062607: Computer software designed for SMEs launched in Visayas and Mindanao

Tuesday, June 26, 2007 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

News

Davao City — One of the world’s largest software organizations recently launched a business management application aimed at small businesses in the region.

The software of Systemanalyse und Programmentwicklung (SAP)was introduced in the city recently. It was earlier launched in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Bacolod, and Iloilo.

Through SAP Business One, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can view both their business operations and customer activities in an instant. SAP targets SMEs since the latter comprise 99.6% of the business sector.

"Software financing is a new thing in the Philippines. We recognize the difficulty of SMEs to purchase software that can help them [improve productivity and services]," said Krish Datta, SAP managing director for the Philippines and Indonesia at the Cebu launch.

The Germany-based software company started product distribution in the Philippines in 1995. It also has software research and development centers in California and India.

"SAP Business One is tailor-made to meet the needs of small or medium businesses," marketing Manager Carel Villanueva told BusinessWorld.

Users can conveniently adjust applications according to their preference any time new functionalities are required, she said.

The software’s features include an easy-to-use interface that allows users to get answers faster and work more efficiently and proactively.

Another feature is the trademarked Drag&Relate function that instantly organizes information and transactions in an understandable format.

Business One is compatible with Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.

The program is flexible and adaptable to satisfy the user’s preferences. Changes go into effect across all relevant areas, making maintenance of the system less troublesome.

"It has one solution for everything. Management will then have an easier time," said Judy Maramo, SAP’s education sales professional.

Users benefit from this application because it only maintains one program that stores all data needed to run their businesses, Ms. Maramo added. In the long run, this application is supposed to come out more affordable and practical as well.

Upon purchase of this product, certified Business One partners can help other users customize their business needs. These certified partners can then teach users how to use these features to their advantage.

In as short as eight weeks, the program can be learned and implemented.

Business One is offered in the country through Orix Metro. Companies can eliminate capital expenditure and charge it to operational expense for up to 48 months. — Karla H. Gomez with Jessica Banzon-Natad

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