SAP AG says it has now begun the first shipments of SAP R/3 for Linux, and claims to be the first inter-enterprise business software provider to do so. SAP says its major hardware and software partners have followed suit with Linux support. The move will give customers the option of running SAP on lower-cost Intel-based servers from companies such as Compaq Computer Corp, IBM Corp, Hewlett-Packard Co and Siemens AG. SAP also plans to deliver the SAP Business Information Warehouse and Business to Business Procurement products on Linux, components of its mySAP.com internet framework. The Linux version will be demonstrated at SAP’s TechEd ’99 event in Philadelphia next week.
SAP has also delivered what it says are new ease-of-use features to 250 of its customers under the EnjoySAP banner. The improvements include new visual aesthetics, a new interaction model and a role-based personal user interface the company says. The enhancements come with SAP R/3 Release 4.6, which also includes full web browser accessibility. They will eventually be added to all of SAP’s business software. Other new features added to Release 4.6 include an internet-enabled records management system aimed at public sector users, and enhancements to retail and sales auditing functionality.
