Walmart goes Workday, not SAP



Tom Paine



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Walmart has chosen Workday as its HCM (Human Capital Management) vendor, reportedly besting the incumbent, SAP's SuccessFactors.

Walmart has over 2 million employees. It has been using SAP HCM and SuccessFactors.

A Wall Street analyst initially disclosed the signing of the yet unnamed customer, and Investor's Business Daily picked up the story. A quick look at a list of the world's largest employers suggested it might be Walmart, and Workday soon confirmed it was in a statement.

Workday (NYSE:WDAY) shares rose almost 10% after news of the deal came out.


Workday CEO Aneel Bhusri had spoken in November about how SuccessFactors (and Oracle Fusion) had difficulty in scaling:

"And what I’d say is, actually we’re seeing the first wave of failed [SAP SuccessFactors] Employee Central and failed [Oracle] Fusion implementations in Europe. That’s not marketing, that’s just the reality — when you get to a certain scale, neither of those companies have been able to get large customers live. So people have gone down that path with a project, failed, and come back to Workday."

Walmart had agreed to roll out SuccessFactors 1n 2010, but its unclear what degree of success it had in doing so.

Just in late November, SuccessFactors landed Microsoft and its 114,000 employees. But a column today by Mary Jo Foley jn ZDNet suggests that Microsoft might build its own HCM apps, to tie into LinkedIn, though those apps might not be geared to massive customers.









Links 1/11: Microsoft said to be developing its own human capital management apps; Verizon turns to SevOne for SD-WAN Visibility



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Mossberg: Streaming TV is beginning to look a lot like cable (Recode)

Universal Display Plays to Packed House at Needham Conference (Barron's: Tech Trader Daily)


Workday Stock Pops As Analyst Reports Biggest HR Deal Ever (Investor's Business Daily)
A retailer with over 2 million employees globally? Any guesses? Workday reportedly beat out SAP on this one.
Its Walmart.

Workday Halted, Jumps 7%: WMT Deal Relieves Concerns, Says Drexel (Update) (Barron's Tech Trader Daily)

Microsoft is developing its own human capital management apps (ZDNet)


Oracle's Cloud Strategy: A Fine Balance (TechNewsWorld)

Verizon Turns to SevOne for SD-WAN Visibility (Light Reading)







SAP Introduces Jump-Start Enablement Program for SAP® Leonardo IoT Portfolio




SAP Introduces Jump-Start Enablement Program for SAP® Leonardo IoT Portfolio

PR Newswire PR NewswireJanuary 10, 2017

WALLDORF, Germany, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SAP SE (SAP) today announced a jump-start enablement program for its Internet of Things (IoT) innovation portfolio. The program is intended to help customers connect the emerging world of intelligent devices with people and processes to achieve tangible business outcomes. Following through on SAP's recently announced commitment to invest €2 billion in IoT over five years, the IoT portfolio combines adaptive applications, Big Data applications and connectivity in packaged solutions across line-of-business and industry use cases ranging from connected products, assets and infrastructure to vehicle fleets, markets and people.

SAP Logo.
SAP Logo.
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Named SAP® Leonardo, SAP's IoT portfolio takes its name from a figure known for ushering in a groundbreaking era of science and discovery. For more on the SAP Leonardo brand, please see here.

"Moving from things to outcomes is about new business processes such as Industry 4.0, new business models and new ways for people to live and work," said Dr. Tanja Rueckert, executive vice president, Digital Assets and IoT, SAP. "With SAP Leonardo, we connect 'things' with business processes that are instantaneous and proactive, and with people who can manage more effectively with augmented intelligence and autonomous systems. Our SAP Leonardo IoT portfolio delivers on SAP's commitment to produce superior business value through enterprise IoT innovation."

Easier IoT Adoption: Jump-Start Pilot Program and Introductory Pricing
SAP is introducing a jump-start program as part of its SAP Leonardo Labs global enablement network to help organizations identify and validate IoT pilots and use cases. A consultative service staffed by SAP line-of-business and industry experts, the jump-start program is a multiphase engagement featuring design thinking to match IoT innovations with customer strategies and objectives in achievable pilots with a clear path to business value. Available worldwide, the jump-start program is intended to ease the first steps of the IoT journey, producing pilots that define business cases for full-scale IoT strategies and further deployment.

SAP is also introducing promotional pricing for the IoT jump-start program featuring a simple, fixed cost for software and services to cover the pilot and first year of usage for SAP Leonardo IoT solutions including SAP Connected Goods, SAP Vehicle Insights, SAP Predictive Maintenance and Service and SAP Asset Intelligence Network. By setting a defined price for services and key solutions in the SAP Leonardo IoT portfolio, the introductory offer provides transparency and eliminates budget uncertainty, enabling customers to establish IoT pilots with clear scope, length and pricing. More information on the jump-start program and pricing offer can be found here.

A Unique Ability to Connect People, Things and Businesses
SAP Leonardo reaffirms an innovative value proposition, extending from SAP's enterprise core into automation and intelligence at the edges where IoT data is created. With SAP HANA® as its platform, SAP Leonardo offers intelligent IoT applications, business services for development, technical services for processing high-velocity data and an intelligent edge to process information at the device level. SAP Leonardo combines SAP's unique strengths, including 45 years of business process knowledge across 25 industries and leadership in Big Data management, in end-to-end offerings addressing the following areas:

Connected products for new insights into lifecycle management, sourcing, response and supply, and digital supply networks; and the design, manufacturing and delivery of smart, connected products across all industries
Connected assets to track, monitor and analyze fixed assets, including manufacturing and maintenance business processes, to reduce costs and increase equipment uptime
Connected fleet to enable businesses and public service organizations owning moving assets (such as vehicles, robots, fork lifts and autonomous vehicles) to improve services and safety, visibility to logistics and service quality
Connected infrastructure for new digital operational intelligence from physical-infrastructure systems, construction and energy grids enabling improved service, efficient operations and compliance and risk mitigation
Connected markets to enable new production, and business models of local relevance and at the right timing for customer and marketing insights, digital agribusiness, smart ports and smart cities
Connected people for more insightful, collaborative work roles, health management and smart home environments connecting people and communities and providing better, more personalized lifestyle experiences
For more detail on the portfolio, see here.

SAP Leonardo Event
SAP also announced plans for its first global SAP Leonardo event. Bringing together SAP customers, partners and IoT experts, the event will showcase the latest in IoT innovations and effective business strategies. The event will take place from July 11–12, 2017, in Frankfurt, Germany, at the KAP EUROPA. More information about the event, including the agenda and registration details, will be disclosed in the coming weeks.

More information on customers achieving business success with SAP Leonardo can be found here.

For more SAP news, visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews.

About SAP
As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to the boardroom, warehouse to the storefront, desktop to a mobile device – SAP software empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 335,000 business and public sector customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit www.sap.com.

Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to SAP are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The factors that could affect SAP's future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including SAP's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.

© 2017 SAP SE. All rights reserved.


Malone: "In Trump administration maybe Comcast & Charter could merge, would be a lot of synergies"




Tom Paine



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Speaking with investor Gordon Crawford this morning at Lionsgate’s Investor Day series of briefings for Wall Street following its acquisition of Starz, Liberty Media (and Liberty Broadband) chairman John Malone discussed the outlook for M&A during a Trump administration. Through Liberty Broadband, Malone controls about 20% of Charter Communications.







Remember that it was a similar, seemingly offhand (nothing he says is offhand) comment by Malone about the need for consolidation in the cable industry that started the race for Time Warner Cable, with Comcast's effort block and Charter ending up the winner.

Malone also suggested that that three major cable TV companies could jointly enter the wireless business by acquiring T-Mobile U.S. Inc.


Links 1/10: Monetate moving HQ to NY: Comcast looms large at CES



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Local success story Monetate moving HQ out of Philadelphia region (Philadelphia Business Journal)






Comcast Threatens to Sue Philly Over Salary History Ban (AP via ABC News)

Comcast looms large at highly connected, highly crowded CES (FierceCable)


SAP to add nearly 400 jobs at Pa. offices (Philly.com: Philly Deals)

A tale of two conferences: AWS storms ahead, HPE seems to flounder (The Register)

Ex-ITT students want to join suit to get debt canceled ( USA Today)

Blackstone looks to buy another division of GE (NY Post)
GE Water is based in Trevose.

DuPont to spend $200M to upgrade Wilmington facility, create incubator (Philadelphia Business
Business Journal)



Links 1/9: Comcast atop of Netflix ISP Speed Index Leaderboard; Can QVC compete in the age of Amazon?



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CenturyLink Steps Up Its SAP Game, Scoops Up SAP Solution Provider Seal Consulting (CRN)
Seal Consulting is based in Edison.

$20m for Chicago-based CloudCraze bolsters Salesforce B2B commerce push (Diginomica)






Expanding University City drug innovator Spark overflows into FMC Tower, other area offices (Philly.com)

ADT Makes History: Disarm Security System Via Amazon Alexa Voice (CE Pro)
A little update on Malvern-based Zonoff, which is an ADT partner.

Canoe Delivers 18 Billion-Plus VOD Ad Impressions in 2016 (Multichannel News)

Comcast Climbs to Top of Netflix ISP Speed Index Leaderboard in December (CED Magazine)

Units of NBC Sports Digital, Turner Expand OTT Sports Deal (Multichannel News)
Would this survive the acquisition?


Can QVC compete in the age of Amazon? (WSJ/MSN Money - Video)

Dayton technology company makes another big acquisition (Dayton Business Journal)
The company that acquired Malvern-based Scala last year seems set on dominating the Digital Signage space.




Axios in early launch today; Dan Primack's newsletter returns with new name




Tom Paine



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Axios, the news and information website founded by ex-Politico honchos Mike Allen and Jim Vandehei, did a soft launch today, though its full platform won't launch till later this month.

Haverford College alum Dan Primack, formerly author of Fortune's Term Sheet, is doing a new email newsletter for Axios, Pro Rata.






Four points of interest from his initial missive:


  • NBC is one of several investors in Axios, though that's not new news.



  • Reconfirmation that Dell Boomi competitor MuleSoft, a SaaS integration company that has raised over $250 million in VC funding, is preparing for an IPO and has reportedly hired Morgan Stanley as one of its bankers.



  • Philadelphia-based LLR Partners has acquired BluVector, a "machine learning threat detection and cyber hunting solution," from Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC). No terms disclosed, though LlR is committing $50 million to invest in BluVector.



  • VideoLink LLC, a Massachusetts-based company which has a production studio in Philadelphia, was sold to a Tampa A/V firm.


Viva Amiga Theatrical Trailer - Retro Computer Documentary

It happened in West Chester. Could Commodore have become what Apple is today?



Sunday Highlights: What Comcast's future remotes may look like; Amazon Alexa Dominates Voice-Command Tech At CES



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These Universal Electronics concept remotes could be the future for streaming boxes
(PCWorld)
Universal Electronics makes remotes for Comcast.

Hulu Sneaks a Peek at OTT TV Service
(Multichannel News)
Still negotiating with part-owner NBCU/Comcast for right to use its content.

Amazon Alexa Dominates Voice-Command Tech At CES 2017 (Investor's Business Daily)


Detroit Show Reveals a Google-Designed Van That Could Steer the Car Industry (NY Times)

South Jersey Audio Tech Startup Melds What You Need To Hear With What You Want To Hear (CBS Philadelphia)


Saturday Highlights: The Benioff Scale and SAP’s Cloud Leadership Conundrum; How Cable Labs is paving the way for lightning-fast broadband



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Is SuccessFactors about to do a Salesforce? (ResourceOnDemand)
In late November, Microsoft announced it would adopt SAP SuccessFactors as its HCM solution for its entire workforce.

Looking for Mr. Cloud: The Benioff Scale and SAP’s Cloud Leadership Conundrum (Joshua Greenbaum / Enterprise Applications Consulting)\









Pharma adopts data-science culture in move toward AI (Medical Marketing & Media)


Venture capital's bold move into population health
(Modern Healthcare)
On Philly venture TowerView Health and DreamIt Ventures.


How Cable Labs is paving the way for lightning-fast broadband (VentureBeat)
Fascinating interview with the CEO. Interesting story about how he was recruited.


It’s begun: Internet providers are pushing to repeal Obama-era privacy rules
(Washington Post)






Lutron Electronics Works Hard to Simplify the Internet of Things: Making the Right Connection for 25 Years

Business Wire
Lutron Electronics Works Hard to Simplify the Internet of Things: Making the Right Connection for 25 Years
From technology to design, Lutron continues to improve smart home solutions with new customer experiences


January 06, 2017 09:57 AM Eastern Standard Time
COOPERSBURG, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With its superior quality and reliable solutions that focus on exceptional experience, design and technology, lighting control pioneer Lutron Electronics continues to advance the lighting control and connected home technology industry at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). With products that range from the affordable and easy-to-install Caséta Wireless system, to professionally installed and connected RadioRA 2 and HomeWorks QS total home control systems, Lutron has set the standard and maintains top-market position with solutions that drive the industry forward and make people’s lives better.

“Lutron is a unique smart home brand,” said Matt Swatsky, Senior Director of Caséta Wireless. “Our hardware is beautiful, our software is thoughtfully designed and easy to use, and our products are backed by superior quality and support, including Lutron’s 24/7 hotline. Lutron has maintained a strong focus on quality for 55 years, including 25+ years of experience in smart homes and smart buildings.”

New Announcements

Lutron’s quality and innovation continue to be showcased at this year’s CES through alliances with smart home brands and product line expansions, such as:

Samsung SmartThings™ –Early this year, Caséta Wireless customers will connect its system dimmers and Lutron Serena Shades to the Samsung SmartThings app, providing another option of control and convenience, for a more complete smart home.
Nest Cam – By leveraging the intelligence of Nest’s person alerts, Caséta Wireless dimmers and switches can now turn on when a person is detected by Nest Cam Indoor or Outdoor, conveniently adding additional security and providing peace of mind.
Apple® HomeKit – Lutron’s Caséta Wireless system supports Apple HomeKit, enabling homeowners to control their Lutron dimmers and systems using Siri on their iPhone® or iPad®.
Amazon Alexa – Following its integration with Amazon Alexa last year, Alexa can now control lighting, shading and temperature scenes with Caséta Wireless, RadioRA 2 and HomeWorks QS, making it easy for homeowners to set a scene by simply saying, “Alexa, Good Morning.”
Logitech® Pop Home Switch – Everyone in the family can trigger actions and adjust Caséta Wireless dimmers and Serena Shades with the Logitech Pop Home Switch.
Wink Hub 2 – Caséta Wireless has integrated with Wink Hub 2 through Lutron’s Clear Connect wireless protocol, built into the next generation hub.
Hunter® Fan Company Fans – Homeowners can now can easily control their HomeKit-enabled Hunter Symphony and Signal ceiling fans to a preferred setting or scene with Caséta Wireless, through the Lutron app or convenient voice control.
Sonos® – Caséta Wireless has added an integration capability to Sonos with the launch of the Pico Remote for Audio, changing the way people listen to music at home.
ELV+ Dimmer – The Caséta Wireless product line has expanded to include the ELV+ dimmer, a phase selectable dimmer that simplifies light bulb compatibility.
Best in Class Connections

Since launching RadioRA in 1998, Lutron has continued to form alliances with best-in-class brands, integrating new technology, like voice control that makes it easy for customers to interact with and control their connected homes. Convenient, connected control enhances peace of mind and improves quality of life. In addition to voice control with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa, Lutron works hard to align with brands such as Nest, Comcast, AT&T Digital Life, Savant, Honeywell and Logitech.

“Consumers want simple, reliable technology in their homes, and easy control of their household systems,” said Michael Smith, Vice President of Residential Sales. “Integration with Lutron Caséta Wireless, RadioRA 2, and HomeWorks QS systems does just that – provides customers with the ability to say, ‘Alexa, turn on my lights’ or ‘Siri, Good Morning,’ while still preserving their ability to control lights with the Lutron Pico remote, keypad or Lutron app when voice control is not practical.”

Lutron Quality and User Experience – “it just works”

Twenty-five years of wireless leadership and expertise in both smart homes and smart buildings is built into all of Lutron solutions, regardless of price, purpose or usage, and its innovative products feature superior technology, aesthetics, cognition, ergonomics and performance. With each smart home system, Lutron takes care of the customer and delivers superior products that combine quality design and technology that works the first time. Lutron products are backed by a deep understanding of technology as well as a 24/7 technical support hotline that a person always answers.

From watching TV to helping the kids with homework, or enjoying a quiet dinner, life is more relaxing and comfortable in the right light and setting. Ask Alexa or Siri to control lights when your arms are full of groceries. Use convenient remote control capability when the kids are sleeping or while you’re talking on the phone. Versatile Lutron wireless solutions also offer tremendous benefits for aging in place or disabled customers.

Where to Buy Caséta Wireless

Priced from $99, Caséta Wireless kits are available on Amazon.com, Apple Stores and Apple.com, BestBuy.com® and Best Buy® stores, HomeDepot.com and The Home Depot® stores, Lowes.com and Lowe’s Home Improvement centers, Magnolia® Design Centers, select Magnolia Home Theater stores, and from local electricians, lighting showrooms, electrical distributors and home technology professionals.

The free Lutron App for Caséta Wireless is available on iTunes® and Google Play®. Caséta Wireless enables dimming of incandescent, halogen, dimmable CFL and dimmable LED bulbs – visit the Lutron LED Control Center of Excellence for more information about compatible bulbs. Visit www.casetawireless.com for more information.