The new tools, IBM Workplace for SAP Software and IBM Lotus Notes Access for SAP, use service-oriented architecture technology to integrate the desktop products with SAP's ERP and CRM applications. Upgraded SAP software isn't necessary to integrate the systems, according to IBM. IBM unveiled the tools on the eve of SAP's Sapphire user conference. A week earlier, SAP and Microsoft Corp. announced a jointly developed product that links SAP's business applications with Microsoft's Office desktop products. It will begin shipping in June.

Rod Masney, global IT architect at Owens-Illinois Inc., a Toledo, Ohio-based maker of packaging materials, said he expects to evaluate the new IBM offerings.

The firm runs mySAP ERP 2004 software and other applications along with Lotus Notes, he said.

Masney said he hopes to learn more about the offerings at SAP's Sapphire and Association of SAP Users Group conferences to be held this week in Orlando.

Larry Bowden, vice president of workplace solutions at IBM, noted that the Duet software built by Microsoft and SAP to link SAP software and Microsoft Office can require upgraded SAP software.