SAP Introduces Business ByDesign


SAP today unveiled its new mid-market, on-demand software suite at the Nokia Theater in New York. (I half-expected a full musical production, given the hype.) The offering was christened Business ByDesign, perhaps a less regimented name than the more strict sounding R/3. It is targeted toward a more narrow segment than some expected, aimed at firms with 100 to 500 users. Some 95% of the code is said to be completely new. The rollout will be gradual at first, starting in the US and Germany.

Here is SAP's press release, and a replay of the webcast should be found here.
I'm sure there will be more meaningful analysis in the coming days and weeks, but here are some early reviews:


SAP Launches 'New Era' With On-Demand Software
SAP Business ByDesign automates a wide range of business processes and will cost companies $149 per user per month. (Information Week)

SAP's Down-Market Gamble
The German giant's new, Web-based software targets smaller outfits than its usual corporate clients. But is it too tricky for small business? (Business Week)


SAP A1S Morphs into Business ByDesign
Business ByDesign is the new on-demand application suite from SAP, geared towards mid-market companies (eWeek)

German software giant hopes offering resource management online delivers new customers (Associated Press via San Jose Mercury-News)