The business intelligence (BI) market is set to grow at a rate of 19% per annum according to local research group BMI-TechKnowledge. BI, a buzzword in the corporate market, seeks to get the most value out of enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions including reporting and report writing functionalities. Softworx, the sole implementer Baan solutions in South Africa and Rest of Africa (ROA), has announced a strategic partnership with Crystal Decisions, a known world leader in reporting solutions for businesses.
Softworx's vision underlying the partnership with Crystal Decisions is to afford customers the opportunity to include advanced reporting tools as part of their existing ERP suite, enabling them to access information cost-effective and intelligently. This further maximises the value of an ERP solution, offering a business advanced report writing facilities and functions, all at the click of a mouse. Furthermore Crystal solutions can be implemented within any system that utilises an open database such as Oracle, Informix, Sybase or MS SQL Server, bringing a new dimension to interoperability.
"Increasingly, major ERP vendors such as Baan and SAP are recognising the benefit of forming strategic alliances with industry leaders like Crystal Solutions, providing excellent solutions in the Business Intelligence space. As part of a fully integrated ERP solution it provides richness and breadth to an existing implementation by preparing professional looking reports easily and efficiently," says Errol van der Merwe, sales director of Softworx.
Says van der Merwe: "Previously report writing tools had to be specially developed to the client's requirements which was a costly and complex exercise. Nine out of ten times they are very clumsy and transactional based. The adoption of a Crystal reporting solution provides easy and seamless integration with Baan systems, allowing for more comprehensive reporting through quicker database access. Softworx has already commenced the rollout of Crystal's solutions with our existing customer base including Robor, PG Bison and Amatola Water."
The partnership forms part of a deal signed between Crystal Decisions and EOH - Softworx's holding company - allowing Crystal Decisions to take advantage of Softworx's reach with the rest of Africa.
Share
Softworx*, a leading South African business applications solutions provider, specialises in providing complete business solutions based on a powerful combination of leading edge products and consultancy.
Softworx offers a range of world-class solutions, which leverages off its e-commerce compliment, including: Application Service Provider (ASP), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and supply chain management (SCM).
The common thread with all Softworx implementations is the guarantee of rapid deployment with measurable benefits resulting in sustainable long-term relationships with its customers. Softworx's differentiator is its guaranteed delivery, which means it can focus on its customers' success, rather than the number and size of solutions sold.
Additional information is available on www.esoftworx.co.za
* Softworx is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the EOH Group which is listed on the IT sector of the JSE.
Editorial contacts