Business Objects and SAP deliver integrated intelligence to SMEs

Just a matter of months since SAP’s acquisition of Business Objects, SAP says it’s not only the first integrated solution but evidence of the companies’ commitment to SMEs. Marge Breya, general manager and executive vice president at Business Objects, says that users can now connect diretly to data from the SAP application regarding all critical business functions to create reports and graphics. “Our mission is to transform the way the world works by connecting people, information and businesses,” she says. “All companies, regardless of size, are looking to eliminate ‘knowledge shadows’ in order to simplify the decision-making process. “Today’s announcement is an important step forward in helping small and midsize companies extend all information to all people, and ultimately close the gap between strategy and execution. The new combined offering will give [them] the business intelligence tools they need to transform their organisations and outmanoeuvre the competition.” It’s based on Crystal Reports 2008 Visual Advantage, which allows users to analyse and report on information gathered from more than 35 data sources. With Xcelsius Engage 2008, business professionals will be able to create dashboards and data presentations, while end users share these dashboards live with their respective teams. SAP says that a single copy is now generally available at no additional cost to SAP Business One customers on maintenance.