IBM Announces Solutions Packaging Strategy for SAP* Accelerated Financials*
Based on SAP Ready-to-Run R/3* for IBM Netfinity and AS/400 Servers, New IBM Global Services Packaged Implementation Speeds Time to Benefit for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses or Corporate Pilot Programs
White Plains, NY (November 20, 1998) – IBM today announced the immediate availability of new IBM solutions packaging for SAP* Accelerated Financials* to enhance an SAP solution that helps small and medium-sized companies quickly drive business value through streamlined implementations of SAP* R/3* solutions. This is achieved by providing customers with a complete hardware infrastructure based on SAP Ready-To-Run R/3* for IBM Netfinity or AS/400 servers rapidly implemented by IBM Global Services, with attractive financing options from IBM Global Financing.
SAP Ready-To-Run R/3 includes production, development and utility servers, networking infrastructure and a preconfigured system based on best business practices. As part of TeamSAP*, the SAP co-ordinated network of people, processes and products to ensure customer success, IBM Global Services adds an experienced team of IBM consultants versed in R/3 to assist in all elements of the implementation cycle. SAP Accelerated Financials provides a focused implementation approach which reduces the total implementation time to between 10 and 16 weeks. SAP Ready-To-Run R/3 for the AS/400 has been available for a year. Ready-To-Run R/3 for Netfinity was announced at SAPPHIRE?.
IBM Global Financing offerings additionally make all elements of the SAP Accelerated Financials solution more affordable by spreading the up-front costs over the life of the project, while enabling customers to begin receiving the benefits immediately.
“IBM and SAP are working ever more closely to provide complete solutions that best meet the specific needs of growing businesses,” said John T. Herlihy, director, Small and Medium Business, IBM Global ERP Solutions. “Building from each company’s strength we can provide a unified solution where both hardware and software are optimized to provide the business advantage of R/3 in a quick and comprehensive manner.”
This fixed scope solution allows for a rapid implementation of the financials application as a stand alone or as a first phase towards a broader scope implementation. The financials application includes: General Ledger/Chart of Accounts, Cost Center Accounting, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Asset Management, Non-stock purchasing and Travel Expense Accounting.
Source: IBM