SAP Upgrades Mid Market Application

SAP (NYSE: SAP) has introduced the next version of its mid marketing application, All-in-One. In this version, mySAP ERP 2005 has been used as the platform allowing for better implementation and integration of the CRM and SOA tools, Doug Merritt, executive vice president and general manager for suite optimization, told CRM Buyer.

Other enhancements include a new approach for rapid implementation and time-to-value, he said.

"What we have focused on in this release is increasing usability and leveraging SAP's existing CRM and ERP assets," Merritt added.

Focusing on the Business Process

By shifting All-in-One to the mySAP 2005 platform, users will find there is a greater emphasis on business processes. SAP said it will be delivering throughout 2007 new business processes that integrate with third party applications and existing system environment as part of its SAP best practices.

These will range from preconfigured business scenarios, to new and improved deployment tools for faster implementation and additional coverage for countries and industries.

The application is also sporting a new user interface and simpler navigation powered by the SAP NetWeaver platform. Options include role-based access to relevant user information, the ability to personalize applications, and other help features.

The new application also provides integrated reporting capabilities, leveraging the integration between CRM and ERM (enterprise resource management). New features allow for data to be analyzed and standard and ad hoc reports created with Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) Excel.

Sized for the Mid Market

The CRM capabilities optimized for midsize companies include account and contact management, activity management, lead management, campaign management, opportunity management and service ticket management.

New tools provide more support for channel partners to develop their own micro verticals. These include methodologies to better configure and deploy applications. With this release, SAP has also introduced the SAP PartnerEdge program to help its partners adopt and use the new technology.

The largest provider of enterprise software, SAP turned its focus to the mid market a few years ago. Besides All-in-One, it also offers Business One and a software-as-a-service CRM application.

Making Progress

These applications, however, are not well suited for the smallest end of the SMB market. With both All-in-One and Business One written to mesh with the mySAP code base, integration and implementation can still be a complex endeavor.

However, the company has made significant inroads into this space after only a few years.

"The evolution of our SAP All-in-One offerings is a significant step as SAP and its partners deliver the beauty and simplicity of enterprise SOA to midsize companies across the globe," said Hans-Peter Klaey, president, Global SME, SAP.