SAP is attempting to give its StreamWork problem-solving software a more central role within customers’ IT environments by linking the applications to its core ERP (enterprise resource planning) applications, the vendor announced Wednesday.
Some of the integration work is already completed, including links to SAP PLM (product lifecycle management) and CRM (customer relationship management). Planning is under way to connect StreamWork to SAP’s BI (business intelligence) software as well, with more down the road.
StreamWork customers would buy the application links “as either pre-packaged solutions from SAP (or consultants) or as small consulting engagements from SAP or consultants,” according to a spokesman.
First released last year, StreamWork has been called a “virtual war room” where users can log in and hash out answers to problems, regarding one-off business issues or ongoing projects.
The SaaS (software-as-a-service) application provides a number of widgets called “methods,” such as a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) matrix or a pro-versus-con table, which can be used to figure out answers. It also features document and data sharing as well as tie-ins to a number of other applications, including Google Docs and Scribd.
While Streamwork is not meant to replace well-established products like Microsoft SharePoint, the company is “committing to StreamWork being the collaboration environment for all of our applications,” said Jack Miller, global vice president, global collaboration and cloud analytics.
A basic edition of StreamWork is available at no cost. Paid versions are available starting at US$9 per user per month. The Enterprise Edition includes a behind-the-firewall component that provides features like Active Directory connectivity and single-sign on.
StreamWork, which was first released last year, so far “has been a huge success from our standpoint,” with thousands of companies using it today, Miller said.
As for the percentage of paying customers, “I can’t really say right now, but it’s a good blend,” he said. StreamWork has averaged more than 100 percent quarter-over-quarter growth since the product’s launch, according to a spokesman.
