AST appointed SAP ASP partner

SAP Africa has appointed AST ERP Solutions, a division of the AST Group, as a SAP Application Service Provider (ASP) partner for HR and Payroll. The ASP accreditation will extend AST ERP Solutions` capabilities beyond the normal SAP market.

"Part of AST`s strategy is to assist small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in adapting to changing business environments without making large IT investments," explains Pieter Boshoff, MD of AST ERP Solutions. "Through the SAP Human Resources and Payroll module, we will be able to streamline a pre-configured solution for SMEs that can be implemented quickly, at reduced cost and risk."

Boshoff adds that SMEs have limited time and resources available to devote to a large-scale implementation. Using the SAP HR and Payroll module, AST ERP Solutions will offer companies three models which can be adapted according to each organisation`s needs, from full outsourcing to simply enabling the company to be more efficient.

"AST ERP Solutions has a highly professional team of basis consultants, as well as a large number of certified consultants," says Chris Liebenberg, Principal Basis Consultant at SAP Africa. "Through AST Enterprise Hosting, it has access to an outstanding help desk and infrastructure"

Also part of the SAP audit was AST Enterprise Hosting, the ICT and hosting services division of the AST Group. AST Enterprise Hosting`s strengths are its established management methodologies, world-class practices and technological mastery. Together with AST ERP Solutions, the infrastructure and established practises represent a major differentiator for the AST Group. It is an excellent foundation for increasing business in the ASP and business process outsourcing markets.

AST ERP Solutions is already a SAP implementation partner and a centre of excellence in ERP integration. It has one of the largest and most effective professional ERP teams in Southern Africa. It provides the total spectrum of ERP consulting services, including planning, implementation, operation and ongoing physical support of the system. A unique Service and Support Centre model and infrastructure enables AST ERP Solutions to successful support any SAP R/3 site in Southern Africa.

AST Enterprise Hosting manages an immense ICT infrastructure, consisting of several mainframes, numerous UNIX platforms and hundreds of client server platforms. This facility represents an exceptional capacity for hosting applications and serious e-commerce ventures in a truly secure and stable environment.