computerwoche.de

Archiv

SAP Launches Explorer to Simplify BI

15.05.2009
SAP has revealed that it is set to change the dynamics of BI world with its new offer, SAP BO Explorer. Intended for the casual BI (Business Intelligence) user community at enterprises, the new solution offers instantaneous access to large amount of data with an exceptional search function. "The solution is a game changer as it addresses the pain points of enterprise users which encounter infrequent needs to use a BI tool. Aimed at users , who are not much IT savvy, this product application needs zero user training," informed Sanjay Deshmukh, VP, Business User & Platform, SAP India.

The solution would be delivered in pre-installed and pre -configured mode bundled with a blade for faster implementation at customer end. SAP has tied up with HP, IBM and Sun for the hardware (blade). "Enterprises can just plug the blade into their IT infrastructure (at site or datacenter) and get started," commented Deshmukh. "Many casual users found traditional BI too complex to learn and then implement. The long wait time to search relevant data and prepare reports was another hindrance. Explorer helps access large amount of data within no time," he said.

Explorer will serve as an add-on BI solution for specific departments of enterprises already using comprehensive BI solutions including dashboards, amongst others, and will be offered through the 25-odd solution partners of the vendor. An installed base of 3000+ SAP customers mainly across upper mid-market and large enterprise in India will form an obvious choice for SAP partners to sell this complementary solution. "We also expect Greenfield projects to install Explorer as a standalone solution or part of larger BI gamut," Deshmukh added.

SAP hopes that the 'easy-to -install, operate and manage' features backed with quicker RoI will appeal to SMB and mid-markets. The vendor says that Explores would enable partners to install large amount of customer data on the cloud and to show instantaneous results of faster data search and other benefits. "It is like an instant virtual POC for customer and a much faster sales cycle for partner," Deshmukh said.

SAP has formulated its GTM for Explorer , which would be sold on the on-premise license model; the solution pricing will depend on customer needs. "The pre-configured BI software will be bundled on a blade depending on volume of data and volume of the user," Deshmukh said.

Apart from increased efficiency and enhanced productivity, this solution will reduce manpower at the customer's end, helping enterprises to reduce Opex. Covering major verticals and various geographies across India, SAP is open to new partnerships. "Solution providers with in-depth BI knowledge, vertical expertise and deep customer relationships are potential alliances for us," Deshmukh said.