SAP Extends Safe Passage Program to Small and Midsize Enterprises

SAP AG announced the next wave of its Safe Passage program of SAP applications and support, joining with its channel partners in a special program and conversion credit designed specifically for small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) running PeopleSoft and JD Edwards solutions. The new program unites SAP and its network of channel partners for mySAP All-in-One solutions to serve SMEs who are facing the uncertainties from the end of life of their solutions and the extended delays in new innovation due to the Oracle acquisition.

The latest iteration of the SAP Safe Passage program provides SMEs protection for past technology investments in addition to a migration path to the nearly 600 mySAP All-in-One solutions from SAP and its worldwide partner network. The program provides a conversion credit of up to 75 percent of the original PeopleSoft or JD Edwards software licensing fees to be used toward the licensing of mySAP All-in-One solutions. The offer is valid for all versions and releases of PeopleSoft and JD Edwards applications. Support and maintenance of the solutions will be provided through mySAP All-in-One partners. Investment protection is one of the key topics for SMEs; the same applies to a reliable partner, said Herbert Vogel, CEO of itelligence, an international, full-service SAP channel partner in the SME market. However, following the Oracle acquisitions, customers of Peoplesoft and JD Edwards are facing an uncertain future. Quite a few of these companies have been talking to us about migration to mySAP All-in-One; first projects are already planned. With the extension of Safe Passage to SMEs, we can offer this target group a secure and cost-effective transition to any of our 12 industry-specific solutions.

mySAP All-in-One solutions offer comprehensive microvertical business management capabilities based on industry best practices of more than 6,000 customers worldwide in more than 20 industries, documented by SAP and leveraged by its channel partners to enable rapid, reliable deployment of enterprise solutions with a quick return on investment. This Safe Passage program is designed for PeopleSoft and JD Edwards customers and the channel partners who serve them who are questioning Oracles ability to provide them a predictable growth path while the company remains focused on acquiring customers and vendors rather than providing customers value, said Donna Troy, senior vice president, Global Small and Medium Business, SAP AG. Together with our mySAP All-in-One partners, we can offer the worlds largest portfolio of microvertical, industry-specific applications; protection for existing IT investments; and the confidence of dealing with the leader in business management solutions. The concerns and uncertainties facing SMEs and their partners are very similar to those of large enterprise customers, who have responded very well to SAPs Safe Passage offerings; as such, our confidence level is high in providing an attractive alternative for this key market segment. The global program from SAP reflects the companys increasing focus on and commitment to the small and midsize enterprise segment, where SAP has earned market share leadership and is increasingly investing resources as a key area of market opportunity and future growth.

SAP Safe Passage
The special program for small and midsize enterprises with investments in PeopleSoft and J.D. Edwards solutions builds upon the Safe Passage Program initially introduced by SAP for customers running both SAP and PeopleSoft/J.D. Edwards. The program was recently expanded with an offer for Retek customers. The SAP Safe Passage program combines investment protection for customers existing solutions, immediate access to the SAP NetWeaver platform to provide immediate integration benefits, and access to SAPs market-leading ERP, retail and SME solutions so that customers can migrate to best-in-class, available solutions on a timetable and road map that is determined by each companys needs.