SAP’s next-generation application platform

On the one hand we have:

I’ve seen the future of SAP software, and its name is Business ByDesign

December 7, 2009 from Bruce Richardson at AMR Research – “Business ByDesign is the foundation for SAP’s next-generation application platform. It will ultimately replace the SAP Business Suite, albeit gradually and maybe transparently over a 5- to 10-year horizon (or more). In the interim, SAP will retain customer loyalty through Enhancement Packs and continued NetWeaver investments that move SAP Business Suite closer to Business ByDesign. The business user, critical to SAP’s future revenue stream, may be placing it in a potential showdown with Microsoft.”

And on the other hand we have:

Forrester points out missing pieces in SAP's A1S

September 20, 2007 from ComputerWorld Canada – “SAP AG's launch Wednesday of Business ByDesign, a hosted on-demand offering for mid market customers, is a significant improvement relative to its other offerings in this space, but simplicity and ease of use still remain elusive to the vendor, an analyst observed.

According to Ray Wang, principal analyst for enterprise applications with Cambridge, Mass.-based Forrester Research Inc., SAP's new offering is complex despite considerable research into the mid-market space. "Key features like easy access to reporting, quick portal construction, and easy integration to Office remain missing."

180 View – We lean towards AMR’s perspective. Forrester may be right about some shortcomings, but it’s early days for the product. It will surely get better.