ERP Leader SAP Targets SMB Market

ByDoug Bartholomew Many ERP software companies have given lip service to the small- and medium-size business (SMB) market, and finally some are starting to create applications tailored to its needs. Walldorf, Germany's SAP AG recently announced the availability of an expanded portfolio of "smart business solutions" for small and midsized businesses. SAP's Business One solution is aimed at "advanced" SMBs, companies with less complex business processes and only minimal need for customization. By contrast, SAP's mySAP All-in-One solution is geared to the needs of "sophisticated" SMBs, offering more specific functionality for manufacturers in any of 11 different industries. "Small and midsized companies in an increasing number of industry segments require a higher level of e-business sophistication to succeed in today's competitive business climate," says Sharon Ward, vice president of CRM and enterprise applications at the Hurwitz Group Inc., an IT research firm based in Framingham, Mass. "Solutions like SAP's midmarket offerings, with pre-packaged vertical functionality, can help SMBs quickly and efficiently ramp up to world-class capabilities, without the need for customization or prolonged and costly implementations."