IBM Launches Workplace, Notes For SAP
Both IBM products are part of the company's initiative to connect its technologies to SAP customer environments without the need for an upgrade. The technologies use a service-oriented architecture to integrate with SAP. SOA is a form of distributed computing based on extensible markup language, or XML, standards.
IBM Workplace for SAP includes a variety of functions, including scorecards, dashboards, alerts, e-forms, document and content management, instant messaging, team-rooms and presence awareness. Future enhancements planned by IBM include employee self-service, manager self-service, and contractor management features.
IBM Lotus Notes access for SAP help customers integrate SAP data and business processes with Lotus Notes tasks, including vacation/leave workflow, time reporting, contact management, report generation and approval flows. All tasks are performed through the Notes client.
Both new products are set for release May 30. Workplace for SAP is scheduled to cost from $149 to $399 per user. IBM Lotus Notes access for SAP will be available to Notes customers at no additional charge.