Dell and SAP Target Small and Mid-Sized Companies With Web-Based Simplicity - Dell Direct for SAP Program - Company Business and Marketing

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Sept 20, 1999

Dell Computer Corporation, the world's leading direct computer systems company, Tuesday announced several key initiatives that broaden its relationship with SAP AG and make it easier for customers to order, configure and install SAP inter-enterprise business solutions on Dell PowerEdge servers.

To help simplify installation and speed deployment of SAP R/3 solutions on Dell PowerEdge servers and PowerVault storage systems, Dell announced the Dell Direct for SAP Program. This program uses Dell's industry-leading mass-customization technology to factory-install SAP R/3 solutions on Dell PowerEdge servers and PowerVault storage to exact customer specifications so the systems arrive ready-to-run.

Dell, the No. 2 server provider in the United States and the No. 3 server provider worldwide(a), also announced the opening of the SAP Center of Expertise in Austin, Texas, and the Dell Competence Center at the SAP PartnerPort in Walldorf, Germany, two facilities where customers can validate system design and configuration without disrupting their live computing network.

These facilities also provide customers with systems design and application tuning support and allow them to test various hardware and software configurations before making a purchase decision.

Further, Dell said it is integrating its Dell Premier Pages with the SAP Business-to-Business Procurement (SAP B2B Procurement) solution. This integration enables the selection and purchase of Dell systems within the customer's SAP application. This amounts to less work for the customer when ordering a system and speeds order processing by Dell.

Part of Dell's efforts to extend the Internet as a business-to-business commerce tool, Premier Pages are secure, customized Web pages for Dell's business and institutional customers, with features such as approved product configurations and pricing, electronic purchasing, and order and inventory tracking.

"Dell is responding to increased customer demand for SAP solutions on Dell PowerEdge servers and PowerVault storage," said Jack Steeg, vice president of Global Alliances for Dell. "We're also using the benefit of our mass customization technology to simplify the deployment of SAP on our systems, while making the ordering and selection of those systems through the Internet even easier."

Dell Direct for SAP Program The Dell Direct for SAP Program minimizes time-to-benefit for customers by combining flexible configuration and ordering over the Dell Direct Web site with SAP Accelerated Solutions, a program from SAP for helping small and medium-sized businesses to rapidly enjoy SAP inter-enterprise solutions.

Under this new program, customers can utilize Dell's Web site to specify and order hardware and software configurations for SAP solutions on Dell PowerEdge 4300 or 6300 -- class servers through DellPlus. The program features an online sizing and selection tool for customizing the configuration to a customer's precise needs and budget.

To expedite on-site installation and deployment, customers can use the SAP Accelerated Solutions' Ready-to-Run R/3 solution; Microsoft Windows NT operating system; an SAP-supported relational database of the customer's choosing, such as Microsoft SQL Server; plus on-site training on the Ready-to-Run R/3 solution.

"Together, Dell and SAP enhance the time to benefit for customers interested in SAP Accelerated Solutions and e-commerce offerings," said Allen Brault, vice president of Small and Medium Business for SAP America Inc. "Coupling Dell's convenient on-line configuring, ordering and delivery capability with SAP Accelerated Solutions and mySAP.com, brings small and medium-sized business customers the benefits of SAP solutions more quickly and cost-effectively than ever."

The Dell Direct for SAP Program reflects the continued alliance between Dell and SAP, and the companies' joint commitment to leverage Internet technology for maximum customer convenience. The two companies estimate that SAP solution deployments can be reduced to a matter of weeks or days using the Dell Direct for SAP program.

Product Pricing and Availability The Dell Direct for SAP Program is available immediately worldwide. Pricing depends on customer configuration. In the coming quarter customers will be able to configure and order the product's hardware and software components entirely over the Web. More information on the Dell Direct for SAP program can be found at www.dell.com/sap.> Ranked No. 78 among the Fortune 500 companies and No. 210 in the Fortune Global 500, Dell Computer Corporation is the world's leading direct computer systems company, based on revenue of $21.7 billion for the past four quarters. Dell designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained through its toll-free number 800/388-8542 or by accessing the Dell World Wide Web site at www.dell.com.