IBM launches Oracle ERP on iSeries: competes with Windows edition

Based on IBM’s all-in-one System i business computing platform, it’s in the same price bracket as Windows-based solutions, but with the integrated database, storage, security, hardware and the rest. Big Blue believes that – and the fact that it automatically backs-up and helps with IT administration – will be enough to win SMEs over for everything from accounting systems to supply chain management, as well as email servers, disaster recovery systems and the rest. “SMB customers typically operate in lean environments with little or no IT personnel and limited resources,” says Mark Shearer, general manager of IBM System i. “Some of these customers have previously selected Windows-based environments to support their JD Edwards applications, believing it was the most economical choice – [but] then found themselves acting as the systems integrators for their business as they managed multiple servers and added the operating system and storage they needed to make the solution actually run. “This announcement removes price from the equation, giving SMBs a simpler ERP solution that requires minimal technical expertise.” IBM says that the new system has disk storage to provide 100 users access to the application suite, which includes comprehensive ERP functionality from asset lifecycle management to CRM (customer relationship management), financials, HR, project management and supply chain management. It also covers RFID, and price/performance tests on JD Edwards EnterpriseOne on the IBM System i portfolio with Power 5+ processors look good for companies with up to 1,200 users. “With IBM’s new System i 520 Solution Edition for JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, clients can now acquire a very attractively priced system that is optimised for EnterpriseOne,” adds Lenley Hensarling, vice president and general manager for Oracle’s JD Edwards EnterpriseOne product line. The system will be available as of August 11, with hardware configurations starting at $21,921.