SAP launches Business Suite 7

Customers will be able to deploy extra functionality without upgrading to the full solution

SAP has launched its new software portfolio, Business Suite 7, unravelling new analytics capabilities from the Business Objects acquisition and a large number of enhancement packages that until now have been available only with the SAP enterprise resource planning (ERP) package.

SAP said the new suite will contain templates to let a business establish processes that focus on bringing value to its particular industry. These can be implemented in a modular fashion when the customer needs them, said the vendor.

"With the new SAP Business Suite, customers are empowered to quickly embrace change and deploy only the solutions that matter most to their business," said SAP executive board member Jim Snabe.

"With industry rich, end-to-end processes and embedded analytics available in one, natively integrated suite, SAP has created a new industry standard that demonstrates our commitment to make software better, faster, more cost-effective and more user-friendly for our customers."

The enhancement packages will be available for all SAP applications, including ERP, customer relationship management, supplier relationship management, supply chain management and product lifecycle management.

The packages will allow customers to select and deploy extra functionality without upgrading to the full solutions, SAP said, hoping to build on the success of the enhancement packages it has already offered with the ERP application, which it said has 1,000 live customers and 1,800 downloads.

Additionally, SAP has partnered with Atos Origin, Capgemini, IBM and Wipro. The new partners will help with the launch of Business Suite 7 by providing consulting resources, co-marketing activities and through participating in the "product ramp-up", SAP said.