IBM, Navision deliver solutions for fast-growing SMEs

IBM and Navision has announced a global alliance to deliver affordable, integrated e-business solutions that meet the unique needs of fast-growing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Combining powerful IBM eServer products with Navision software, the alliance addresses demand by SME customers for comprehensive e-business solutions that are cost-effective, reliable and easy to manage.

As a key part of the agreement, Navision announced support for its Navision Attain business application suite on IBM eServer iSeries, IBM`s highly secure, integrated server used by thousands of mid-market customers worldwide in a variety of industries. Navision Attain is an adaptable enterprise resource planning solution designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses, providing applications for financial management, supply chain management, customer relationship management and e-commerce.

Under the terms of the agreement, IBM will promote to its worldwide network of Business Partners Navision software on IBM eServer xSeries, IBM`s industry-standard, Intel-based servers that provide leading price/performance for small businesses, and on eServer iSeries servers for mid-market companies. Navision will promote the use of its software on IBM eServer xSeries and iSeries systems to its worldwide network of partners, Navision Solution Centres.

"IBM commands a strong position in the global small and medium-sized business market with its IBM eServer product line," said Navision SA managing director Keith Mullan. "A major goal of the new IBM-Navision relationship is to address the need for reliable, cost-effective, integrated server solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Together, IBM and Navision make a perfect match, and our joint initiatives will bring new benefits to our partners and customers."

As part of the agreement, IBM and Navision also announced plans to develop and market an IBM eServer iSeries offering specially configured to run Navision Attain software simultaneously with e-mail, calendar and collaborative Web applications.

"Increasing return on hardware and software investment is a top priority for businesses of all sizes," said Buell Duncan, general manager, IBM eServer iSeries. "The combined strengths of IBM and Navision allow us to provide exactly what small and mid-sized companies tell us they need -- highly secure, integrated e-business solutions that help them reduce costs, improve their operations and better serve their customers."

"Navision South Africa provides enterprise business management solutions with staying power. Our solutions are a solid investment because they address issues like integration, flexibility and the needs of growing companies. We also give clients worldwide support, local expertise and functionality that meet the full spectrum of clients organisational needs," explains Mullan.

Mullan says the IBM iSeries now incorporates Navision Attain. "Good news for existing users of IBM`s tried-and tested iSeries, is that they will now be able to run the recently released business management solution Navision Attain on the tried-and-tested AS/400 operating system, following the development of an interface by Navision using the IBM Pace development tool."

"Currently, there are thousands of AS/400 users in SA," he adds. "Because the product has been in the market for such a long time, the software applications that are available for the AS/400 are all legacy products. However, the hardware and operating system of the iSeries is so reliable that companies are reluctant to throw it out."

The IBM iSeries offers a complete line of scalable, easy-to-manage integrated solutions that range from developer tools and management tools, to solutions focused on a specific business problem. iSeries solutions also deliver leading total cost of ownership, extreme availability of data and applications, IT staffing productivity and user productivity.

"Navision Attain builds and expands on the strong foundation of Navision Financials, an established business management solution characterised by simplicity, ease-of-use and adaptability," says Mullan. "The latest version of the product delivers financial management and multi-language capabilities, plus integrated functionality to support supply chain collaboration, e-commerce, customer relationship management (CRM) and service management.

"The incorporation of a state-of-the-art ERP system such as Navision Attain into the IBM iSeries means that companies will no longer need to go to the expense of investing in hardware. Additionally, IBM will not only be able to retain their existing market share in their product, but also to grow it further, both in SA and throughout the US," he concludes.

Navision Attain is available for IBM eServer xSeries servers today and is expected to be generally available for eServer iSeries in the second quarter of 2002.