take to move to Oracle Fusion Applications.
'We continue to reach out to our customers and partners to communicate our plans to protect their current Oracle investments, and today's announcement of 'Applications Unlimited' is further proof of Oracle's efforts to ensure customers derive continual value from their applications,' said Oracle President Charles Phillips"
'We continue to reach out to our customers and partners to communicate our plans to protect their current Oracle investments, and today's announcement of 'Applications Unlimited' is further proof of Oracle's efforts to ensure customers derive continual value from their applications,' said Oracle President Charles Phillips"
Hebrew spoken here at SAP-Microsoft project - Haaretz - Israel News
Hebrew spoken here at SAP-Microsoft project - Haaretz - Israel News: "'Mendocino is a software product that can connect Microsoft's Pronto to an organization's SAP product,' explains Brutman. 'When I set up a meeting in Outlook, which involves charging for my work hours, I can feed the information directly into the organizational system that tracks my hours. If a worker corresponds with his boss about vacation days, that, too, can be fed into his personal file in the company's internal databases.'
Although it sounds simple, it is difficult to implement.
'Working in conjunction with Microsoft was very difficult at first,' says Pik. 'We had to define what we could and could not show them. After all, every company has its trade secrets. We had to build a development tool with a common language, identical names for processes.'
The beta version of the product is already undergoing trials at the companies' big customers, and the full version of Mendocino is due to be released next month. "
Although it sounds simple, it is difficult to implement.
'Working in conjunction with Microsoft was very difficult at first,' says Pik. 'We had to define what we could and could not show them. After all, every company has its trade secrets. We had to build a development tool with a common language, identical names for processes.'
The beta version of the product is already undergoing trials at the companies' big customers, and the full version of Mendocino is due to be released next month. "
Higher Education Institutions Expand Services and Transform Their Campuses With Oracle(R) Applications and Technology
Higher Education Institutions Expand Services and Transform Their Campuses With Oracle(R) Applications and Technology: "Oracle (Nasdaq:
ORCL) today announced that more than 35 leading U.S. and
international-based colleges and universities recently purchased or
implemented Oracle(R) applications and technology to help achieve
institutional goals and support learning. These institutions are enhancing
services for students, faculty, staff, alumni and other key constituents,
as well as controlling costs through greater administrative efficiencies
and timely access to reliable information and services."
ORCL) today announced that more than 35 leading U.S. and
international-based colleges and universities recently purchased or
implemented Oracle(R) applications and technology to help achieve
institutional goals and support learning. These institutions are enhancing
services for students, faculty, staff, alumni and other key constituents,
as well as controlling costs through greater administrative efficiencies
and timely access to reliable information and services."
