SAP Cloud Platform is much more than a tool for end users to program new applications. It also encompasses things such as life-cycle management and integration, and even comes with predefined modules that support businesses of all sizes. SAP has already offered mobile apps for iOS and Android platforms, but the company is looking beyond these to provide more solutions on the web. SAP is currently focusing on three things: mobile connectivity, web collaboration tools, and enterprise content management.
With SAP Cloud Platform, users will have the choice between on-premise and Cloud solutions. The on-premise Cloud is “built-in” to SAP’s portfolio, but it is not part of the company’s extensive software development portfolio. Businesses may purchase individual apps and licenses for use in the SAP Cloud. These apps will, however, run on a SAP web server, so they can be deployed anywhere. Users will gain access to the full range of business applications available through SAP Cloud, along with their own personalized ones.
SAP will offer a number of on-demand and pre-integrated business services to support mobile apps. These include: Sales Force Automation, Real Time Intranet integrations, Customer Relationship Management, and Supply Chain Management. By combining these apps with their on-demand offerings from SAP Cloud, business services users will be able to create, monitor, and manage their own workflow. Business processes will be streamlined, allowing workers to more effectively collaborate and meet deadlines. The overall effect will be smoother communication within teams.
SAP will begin integrating its Cloud platform with its desktop and laptop systems starting with its latest Insight software. The company plans to expand the integration across all of its processes over time, but has reserved the right to end integrations with specific companies or partners as necessary. The platform will also work in tandem with the web site of each business, offering them unified communications through an integrated administrator area. SAP will continue to add new functionality to its Cloud solutions as it develops new applications and expands its offering.
Business users will have immediate access to their email, QuickBooks, Excel, Lotus Notes, Web, and Microsoft Outlook applications, as well as access to the company’s social media network and data sources. Business processes will be streamlined by the integration of these apps. This also enables business people to manage their on-going business needs, while moving their data between the on-premise and Cloud platforms. The mobility and versatility offered by SAP Cloud will appeal to many business professionals. They will be able to easily conduct all business day activities using their trusted mobile devices.
