PeopleSoft Inc, Pleasanton, California will release Version 6 of its PeopleSoft applications and tools in September, with new globalization features and a manufacturing module that resides alongside existing financials, personnel, distribution and PeopleTools rapid application development environment. There are other extensions in the area of workflow. Version 6 is a full 32-bit implementation, supporting Windows95 and most Unixes. Countering criticism for the product being overly US-centric, version 6 will be the first product to roll out of its California lab in pre- localized editions. Country-specific modules can be attached to a core framework. The manufacturing module, initially aimed at the enterprise environment has been developed by its PeopleSoft Manufacturing Inc unit and financed by Norwest Venture Capital using PeopleTools. The company claims that the input of business analysts in the coding process is one of the main differentiators between itself and Oracle Corp. The company is currently integrating Cognos Inc’s PowerPlay 4.0 analytical processing tools and Arbor Software Inc’s Essbase multidimensional database server with HR and Financials modules, and is also offering Platinum Technology Inc’s InfoBeacon for data warehousing. The PowerPlay and Essbase systems will be available next month.
