Monday, October 30, 2006
BearingPoint, Inc. :: BearingPoint Paves the 'Road to Fusion'
BearingPoint, Inc. :: BearingPoint Paves the 'Road to Fusion': "'By strategically aligning the capabilities of former industry competitors, Oracle has strengthened its product offerings, accelerated innovation and positioned itself to meet customer demands more quickly and cost-effectively,' said Bob Hershey, senior vice president and managing director, BearingPoint Technology Solutions. 'Recognizing the opportunity to provide greater business value to customers, BearingPoint took the lead in consolidating its Oracle, Peoplesoft and Siebel practices to create cross- competency teams to leverage deep industry expertise and further align itself with Oracle's next generation solution set.'
Oracle Fusion is Oracle's blueprint for SOA-based Enterprise Solutions and can be used for integrating SOA-based applications and processes. By building the technology on open industry standards, enterprise systems can evolve easily and address the specific needs of businesses as they change. Organizations using any of Oracle's recent application product lines (including Oracle E-Business Suite 11i.10, Oracle's PeopleSoft Enterprise 8.9 and Oracle's JD Edwards EnterpriseOne 8.11) will find Oracle Fusion functionality and support already built into their existing systems"
Oracle Fusion is Oracle's blueprint for SOA-based Enterprise Solutions and can be used for integrating SOA-based applications and processes. By building the technology on open industry standards, enterprise systems can evolve easily and address the specific needs of businesses as they change. Organizations using any of Oracle's recent application product lines (including Oracle E-Business Suite 11i.10, Oracle's PeopleSoft Enterprise 8.9 and Oracle's JD Edwards EnterpriseOne 8.11) will find Oracle Fusion functionality and support already built into their existing systems"
SAP CEO says wants to challenge Oracle for top spot | Mergers & Acquisitions | Reuters.com
SAP CEO says wants to challenge Oracle for top spot Mergers & Acquisitions Reuters.com: "'If we meet our targets and bring our products to the market in time, then this should be possible in two to three years,' daily Boersen-Zeitung quoted CEO Henning Kagermann as saying.
SAP currently has a market capitalisation of $62.9 billion, compared to Oracle's $97.3 billion.
Kagermann said SAP planned to grow largely from internal means, since bigger acquisitions were likely to run into anti-trust problems.
He said SAP planned to increase the number of its business software clients to around 100,000 by 2010 from around 40,000 currently. 'By then, we want to make half of our revenues with new customers,' he added, up from just under 20 percent now."
SAP currently has a market capitalisation of $62.9 billion, compared to Oracle's $97.3 billion.
Kagermann said SAP planned to grow largely from internal means, since bigger acquisitions were likely to run into anti-trust problems.
He said SAP planned to increase the number of its business software clients to around 100,000 by 2010 from around 40,000 currently. 'By then, we want to make half of our revenues with new customers,' he added, up from just under 20 percent now."
Oracle Outlines Fusion Middleware
Oracle Outlines Fusion Middleware: "While he did not talk about a future direction for Fusion Middleware—many analysts believe the technology stack is fairly complete—Kurian did outlined two new offerings that are now part of the Fusion Middleware family: Oracle Business Intelligence Suite Enterprise Edition 10g Release 3; and Oracle WebCenter Suite, a composite application development and Web 2.0 collaboration environment all rolled into one. Oracle BI Suite EE 3 is essentially Siebel analytics brought under the Oracle roof and integrated. "
Oracle's Phillips touts Fusion's heat | CNET News.com
Oracle's Phillips touts Fusion's heat CNET News.com: "Fusion is designed to combine the best technologies from Oracle and those from the numerous companies it has acquired, including PeopleSoft and Siebel Systems. Fusion applications are expected to begin rolling out in 2008. Last year, the company debuted its Oracle Fusion Middleware suite.
Oracle has also been introducing strategies to keep PeopleSoft and Siebel customers from defecting to rivals, offering such programs as its lifetime support for those products, as well as announcing new versions for three of its major applications: PeopleSoft Enterprise 9, which debuted in June; Oracle E-business Suite 12; and JD Edwards 8.12, which was unveiled in April. "
Oracle has also been introducing strategies to keep PeopleSoft and Siebel customers from defecting to rivals, offering such programs as its lifetime support for those products, as well as announcing new versions for three of its major applications: PeopleSoft Enterprise 9, which debuted in June; Oracle E-business Suite 12; and JD Edwards 8.12, which was unveiled in April. "
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Face value | Homo SAPiens | Economist.com
Face value Homo SAPiens Economist.com: "SAP and Oracle might appear outwardly similar, since both firms sell the software used by large companies to run their businesses, from inventory and resource planning to customer-relationship management. But they are very different. SAP, the industry leader, has grown organically, making only small acquisitions here and there to fill gaps. Oracle, in contrast, has grown rapidly in recent years as the result of a $19.5 billion acquisition spree, but is still far behind. And while the swashbuckling Mr Ellison is one of the software world's more colourful characters who enjoys taking potshots at his rivals, Mr Kagermann, a former physics professor, takes a more measured approach. His predecessor, Hasso Plattner, now SAP's chairman, was more in the Ellison mould, and clashes between the two men got personal. But a former colleague says Mr Kagermann prefers to see management as “dealing in shades of grey”."
Thursday, October 26, 2006
SAP leads in enterprise CPM, study says
SAP leads in enterprise CPM, study says: "A recent Bloor Research study finds that software carrying the corporate performance management (CPM) moniker can vary greatly, because the market is rapidly changing.
Historically, CPM tools have focused on finance, according to study author Gerry Brown, senior analyst with Towcester, U.K.-based Bloor Research International Ltd. But that's changing as a result of regulatory compliance, competitive pressures and organizational demands for democratization of information. Many organizations want to deploy CPM broadly to many employees, but traditional finance CPM tools don't have the functionality required for organization-wide deployments, Brown said in an interview. Bloor's report divides CPM systems into three new subcategories: enterprise CPM, finance CPM, and visualization and information delivery tools, which provide a presentation layer for CPM systems. According to Brown, though, organizations should consider more than just CPM when choosing technology. "
Historically, CPM tools have focused on finance, according to study author Gerry Brown, senior analyst with Towcester, U.K.-based Bloor Research International Ltd. But that's changing as a result of regulatory compliance, competitive pressures and organizational demands for democratization of information. Many organizations want to deploy CPM broadly to many employees, but traditional finance CPM tools don't have the functionality required for organization-wide deployments, Brown said in an interview. Bloor's report divides CPM systems into three new subcategories: enterprise CPM, finance CPM, and visualization and information delivery tools, which provide a presentation layer for CPM systems. According to Brown, though, organizations should consider more than just CPM when choosing technology. "
SAP rollout helps cut council costs - vnunet.com
SAP rollout helps cut council costs - vnunet.com: "Birmingham City Council’s back-office systems are to be overhauled using SAP software as part of a huge transformation project intended to save £1bn.
The council signed a 10-year, £475m strategic partnership deal with Capita in April, creating Service Birmingham, a joint venture between the local council and the vendor.
Service Birmingham will replace the council’s legacy systems with a full suite of SAP software in 2007 to improve the effectiveness of its public service delivery."
The council signed a 10-year, £475m strategic partnership deal with Capita in April, creating Service Birmingham, a joint venture between the local council and the vendor.
Service Birmingham will replace the council’s legacy systems with a full suite of SAP software in 2007 to improve the effectiveness of its public service delivery."
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Oracle Assaults Red Hat With Pricing War - Forbes.com
Oracle Assaults Red Hat With Pricing War - Forbes.com: "Red Hat's handling of the JBoss deal was just one of several factors that irritated Oracle, Chowdhry said. He believes Red Hat made a crucial mistake by bragging that its Linux products would turn software into a commodity, prompting Ellison to attempt to counterattack.
Ellison said he is more interested in accelerating the open-source movement than crushing Red Hat.
Because much of Oracle's propriety software is designed to run on the Linux operating system, Ellison believes the company will make more money if more major corporate customers embrace open-source software."
Ellison said he is more interested in accelerating the open-source movement than crushing Red Hat.
Because much of Oracle's propriety software is designed to run on the Linux operating system, Ellison believes the company will make more money if more major corporate customers embrace open-source software."
Oracle Previews New Release of Oracle® E-Business Suite at Oracle OpenWorld 2006
Oracle Previews New Release of Oracle® E-Business Suite at Oracle OpenWorld 2006: "Today at Oracle OpenWorld, Oracle previewed the next major release of Oracle(r) E-Business Suite. Designed to support businesses in today's global economy, Oracle E-Business Suite Release 12 enables customers to think globally to make better decisions, work globally to be more competitive and manage globally to lower costs and increase performance. With a new streamlined user interface and thousands of new cross-industry capabilities spanning enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management and supply chain management, Oracle E-Business Suite Release 12 is continued proof of 'Applications Unlimited' program, Oracle's long-term plan to provide continued enhancements to current Oracle Applications."
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Leading System Integrators and Independent Software Vendors Support Oracle(R) Fusion Middleware: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
Leading System Integrators and Independent Software Vendors Support Oracle(R) Fusion Middleware: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "Oracle Fusion Middleware is a comprehensive, standards-based suite of Middleware that integrates an Application Server, Business Integration, Business Process Management, Business Intelligence, Enterprise Portal, and Identity Management into a unified suite. Built on a standards-based Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), Oracle Fusion Middleware presents a significant revenue and business opportunity for partners. The comprehensive, integrated software enables customers to more easily adopt, manage and secure SOAs across heterogeneous computing environments. More than 4,800 ISVs in every major industry -- manufacturing, telecommunications, financial services, education, healthcare and pharmaceutical, public sector, transportation and logistics -- support Oracle Fusion Middleware."
Oracle Announces Next-generation User Interaction Environment: Oracle(R) WebCenter Suite: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
Oracle Announces Next-generation User Interaction Environment: Oracle(R) WebCenter Suite: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "'Information Workers need an easy-to-use, task-oriented, rich client user interface through which they can access information and enterprise applications, quickly execute transactions within Enterprise Applications, and share information and collaborate with other people over a variety of channels -- messaging, Voice-over-IP, discussions - using familiar desktop and mobile tools,' said Thomas Kurian, senior vice president, Oracle Fusion Middleware. 'Oracle WebCenter Suite solves this problem by integrating a Java-based Portal Framework; Content Management and Content Integration services; Desktop and Application Integration; Enterprise Search; and Web 2.0-based Collaboration and Communication capabilities into a unified user experience. Oracle WebCenter Suite provides developers with a fast, low-risk way to create flexible, context-sensitive work processes. Competing products offer a limited range of services, can require expensive consulting projects to tie their pieces together, or are based on closed, proprietary technology. Only Oracle WebCenter Suite enables a superior user experience based on a full set of enterprise services that are pre-integrated and based on open industry standards.'"
Oracle(R) PartnerNetwork Announces 2006 North America Oracle Titan Award Winners: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
Oracle(R) PartnerNetwork Announces 2006 North America Oracle Titan Award Winners: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "The Oracle Titan Awards continue to gain in popularity and prestige with record nominations submitted this year. The awards identify excellence in solution development and business achievements. Winners, nine of which were first time award recipients, successfully defined new markets, achieved leadership positions in target markets, and transformed traditional business practices building on Oracle's offerings. They also clearly demonstrated a strong commitment to Oracle and a complete understanding of customer needs. Award recipients were selected by an esteemed group of third-party media and analysts from CMP Media, Gartner Group, IDC, as well as Oracle, and based on partner contributions during Oracle's fiscal year 2006. Additionally, Oracle judged submissions from Siebel partners for calendar year 2006."
Monday, October 23, 2006
Phillips gives users sneak peek at Oracle OpenWorld | Tech News on ZDNet
Phillips gives users sneak peek at Oracle OpenWorld Tech News on ZDNet: "Fusion is designed to combine the best technologies from Oracle and the numerous companies it has acquired, including its mega-mergers with PeopleSoft and Siebel Systems, and develop its next generation technology. Fusion applications are expected to begin rolling out in 2008 and last year, the company debuted its Oracle Fusion Middleware suite.
But Oracle has also been introducing strategies to keep PeopleSoft and Siebel customers from defecting to rivals, offering such programs as its lifetime support for PeopleSoft and Siebel products, as well as announcing new versions for three of its major applications: PeopleSoft Enterprise 9, which debuted in June; Oracle E-business Suite 12; and JD Edwards 8.12, which was unveiled in April. "
But Oracle has also been introducing strategies to keep PeopleSoft and Siebel customers from defecting to rivals, offering such programs as its lifetime support for PeopleSoft and Siebel products, as well as announcing new versions for three of its major applications: PeopleSoft Enterprise 9, which debuted in June; Oracle E-business Suite 12; and JD Edwards 8.12, which was unveiled in April. "
Sunday, October 22, 2006
As the Industry Shows Weakness, Google Romps and Apple Shines - Preview
As the Industry Shows Weakness, Google Romps and Apple Shines - Preview: "Enterprise-software giant SAP met its third-quarter earnings targets last Thursday, suggesting that a weak second quarter had been just a blip (see European Trader). But Chief Executive Henning Kagermann warned that growth of the company's software-license revenue for this year might fall in the lower part of a range suggested earlier, which was 15% to ..."
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Den’s Enterprisey Foghorn / SAP Death Star ecosystem
Den’s Enterprisey Foghorn / SAP Death Star ecosystem: "Shai offers his tips for success:
Make sure the application can be priced at around $250K when part of a larger SAP pitch
Find a champion inside SAP
Ensure the application is an ‘edge’ value deliverable SAP is unlikely to look at for its own development in the next 18 months
That makes sense except for one caveat: Shai reckons it takes up to three years to see serious payback from partner investments. As James Governor said during the Q&A:
I’m not sure there are that many developers out there willing to wait three years."
Make sure the application can be priced at around $250K when part of a larger SAP pitch
Find a champion inside SAP
Ensure the application is an ‘edge’ value deliverable SAP is unlikely to look at for its own development in the next 18 months
That makes sense except for one caveat: Shai reckons it takes up to three years to see serious payback from partner investments. As James Governor said during the Q&A:
I’m not sure there are that many developers out there willing to wait three years."
Business Two Zero » Blog Archive » Shai Agassi presents the new SAP, but the personality is conflicted
Business Two Zero » Blog Archive » Shai Agassi presents the new SAP, but the personality is conflicted: "Which brings me to the topic of “choice”. During all of the sessions it was painfully clear to partners and developers alike, that if you want to be doing the “cool” stuff, you have no choice but to upgrade to mySAP ERP 2005. They have over 10,000 customers on ERP ‘05, but even more still on R/3. As a customer, there was a lot of emphasis on your roadmap and action plan to get there from R/3. As a partner, you were left in no doubt that this is where you should be aiming your marketing and development resources. As an aside, I was interested by the metrics. Shai mentioned the 8,500 developers SAP has, and talked about the partners in terms of “where you should be aiming your 20 developers”, and that the sweet spot for your partner application, to get the SAP sales guys attention, should be around $250,000 (and remember that’s in addition to the SAP software the customer has to buy). He was suggesting those partners need to build a business plan and set their expectations so that it might take 3 years to be successful. This was Enterprise oriented with a big capital E!, both for customer and the partner. I’m not sure how many partners or systems integrators could handle 3 years of investment before they get any payback. Dennis amplifies this with one of the best Shai quotes, which takes us to the SAP Deathstar Ecosystem. "
Friday, October 20, 2006
Managing Automation :: SAP Q3 Net Rises 16% on Solid Software Revenue Gain
Managing Automation :: SAP Q3 Net Rises 16% on Solid Software Revenue Gain: "The numbers reported today appeared to put SAP back on its recent strong growth track, which, prior to the second quarter, showed a dozen quarters of double-digit performance.
'In a nutshell, our organic growth strategy has enabled us to win,' said Henning Kagermann, SAP chairman and CEO, during a conference call with financial analysts.
Total revenues for the third quarter ended September 30 rose 11% to €2.2 billion, from €2 billion in the like period last year. Total product revenue, which includes the €691 million in software license revenue as well as €884 million in maintenance revenue -- up 10% from last year's third quarter -- grew 13% to €1.5 billion. Consulting, service, and training revenues each climbed 8% from the comparable quarter."
'In a nutshell, our organic growth strategy has enabled us to win,' said Henning Kagermann, SAP chairman and CEO, during a conference call with financial analysts.
Total revenues for the third quarter ended September 30 rose 11% to €2.2 billion, from €2 billion in the like period last year. Total product revenue, which includes the €691 million in software license revenue as well as €884 million in maintenance revenue -- up 10% from last year's third quarter -- grew 13% to €1.5 billion. Consulting, service, and training revenues each climbed 8% from the comparable quarter."
SAP Lets Partners In On Duet - Microsoft, ERP, Office, Software - CRN
SAP Lets Partners In On Duet - Microsoft, ERP, Office, Software - CRN: "The software, built with Microsoft, has been available directly to MySAP ERP customers since June. Microsoft also made it available to its partners last week.
At the launch, SAP executives said the product would be offered direct only but then quickly retreated from those statements.
Addressing SAP's time lag in offering Duet via partners, an SAP executive said the company wanted to do further testing.
'We wanted to make sure the product is absolutely ready for the midmarket,' said Udo Waibel, senior vice president of emerging solutions for SAP, Waldorf, Germany.
The shipping Duet product connects MySAP ERP 2004 back-end systems with Microsoft Office 2003 applications. A version for MySAP ERP 2005 is due out by the year's end, and support for Office 2007 will be made available via a solution pack soon after that product suite ships, Waibel told CRN. "
At the launch, SAP executives said the product would be offered direct only but then quickly retreated from those statements.
Addressing SAP's time lag in offering Duet via partners, an SAP executive said the company wanted to do further testing.
'We wanted to make sure the product is absolutely ready for the midmarket,' said Udo Waibel, senior vice president of emerging solutions for SAP, Waldorf, Germany.
The shipping Duet product connects MySAP ERP 2004 back-end systems with Microsoft Office 2003 applications. A version for MySAP ERP 2005 is due out by the year's end, and support for Office 2007 will be made available via a solution pack soon after that product suite ships, Waibel told CRN. "
ComputerPartner - Kagermann is cautious but optimistic about SAP growth
ComputerPartner - Kagermann is cautious but optimistic about SAP growth: "But nine months into the 2006 business year, Kagermann said the company, while within its guidance figures, is at the lower end and is 'less likely' to edge up by year's end.
At the start of the year, SAP forecasted 2006 software license revenue to increase between 15 percent and 17 percent.
Although Kagermann declined to provide guidance figures for 2007, he said he doesn't see any changes in the market that could slow down demand.
'Pricing remains tough but stable,' he said. 'We don't expect any changes -- for better or worse.'
Kagermann acknowledged Salesforce.com Inc. as a competitor with its on-demand applications but said SAP has countered with new on-demand offerings."
At the start of the year, SAP forecasted 2006 software license revenue to increase between 15 percent and 17 percent.
Although Kagermann declined to provide guidance figures for 2007, he said he doesn't see any changes in the market that could slow down demand.
'Pricing remains tough but stable,' he said. 'We don't expect any changes -- for better or worse.'
Kagermann acknowledged Salesforce.com Inc. as a competitor with its on-demand applications but said SAP has countered with new on-demand offerings."
Business World, live news from Ireland, plus Irish archive, lists, companies information
Business World, live news from Ireland, plus Irish archive, lists, companies information: "SAP has appointed Steve Rogers to the role of managing director, United Kingdom and Ireland, the business applications firm said today.
He joins from Business Objects, where he was Vice President and General Manager, EMEA North Region after a term as Siebel's Vice President, EMEA North Region."
He joins from Business Objects, where he was Vice President and General Manager, EMEA North Region after a term as Siebel's Vice President, EMEA North Region."
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Reseller News > SAP's PartnerEdge expansion
Reseller News > SAP's PartnerEdge expansion: "Since its launch, PartnerEdge has introduced an e-learning curriculum available in nine languages to more than 2000 partners, an online partner collaboration network involving 3000 users and more than 300 partner systems, in addition to a global sales training program, SAP said.
In conjunction with its extended PartnerEdge programme, SAP has added several enhancements to its Partner Service Benefits Package. These include: the Partner Services Advisor, which serves as a single point of contact for inquiries and guidance on organisation and content-related actives; Technical Services, which puts partners in touch with SAP experts managing product development and implementation; Enablement Support, which provides information on integrating and certifying services; and Knowledge Transfer, which provides 24-hour access to a defined set of online, self-service business and technical education offerings. "
In conjunction with its extended PartnerEdge programme, SAP has added several enhancements to its Partner Service Benefits Package. These include: the Partner Services Advisor, which serves as a single point of contact for inquiries and guidance on organisation and content-related actives; Technical Services, which puts partners in touch with SAP experts managing product development and implementation; Enablement Support, which provides information on integrating and certifying services; and Knowledge Transfer, which provides 24-hour access to a defined set of online, self-service business and technical education offerings. "
SAP announces Q3 results, downplays Oracle earnings
SAP announces Q3 results, downplays Oracle earnings: "In September, Oracle announced that software revenues were up 29% to $2.7 billion with database and middleware revenues up 15% and applications revenues up a whopping 80%. Analysts speculated that the jump in license revenue was the result of a three year long acquisition spree during which Oracle has purchased 21 competitors including CRM giants PeopleSoft Corp. and Siebel Systems Inc.
SAP, which sought to play down those results during its earnings announcement, continues to lead Oracle in the business applications market by a wide margin, and says it has taken about 400 orders from Oracle since introducing its Safe Passage program, which gives Oracle customers substantial rebates for switching to SAP. "
SAP, which sought to play down those results during its earnings announcement, continues to lead Oracle in the business applications market by a wide margin, and says it has taken about 400 orders from Oracle since introducing its Safe Passage program, which gives Oracle customers substantial rebates for switching to SAP. "
RED HERRING | Time for a Change at SAP?
RED HERRING Time for a Change at SAP?: "However, some analysts feel that SAP will have to resort to the larger acquisition strategy to keep up with the consolidating industry.
“We view M&A as an important core competence in software as the industry consolidates, and we are skeptical of SAP’s ability to achieve consistent top line growth of [more than 15 percent] without M&A, given the mature state of the applications market,” said Mr. Goldmacher.
He also named two other factors behind SAP’s slow growth—its lack of adoption of an SOA (software-oriented architecture) strategy, which is a recent industry trend, and its push into the mid-market, which will lower its margins.
“We believe it will need to grow its top and bottom lines materially faster, something we are skeptical about, due to shortcomings in its SOA strategy, unwillingness to make large acquisitions, and our anticipated margin pressure due to its push into the lower end of the market,” said Mr. Goldmacher. "
“We view M&A as an important core competence in software as the industry consolidates, and we are skeptical of SAP’s ability to achieve consistent top line growth of [more than 15 percent] without M&A, given the mature state of the applications market,” said Mr. Goldmacher.
He also named two other factors behind SAP’s slow growth—its lack of adoption of an SOA (software-oriented architecture) strategy, which is a recent industry trend, and its push into the mid-market, which will lower its margins.
“We believe it will need to grow its top and bottom lines materially faster, something we are skeptical about, due to shortcomings in its SOA strategy, unwillingness to make large acquisitions, and our anticipated margin pressure due to its push into the lower end of the market,” said Mr. Goldmacher. "
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
SAP promotes SOA, extends NetWeaver
SAP promotes SOA, extends NetWeaver: "At its European TechEd conference being held this week in Amsterdam, SAP today opened the NetWeaver platform to a broader development community. Via the online SAP Developers Network, developers will soon be able to purchase individual subscriptions to SAP software, allowing them to test, evaluate and develop tools in NetWeaver. Until now access to development tools was available only for companies that had purchased SAP software. "
SAP promotes SOA, extends NetWeaver
SAP promotes SOA, extends NetWeaver: "At its European TechEd conference being held this week in Amsterdam, SAP today opened the NetWeaver platform to a broader development community. Via the online SAP Developers Network, developers will soon be able to purchase individual subscriptions to SAP software, allowing them to test, evaluate and develop tools in NetWeaver. Until now access to development tools was available only for companies that had purchased SAP software. "
Falling Flat?
Falling Flat?: "According to analysts, the immaturity of NetWeaver as a platform for sharing data from mobile devices to the SAP backbone is likely causing grief at CCE. A key, yet relatively new component to NetWeaver is the Master Data Management program, which ensures price and order data is real-time and available to the entire organization through an intranet or mobile device.
'The Master Data Management piece, which manages the data definitions in non-SAP products, has only been shipped to about 20-odd customers,' says Gartner's White. 'And of those, I've only heard of a few testing it with non-SAP data. This is especially troublesome in an environment like Coke's, with so many different vendors and customers using different systems.'"
'The Master Data Management piece, which manages the data definitions in non-SAP products, has only been shipped to about 20-odd customers,' says Gartner's White. 'And of those, I've only heard of a few testing it with non-SAP data. This is especially troublesome in an environment like Coke's, with so many different vendors and customers using different systems.'"
SAP - SAP Drives Open Standards to Simplify Enterprise SOA
SAP - SAP Drives Open Standards to Simplify Enterprise SOA: "Delivering on its commitment to help customers experience the business value of enterprise service-oriented architecture (enterprise SOA), SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today highlighted the key business and industry standards initiatives it has already delivered and continues to support. SAP’s comprehensive strategy is focused on driving open standards that simplify organizations’ evolution to enterprise SOA and address both technology and business requirements. SAP takes leadership roles in standards organizations and committees to move from specifications to ratified standards, works with customers and partners on developing enterprise services, and catalyzes communities to drive interoperability best practices. "
Bloomberg.com: Germany
Bloomberg.com: Germany: "Profit probably climbed to 381 million euros ($477 million) from 334 million euros, the median estimate of 17 analysts in a Bloomberg survey. License revenue, a gauge of future fees from consulting and maintenance, may have gained 14 percent to 670 million euros as American sales jumped 18 percent.
SAP, based in Walldorf, Germany, already gets more software revenue in the U.S. than any other country by helping clients such as Gap Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. run billing and payroll tasks. SAP may lower its annual license sales forecast after the dollar fell 6 percent against the euro this year, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. analyst Mohammed Moawalla said.
``They set the bar really high at the beginning of the year,'' said Andrew Koettner, who manages the equivalent of $2.5 billion at Union Investment in Frankfurt, including SAP shares. ``It will be a challenge to meet the full-year guidance and a lot will depend on the fourth quarter.''"
SAP, based in Walldorf, Germany, already gets more software revenue in the U.S. than any other country by helping clients such as Gap Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. run billing and payroll tasks. SAP may lower its annual license sales forecast after the dollar fell 6 percent against the euro this year, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. analyst Mohammed Moawalla said.
``They set the bar really high at the beginning of the year,'' said Andrew Koettner, who manages the equivalent of $2.5 billion at Union Investment in Frankfurt, including SAP shares. ``It will be a challenge to meet the full-year guidance and a lot will depend on the fourth quarter.''"
Bloomberg.com: Europe
Bloomberg.com: Europe: "The tactics are classic Ellison, famous for his admiration of ``The Art of War,'' the treatise on battle tactics written by the sixth-century BC Chinese general Sun Tzu.
Ellison, 62, is a master of applying Sun Tzu's precepts to the modern-day warfare of business competition, say those who know him. One basic tenet notes a smaller force can beat a larger one by causing its rival to respond before thinking.
``Larry consistently executes `The Art of War' better than any CEO,'' Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff, who has described Ellison as a mentor, said in an interview. ``SAP never should have reacted to Oracle's statements because it makes customers and investors view Oracle as a peer to SAP, when they aren't.'' "
Ellison, 62, is a master of applying Sun Tzu's precepts to the modern-day warfare of business competition, say those who know him. One basic tenet notes a smaller force can beat a larger one by causing its rival to respond before thinking.
``Larry consistently executes `The Art of War' better than any CEO,'' Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff, who has described Ellison as a mentor, said in an interview. ``SAP never should have reacted to Oracle's statements because it makes customers and investors view Oracle as a peer to SAP, when they aren't.'' "
Monday, October 16, 2006
At SAP, putting software in drive | Newsmakers | CNET News.com
At SAP, putting software in drive Newsmakers CNET News.com: "When Hasso said three-tier client server, the last time I checked Larry (Ellison, chief executive of rival Oracle) said two tiers are still enough. So, you see, a guy who really ran well ahead of the curve and had the foresight to actually go through three generations of revolution in this industry and lead the company to a leadership position again and again and again. To have the fortune to actually work under his wings, his mentorship, is a tremendous opportunity. I feel like I have the opportunity to work with Henry Ford in his last days in his workshop, which is a tremendous opportunity that any entrepreneur would like to get as a mentor. "
Small and Medium Businesses Replace Microsoft with Oracle(R) Applications: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
Small and Medium Businesses Replace Microsoft with Oracle(R) Applications: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "Small and medium businesses (SMB) looking to reduce business complexities, maximize resources and keep information technology (IT) costs under control are replacing Microsoft with Oracle® Applications, Oracle (Nasdaq: ORCL - News) today announced. Companies including Abaris, Dynetech Services Corporation, Gathering Storm, Keller Williams Realty, Prudential Overall Supply and Soltre Technology are finding that Oracle is an overall better investment for growth and competitive advantage."
Small and Medium Businesses Replace Microsoft with Oracle(R) Applications: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
Small and Medium Businesses Replace Microsoft with Oracle(R) Applications: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "Small and medium businesses (SMB) looking to reduce business complexities, maximize resources and keep information technology (IT) costs under control are replacing Microsoft with Oracle® Applications, Oracle (Nasdaq: ORCL - News) today announced. Companies including Abaris, Dynetech Services Corporation, Gathering Storm, Keller Williams Realty, Prudential Overall Supply and Soltre Technology are finding that Oracle is an overall better investment for growth and competitive advantage."
Small and Medium Businesses Replace Microsoft with Oracle(R) Applications: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
Small and Medium Businesses Replace Microsoft with Oracle(R) Applications: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "Small and medium businesses (SMB) looking to reduce business complexities, maximize resources and keep information technology (IT) costs under control are replacing Microsoft with Oracle® Applications, Oracle (Nasdaq: ORCL - News) today announced. Companies including Abaris, Dynetech Services Corporation, Gathering Storm, Keller Williams Realty, Prudential Overall Supply and Soltre Technology are finding that Oracle is an overall better investment for growth and competitive advantage."
Fujitsu and SAP Strengthen Services Partnership
Fujitsu and SAP Strengthen Services Partnership: "Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) and SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced an expansion of their longstanding technology partnership in the services area. In support of their commitment to help companies adopt a flexible IT infrastructure that will come from a services-based IT approach, Fujitsu has become a SAP global services partner and the first Japan-based services company to achieve this standard. Fujitsu and SAP will team worldwide to market and deliver SAP's business applications based on Fujitsu's cutting-edge, high-reliability platform products and consulting services. The combined offering will enable companies around the globe to boost competitiveness by optimizing their overall operations."
Oracle Unveils Oracle(R) Workforce Scheduling for Retail and Hospitality Industries: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
Oracle Unveils Oracle(R) Workforce Scheduling for Retail and Hospitality Industries: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "In response to Oracle's acquisition of TempoSoft, AMR Research published the following: 'The former France-based workforce management software vendor complements Oracle's Time and Labor and PeopleSoft's HCM products, which are all aimed at creating more efficient employee lifecycle management. The intent is also to closely align demand forecasts derived from merchandise planning, markdowns, logistics, and such, with specific needs for store labor from TempoSoft. This critical integration point will distinguish Oracle from its competition.' The report was published in August 2006 and titled, 'An In Depth Look at Oracle's Retail Strategy: Don't Call it ERP.'"
Oracle Delivers PeopleSoft Enterprise Financial Management 9
Oracle Delivers PeopleSoft Enterprise Financial Management 9: "Oracle
(Nasdaq: ORCL) today announced the general availability of Oracle's
PeopleSoft Enterprise Financial Management 9, which features enhancements
to core financial accounting, asset lifecycle management and enterprise
service automation applications. Additionally, new features will be
introduced in PeopleSoft Enterprise Internal Controls Enforcer, a key
product designed to enable users to automate and enforce internal controls
required under Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley. These features include
enhanced reporting capabilities and enhanced software license tracking to
reduce audit risk and penalties. These releases are yet another example of
Oracle providing enhancements to its current application products under its
'Applications Unlimited' initiative."
(Nasdaq: ORCL) today announced the general availability of Oracle's
PeopleSoft Enterprise Financial Management 9, which features enhancements
to core financial accounting, asset lifecycle management and enterprise
service automation applications. Additionally, new features will be
introduced in PeopleSoft Enterprise Internal Controls Enforcer, a key
product designed to enable users to automate and enforce internal controls
required under Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley. These features include
enhanced reporting capabilities and enhanced software license tracking to
reduce audit risk and penalties. These releases are yet another example of
Oracle providing enhancements to its current application products under its
'Applications Unlimited' initiative."
CRM Today: Chinese Retail Giant Finds Best Fit with SAP
CRM Today: Chinese Retail Giant Finds Best Fit with SAP: "The extensive selection process began in November 2005. Led by Dr. Zhang Wenzhong, chairman of the board of Wumart, the ERP project team visited all major software vendors, including SAP, and more than 20 international companies that had successfully implemented ERP systems in China, France, Switzerland, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. After a 10-month evaluation process, Wumart selected SAP for its broad experience, strong customer base and proven product integration across retail, financial and logistical operations. Other deciding factors included SAP’s solid R&D investments and groups in China, as well as SAP’s best practices and the scale of SAP service offerings for retail. "
Oracle Corporation :: LG Electronics Selects Oracle(R) Fusion Middleware to Integrate Global IT Infrastructure and Maximize Business Efficiency
Oracle Corporation :: LG Electronics Selects Oracle(R) Fusion Middleware to Integrate Global IT Infrastructure and Maximize Business Efficiency: "LG Electronics purchased and has begun implementing Oracle SOA Suite to integrate its existing IT systems worldwide. The company plans to integrate its system interfaces based on an SOA and to make it a standard way of integrating its global infrastructure. LG Electronics expects its move to an SOA will create more flexibility in its IT architecture while helping reduce the complexity of its data. Furthermore, the company expects to utilize Oracle SOA Suite to more efficiently monitor and manage its systems."
Techworld.com - SAP opens up NetWeaver to smaller developers
Techworld.com - SAP opens up NetWeaver to smaller developers: "Developers will be able to buy NetWeaver licences at reduced cost from its SAP Developer Network (SDN) website where previously they had to rely on the company they worked for being an existing SAP customer.
The plan is to expand the appeal of the integration platform, which is central to recent versions of the vendor's enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. SAP will also announce new investments in its NetWeaver Fund which provides an incentive to partners to build offerings based on SAP's three-year-old NetWeaver platform. "
The plan is to expand the appeal of the integration platform, which is central to recent versions of the vendor's enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. SAP will also announce new investments in its NetWeaver Fund which provides an incentive to partners to build offerings based on SAP's three-year-old NetWeaver platform. "
InfoWorld Nederland
InfoWorld Nederland: "SAP's main rival, Oracle Corp., is also looking to shore up its relationships with its channel partners. Oracle is due to make a number of major announcements later this month at its OpenWorld conference in San Francisco aimed at both enhancing and adding to its current partner tools and training.
SAP and Oracle butted heads last month when Oracle's executives, while announcing a strong financial quarter, chose to indulge in some SAP bashing. Whether SAP returns the favor will become clear Thursday when the company expects to release its fiscal 2006 third-quarter financial results.
Oracle's management had seized on SAP's July announcement of lower-than-expected sales during its second quarter as proof that SAP's growth had stalled. SAP countered that the results were a slight blip and not any indication of a major issue with its overall performance which has remained strong."
SAP and Oracle butted heads last month when Oracle's executives, while announcing a strong financial quarter, chose to indulge in some SAP bashing. Whether SAP returns the favor will become clear Thursday when the company expects to release its fiscal 2006 third-quarter financial results.
Oracle's management had seized on SAP's July announcement of lower-than-expected sales during its second quarter as proof that SAP's growth had stalled. SAP countered that the results were a slight blip and not any indication of a major issue with its overall performance which has remained strong."
Friday, October 13, 2006
IBM Gets Tight With SAP, Targets SMBs
IBM Gets Tight With SAP, Targets SMBs: "Michael Koerner, global business development manager for SAP and IBM systems, said the $35,000 starting price for the server 'represents about a 50 percent cut in normal pricing' for the i 520 server. It represents a price point created specifically for what IBM considers the lower end of the SMB market — 50 to 100 people.
To get that price, Koerner said, an SMB must be able to verify that it has $15,000 in SAP licenses. And new customers must sign on for at least $15,000 in SAP software. "
To get that price, Koerner said, an SMB must be able to verify that it has $15,000 in SAP licenses. And new customers must sign on for at least $15,000 in SAP software. "
SAP Duet to meet IBM Harmony project
SAP Duet to meet IBM Harmony project: "SAP integration features in Lotus Notes offer more robust functionality and similar scenarios as Duet software, according to IBM executives touting the company's Harmony initiative. "
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
ITP.net {News: SAP Arabia prepares to show solutions strength}
ITP.net {News: SAP Arabia prepares to show solutions strength}: "During Gitex itself, the company will offer numerous interactive demonstrations of products such as mySAP customer relationship management (CRM) solutions; developments in Project Duet; and key features of SAP solution sets targeting the specific demands of companies across a diverse number of vertical industries such as oil and gas, retail, automotive, engineering, construction, manufacturing, financial services and also the public sector. "
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
The Human Capitalist: What PeopleSoft Customers Are Saying...
The Human Capitalist: What PeopleSoft Customers Are Saying...: "All in all, a great session that I thought was very pro-Oracle (except for the service discussion) and pro-ERP. More so than ever, though, buyers have more options than ever and are leveraging the power of a buyer's market to get more for their organizations."
The CIO Weblog: PeopleSoft People Thoughts
The CIO Weblog: PeopleSoft People Thoughts: "The Human Capitalist has a post up summarizing the discussion of the Peoplesoft user panel at the HR Technology Conference.....below are some excerpts from the same:
Oracle Fusion - Confusion:Each executive on the panel still seems confused over Fusion. More specifically, what its going to look like in terms of functionality, configurability, roadmap and release dates, etc. Each executive, though, stated no plans to move off PeopleSoft and are 'cautiously optimistic' about Fusion's future based on Oracle's outreach with them on getting insight into wants and needs."
Oracle Fusion - Confusion:Each executive on the panel still seems confused over Fusion. More specifically, what its going to look like in terms of functionality, configurability, roadmap and release dates, etc. Each executive, though, stated no plans to move off PeopleSoft and are 'cautiously optimistic' about Fusion's future based on Oracle's outreach with them on getting insight into wants and needs."
Oracle buys Sunopsis | Tech News on ZDNet
Oracle buys Sunopsis Tech News on ZDNet: "According to a press release from Oracle, Sunopsis was acquired specifically as an enhancement to the Oracle Fusion Middleware line for its PeopleSoft products. Oracle bought PeopleSoft in January 2005 for $10.3 billion in a messy acquisition that was marked by layoffs and court battles. Since then, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison has placed an emphasis on fusing Oracle and PeopleSoft products."
Restaurant chain chooses SAP over Oracle for financials
Restaurant chain chooses SAP over Oracle for financials: "SAP's challenge is to appeal to companies that get caught in between SAP Business One, a low-end suite for small businesses, and SAP All-In-One, Hamerman said.
'SAP All-In-One tends to be a bit complex for companies that are a little smaller than Au Bon Pain,' he said. 'The cost of ownership and implementation with All-In-One tends to be a little bit of a problem, and it's not really solved with Business One because Business One does not scale up.' "
'SAP All-In-One tends to be a bit complex for companies that are a little smaller than Au Bon Pain,' he said. 'The cost of ownership and implementation with All-In-One tends to be a little bit of a problem, and it's not really solved with Business One because Business One does not scale up.' "
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Gartner predicts next phase of Oracle, SAP acquisitions
Gartner predicts next phase of Oracle, SAP acquisitions: "Several recent reports suggest that SAP, which in the past has relied mainly on internal development for growth, is getting ready to embark on its own acquisition strategy. What types of technologies do you think SAP might acquire?
Phifer: I think you have to look at what SAP has. They've got a pretty complete portfolio of applications, but you know they may be looking more on the vertical side because Oracle's got a pretty broad set of vertical industry applications. I think SAP is also probably going to be looking at some spot acquisitions of infrastructure software as well. As I said, this whole SOA/Web services world is a lot of big stuff. I think SAP recognizes that they've got to plug some gaps in the overall infrastructure base, and acquiring that technology could be a good way to do it. "
Phifer: I think you have to look at what SAP has. They've got a pretty complete portfolio of applications, but you know they may be looking more on the vertical side because Oracle's got a pretty broad set of vertical industry applications. I think SAP is also probably going to be looking at some spot acquisitions of infrastructure software as well. As I said, this whole SOA/Web services world is a lot of big stuff. I think SAP recognizes that they've got to plug some gaps in the overall infrastructure base, and acquiring that technology could be a good way to do it. "
From soup to nuts, PeopleSoft to Sigma, a rundown of Oracle's acquisitions
From soup to nuts, PeopleSoft to Sigma, a rundown of Oracle's acquisitions: "In June 2003, Oracle launched its takeover bid for PeopleSoft Inc., just days after PeopleSoft itself had entered a merger agreement with J.D. Edwards. Three years later, Oracle had fended off PeopleSoft's board of directors and the U.S. Department of Justice, and gone on to buy 20 companies as part of a massive acquisition spree aimed at overtaking SAP as the leader in enterprise business applications. What follows is a timeline of every transaction, beginning with the close of the PeopleSoft deal. "
Making sense of Oracle's acquisition spree
Making sense of Oracle's acquisition spree:
Q: "How would you rate the success of Oracle's acquisition strategy so far?
Michael Fauscette: I actually believe that they have been successful to maybe very successful and I think that maybe the jury is still out on the very successful part for the long term. But all the signs point to a very strong strategy that has played out very well for them. In fact I would say that it looks like SAP is even starting to change [as a result]. Their original plan was organic growth, and now it looks like they're starting to adopt a more aggressive acquisition stance as well. In some ways, that -- as well as the fact that the numbers this last earnings call were very strong -- validates Oracle. They seem to be moving in the right direction, and it seems that the integration has gone well … on the small end, and it seems to be moving along in the large acquisitions as well. I think they have a very well-managed corporate development organization. "
Q: Experts I've spoken to say that SAP has a more rigid or proprietary approach designed to get customers to buy into their whole stack. In today's world, does that approach close off options for SAP?
Fauscette: It does close off options. It gives you complete control if the customer happens to buy into it. But it's not a strategy that is particularly popular with customers these days, at least not in my opinion -- and that's absolutely an opinion. There is a great deal of pressure from governments and from corporations in general to make things more open so that they can operate in multivendor environments.
Q: "How would you rate the success of Oracle's acquisition strategy so far?
Michael Fauscette: I actually believe that they have been successful to maybe very successful and I think that maybe the jury is still out on the very successful part for the long term. But all the signs point to a very strong strategy that has played out very well for them. In fact I would say that it looks like SAP is even starting to change [as a result]. Their original plan was organic growth, and now it looks like they're starting to adopt a more aggressive acquisition stance as well. In some ways, that -- as well as the fact that the numbers this last earnings call were very strong -- validates Oracle. They seem to be moving in the right direction, and it seems that the integration has gone well … on the small end, and it seems to be moving along in the large acquisitions as well. I think they have a very well-managed corporate development organization. "
Q: Experts I've spoken to say that SAP has a more rigid or proprietary approach designed to get customers to buy into their whole stack. In today's world, does that approach close off options for SAP?
Fauscette: It does close off options. It gives you complete control if the customer happens to buy into it. But it's not a strategy that is particularly popular with customers these days, at least not in my opinion -- and that's absolutely an opinion. There is a great deal of pressure from governments and from corporations in general to make things more open so that they can operate in multivendor environments.
SAP NetWeaver clears Java compatibility hurdle - vnunet.com - Really?
SAP NetWeaver clears Java compatibility hurdle - vnunet.com: "The compatibility feature offers essentially the same functionality as a Java EE 5 certified application server. Instead of a genuine Java Virtual Machine (JVM), however, SAP uses a so-called JVM container to execute Java code.
SAP has been offering Java compatibility since 2003.
Sun Microsystems unveiled Java EE 5 earlier this year. The platform is designed for server-based enterprise applications and was formerly known as J2EE.
NetWeaver has not passed Java certification and SAP will be unable to refer to its product as a Java Application Server.
The compatibility feature offers SAP a way to counter Oracle's criticism that its platform is lacking in openness"
SAP has been offering Java compatibility since 2003.
Sun Microsystems unveiled Java EE 5 earlier this year. The platform is designed for server-based enterprise applications and was formerly known as J2EE.
NetWeaver has not passed Java certification and SAP will be unable to refer to its product as a Java Application Server.
The compatibility feature offers SAP a way to counter Oracle's criticism that its platform is lacking in openness"
SAP NetWeaver clears Java compatibility hurdle - vnunet.com - Really?
SAP NetWeaver clears Java compatibility hurdle - vnunet.com: "The compatibility feature offers essentially the same functionality as a Java EE 5 certified application server. Instead of a genuine Java Virtual Machine (JVM), however, SAP uses a so-called JVM container to execute Java code.
SAP has been offering Java compatibility since 2003.
Sun Microsystems unveiled Java EE 5 earlier this year. The platform is designed for server-based enterprise applications and was formerly known as J2EE.
NetWeaver has not passed Java certification and SAP will be unable to refer to its product as a Java Application Server.
The compatibility feature offers SAP a way to counter Oracle's criticism that its platform is lacking in openness"
SAP has been offering Java compatibility since 2003.
Sun Microsystems unveiled Java EE 5 earlier this year. The platform is designed for server-based enterprise applications and was formerly known as J2EE.
NetWeaver has not passed Java certification and SAP will be unable to refer to its product as a Java Application Server.
The compatibility feature offers SAP a way to counter Oracle's criticism that its platform is lacking in openness"
Monday, October 02, 2006
88 Organizations Select Oracle Over SAP in Company's Most Recent Quarter: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
88 Organizations Select Oracle Over SAP in Company's Most Recent Quarter: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "As Oracle broadens its industry applications footprint and outlines a roadmap for its standards-based applications suite, companies of all sizes are selecting Oracle over SAP. Recent Oracle wins over SAP include: Bare Escentuals, Ashok Leyland Limited, Barrick Gold Corporation, Cafeteria Toks, Central Plastics, Christus Muguerza, Consorcio Periodistico de Chile S.A., El Calvario, Encana Corporation, Flowserve, Gilead Sciences, Golden Concord (Group) Co. Ltd, Instituto Hondureno de Seguridad Social, InterStep, Lotte Card, MG Parts, Piraeus Pharmaceutical Co-operative Group, RAVAK, TETAS, Tennessee Valley Authority, The Mega Life and Health Insurance Company and Wireless Information Network Ltd.
'We continue to see our industry applications be a competitive differentiator, and believe that our current focus on small-to-medium businesses will drive additional companies to select Oracle over SAP,' continued Phillips."
'We continue to see our industry applications be a competitive differentiator, and believe that our current focus on small-to-medium businesses will drive additional companies to select Oracle over SAP,' continued Phillips."
