SAP programming language.

SAP application that is technically dependent on ­– and can be only be installed on top of – another SAP application.

Software jointly developed by IBM and SAP which enables users access to SAP applications and information through IBM Lotus Notes, simplifying interaction with people, processes, and information.

SAP customers have established user groups in regions around the world to share knowledge and influence SAP development efforts. ASUG is the largest user group with more than 75,000 members.

Software that enables organizations to perform certain business processes or activities and to address specific business needs.

Process of measuring products, services, and practices against those of leading companies, which can also be used as a reference point of measurement for evaluating best practices.

Road maps that provides intuitive visualization of business processes and solutions. SAP provides two kinds of business maps. See “solution maps” and “business scenario maps”.

Set of logically related activities performed within an organization to complete a defined business task. Order processing is a typical example. SAP provides software and technology that enable and support business processes.

Part of SAP Community Network, this online network connects SAP customers, business analysts, consultants, and SAP internal experts. The BPX community is a unique repository for knowledge that focuses on a wide variety of process, implementation, and solution issues.

The unified IT environment where organizations perform their core business processes and where they reorganize, extend, and create new business processes over time. SAP provides offerings that can serve as a company’s business process platform or as the starting point for the company’s own unique business process platform. Among these SAP offerings are ready-to-execute software, reusable enterprise services, and technology for composing and deploying software to enable business processes.

Set of business processes, such as order-to-cash management, performed within or across an organization to complete an overall business function. A business scenario is a possible course of action or sequence of business processes that can require multiple applications. SAP provides software and technology that enable and support business scenarios.

Business mapthat provides a detailed view of end-to-end processes. These maps may define the activities, roles, system interfaces, and even the business documents required for collaboration.

Employees who spend significant time finding and sharing information, collaborating with others, coordinating projects, devising strategy or operational tactics, and coming up with new ideas based on information gathered form multiple sources. Also called knowledge or information workers.

Category that includes value-added resellers, software solution partners (formerly known as independent software vendors, or ISVs), and value-added distributors.

Method for running a business in a sustainable, long-term way. A clear enterprise has complete visibility across its business and business network, enabling it to act with agility to streamline operations and respond more quickly to customer needs. SAP and its ecosystem enable companies to operate with greater clarity and transparency within their own organizations and across their business networks. With SAP solutions, companies not only gain the visibility to act effectively and decisively as best-run businesses, but are also sustainable over the long term.

Generic term for flexible, IT-related services available through, or hosted on, the Internet for consumers and business, including storage, computing power, software development environments, and applications, combined with service delivery. Accessed as needed “in the cloud,” these services eliminate the need for in-house IT resources. See “software as a service.”

Modular piece of software offering functions accessible via interfaces.

Complementing software for SAP applications that supports customers’ integration, implementation, and configuration activities.

SAP applications available in SAP Business Suite, including SAP ERP, SAP Customer Relationship Management (SAP CRM), SAP Product Lifecycle Management (SAP PLM), SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM), and SAP Supplier Relationship Management (SAP SRM).

SAP's corporate social responsibility program is about what the company does for people, both inside and outside SAP to help make our society more sustainable and the world run better. Our CSR program takes a holistic approach to stakeholder management, corporate giving, in-kind giving, and employee engagement. We invest in the communities where we live and operate by providing education, technology, and investments that ensure broad and equal participation in the global economy. By mobilizing our unique expertise in technology and business, we are catalysts of positive change in our company and global communities.

Software in the SAP BusinessObjects portfolio that enables businesses to design interactive reports and connect them to virtually any data source.

Realization of a custom-developed solution that meets unique business needs, realized at SAP or in a customer’s development system.

Model that provides an integrated framework of practices to help to create and deliver customer value. The phases of the CEL represent the common route followed by the SAP team and the customer team in the process of identifying, delivering, operating, and managing solutions that best fit the customer’s needs.

Most recent release of an SAP application after it enters the unrestricted shipment phase. The standard software release is shipped to customers unless a specific release is ordered. Usually, the most recent release of an SAP component is declared the current default release once the restricted shipment phase has ended.

A methodology for routine innovation that brings together the right side of the brain (creative) with the left side of the brain (analytical).

Process by which a product or service takes root initially in simple applications at the bottom of a market and then relentlessly moves “up market,” eventually displacing established competitors. Term coined by Clayton Christensen. 

Abbreviation for Deutschsprachige SAP-Anwendergruppe (German-Speaking SAP Users’ Group), which has around 26,000 members in German-speaking countries.

Software resulting from a collaboration between SAP and Microsoft that enables business users to access selected SAP software and data using the familiar Microsoft Office environment.

Construct encompassingSAP and its customers and partners that extends the value SAP provides its customers. By bringing together community-based insight, innovative partner solutions, and industry-leading collaboration and co-innovation, it enables customers to extract the greatest possible value from their SAP investments.

A set of business processes that serves a company’s business need from end to end. An end-to-end process typically involves activities that are performed across functional, organizational, or company boundaries. SAP provides software and technology that help customers perform their end-to-end processes.

Optional packages that enables companies to take advantage of innovation while keeping their core software stable. Enhancement packages contain improved general business and industry functionality, enterprise services, and other user interface and functional improvements. Organizations can activate selected business functions contained within the enhancement packages and deploy them on their own timetable with minimal disruption to business operations.

See “SAP ERP.”

A set of highly integrated Web services that can be accessed and used repeatedly by applications to support business processes. Used as building blocks for composing larger units of software, enterprise services can be quickly defined by SAP or its partners and assembled to compose new applications and enable new business processes. See “Web service.”

Collaborative, cross-industry program that brings together thought leaders from diverse industries to share ideas and innovations in enterprise services. The community includes customers and partners who work jointly with SAP to identify and define enterprise services required by customers, and delivered by SAP.

Central storage unit in which service interfaces, core services, compound services, enterprise services, business objects, and business processes are modeled and their metadata is stored. This repository is an integral part of the SAP NetWeaver technology platform.

SAP program offering detailed information about reference customers from around the world, using a database that channel partners can access to help close a deal with a new SAP customer. Reference customers have agreed to participate in one or more reference activities on behalf of SAP.

Green computing or green IT refers to environmentally-friendly and sustainable information technology. SAP software can help customers minimize the environmental impact of their data centers, supporting a “green IT” approach, for example, buy providing customers with professional services to minimize the number of servers through landscape consolidation or by working with technology partners to provide the most energy efficient infrastructure, using virtualization and other techniques.

Database that keeps all active records in main memory rather than on disk. Accessing in-memory records is considerably faster than retrieving them from the disk, significantly increasing performance.

Software unit supporting a specific collection of business processes required to address the needs of a specific industry.

SAP program that brings together customers, independent software vendors, system integrators, technology vendors, and SAP to form a network of groups to stimulate co-innovation and the development of high-impact business solutions for a particular industry. SAP provides a collaborative environment – anchored by SAP NetWeaver as the common technology platform.

Literally, the introduction of something new. At SAP, "innovation" means that we are intellectually curious. We look forward, we never accept the status quo, and we constantly seek solutions that will work today and in the future. As an innovator, SAP will accelerate the delivery of higher business value through new technologies.

A strategic sales and marketing initiative, Innovations 2010 is the name given to a collection of products and product enhancements that SAP is bringing to market in 2010, which include enhancement packages delivered in 2010 for the most recent versions of SAP Business Suite applications and the SAP NetWeaver technology platform, industry solutions, SAP BusinessObjects portfolio, and solutions for governance, risk, and compliance.

Virtual world where software and service providers, brokers, and users can collaborate using a service delivery platform to build flexible and dynamically integrated applications.

A fusion of the digital world and the physical world that brings together different concepts and technical components. Everyday objects and machines have sensors and can “communicate” with each other over the Internet, making new models possible for business processes, collaboration, miniaturization of devices, and mobile communications.

Object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems Inc. SAP NetWeaver provides complete support for Java technology, including Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE); J2EE defines the standard for developing multitier enterprise applications based on Java.

Performance figure for which threshold values are defined and against which validation is executed.

Set of manufacturing principles originating from Japanese car manufacturer Toyota that first defines customer value, then reorganizes every step required to design, order, build, deliver, and maintain this value across all the organizations and units. As a result, firms can do more with less, respond more quickly to customer needs, create more rewarding jobs for employees, and reduce their impact on the environment.

Correction to SAP software to adapt an SAP software release to changes in legal and regulatory requirements.

First SAP maintenance phase, which includes the full scope of support. It is followed by extended maintenance, customer-specific maintenance, or priority-one support phase.

Software support comprising support for legal changes and corrections delivered through the SAP Notes tool, support packages, problem support, and access to information and online service channels - depending on the maintenance phase.

Set of rules that determine the length and conditions of maintenance for SAP software releases. Detailed rules can differ depending on the type of application.

Catalog for customers containing separately priced SAP products as well as terms and conditions.

Model of software deployment whereby providers license an application to customers for use as a service when they need it, that is, “on demand.” It eliminates the need for on-site IT resources to manage infrastructure and thereby reduces operational expenses.

Anytime, anywhere access to SAP applications and data from any type of wired or wireless device (desktop, laptop, mobile, tablets, sensors, etc.) from any type of popular personal productivity application.

An organizational approach at SAP promoting strong collaboration among all areas of the company across services, software, and ecosystem and supporting “one face to the customer.”

Traditional model of software deployment where enterprises purchase software licenses and deploy applications in-house.

Software based on the concept of software developers coming together to build a virtual community and solving a common problem by developing working software that everyone has a right to change. Successful development projects under the open source model include Linux – a free operating system supported by SAP.

Aspect of our product strategy that brings together the various elements of our on-premise, on-demand, and on-device solutions in a cost-effective and consistent manner. Orchestration involves our ability to provide master data management, business process management, and unified lifecycle management across all SAP solutions thus differentiating SAP from the competition.

Company that produces a product or component to be purchased for sale  for use by other manufacturers or incorporates a purchased product or component into their own new product for further sale. 

Software that enhances the functionality of an existing application.

Generic term used in distribution to describe all information that is recorded at the time a product is sold. The data typically includes the location of the sale, price point, stock-keeping unit, end-user contact information, and partner contact information. The SAP Point-of-Sale application can help retail businesses reduce the operating costs of store systems while at the same time delivering an enhanced customer experience.

Deliverable software unit that customers can view, install, and renew.

Database that bundles technical and release planning information on SAP components for quick reference. Information on the availability of SAP component releases and maintenance end dates, as well as release information is available.

SAP training program that delivers early product-related knowledge to sales, presales, consultants, partners, and support teams. This program contributes to the successful implementation of ramp-up projects and is a crucial element of the ramp-up process in the product innovation lifecycle at SAP.

SAP software that has a version number, is shipped at a particular time, and has defined maintenance phases.

Date that marks the initial availability of a release to customers and the beginning of the restricted shipment phase.

First phase of a release delivery, which is rolled out within the framework of the SAP Ramp-Up program. The program determines how many customers receive the release and increases distribution in a controlled way. This phase is followed by the unrestricted shipment phase.

Product timeline that has a variety of objectives, including communication to customers, users, or other interested parties the timing of future product releases; the features planned for those releases; general prioritization of features; and in some cases, the requirements of features in enough detail that current and prospective customers can give feedback on the feature itself and the product direction.

Packages that provide proven methods and tools for organizations to implement best business practices in key areas and a range of industries using SAP software. The packages deliver methodology, documentation, and preconfiguration that enable rapid, reliable deployment with quick return on investment.

Comprehensive and flexible business management solutions deployed in midsize companies with up to 2,500 employees looking for a comprehensive, integrated industry solution. With built-in support for industry best practices, SAP Business All-in-One solutions are available from more than 1,100 qualified partners that deliver more than 700 industry-specific solutions in more than 50 countries.

Adaptable, on-demand business solution with broad support for cross-industry processes designed for companies with 100 to 500 employees. The solution delivers preconfigured software that supports best practices for financial management, customer relationship management, project management, procurement, and supply chain management. It is delivered on demand and managed, monitored, and maintained by SAP experts in hosted data centers, and SAP takes care of the maintenance and installation of upgrades.

Broad portfolio of tools and applications designed to help optimize business performance by connecting people, information, and businesses across business networks. Included in the portfolio are solutions for business intelligence (BI); enterprise performance management (EPM); information management (IM); and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC).

Part of SAP Community Network, this collaborative, knowledge-sharing community connects developers, report and dashboard designers, and IT professionals with the resources, expertise, and collaborative tools to succeed with SAP BusinessObjects solutions.

Application designed especially for small businesses with up to 100 employees, providing a single, integrated solution for managing the entire business across financials, sales, customer relationships, purchasing, inventory, analytics, and operations.

A family of integrated core applications, industry applications, and supplementary applications, built on the SAP NetWeaver technology platform. The software supports core business operations ranging from supplier relationships to production to warehouse management, sales, and all administrative functions, through to customer relationships.

SAP’s extranet for partners, this site gives partners access to information, product and business news, tools, training, and business resources to order products. Through this portal, partners can manage their relationship with SAP and access the SAP PartnerEdge P2P Network for collaboration with other SAP partners.

SAP location featuring a simulated, heterogeneous data center incorporating hardware and infrastructure software from various vendors. The lab provides a hands-on environment for SAP, customers, and partners to collaboratively innovate, accelerate, and showcase new business solutions and technologies. Customers and partners can visit the lab to evaluate the latest SAP and partner solutions in a simulated, real-world infrastructure.

Online portalwith nearly two million members in more than 200 countries, providing individuals the opportunity to trade experience and insights, pursue business opportunities, and learn from each other. SAP offers distinct communities in the network that offer information, trusted resources, and co-innovation. See “BusinessObjects community,” “Business Process Expert community,” “SAP Developer Network,” and “SAP University Alliances community.”

SAP organization providing a comprehensive range of development-related services and customized solutions to meet the individual needs of a customer’s business. It extends or enhances standard SAP solutions and builds completely new and innovative solutions, and offers resources and guidance to integrate and move legacy solutions to the SAP NetWeaver technology platform .The organization also develops custom enterprise services, custom composite applications, and support for custom-developed solutions.

Application that provides a comprehensive application to help marketing, sales, and service professionals obtain complete customer intelligence that they can leverage to effectively manage customer relationships and customer-related processes. SAP CRM can enable multichannel customer interactions, including mobile smart phones, the Internet, and social media, and also offers a communications infrastructure that is designed to help connecting with other users anytime, anywhere. SAP offers CRM applications in both on-premise and on-demand deployment models.

Part of SAP Community Network, this online community offers deep technical content and expertise for SAP developers, analysts, consultants, and administrators on SAP NetWeaver.  

Online solution marketplace that centralizes information about SAP and partner solutions

and includes features such as feedback, ratings, and demos to help discover, evaluate, and buy solutions to complement an investment in SAP software.

Services that provide proactive support services in addition to all features of the SAP Standard Support options. These proactive support services encompass tools, processes, and services that enable continuous improvement, holistic application lifecycle management for continuous innovation, business and operational process improvements, and levers to address total cost of operation (TCO).

The SAP ERP application is designed to optimize business and IT processes by reducing IT complexity, increasing adaptability, and delivering more IT value at a lower cost than traditional ERP solutions. It can support mission-critical, end-to-end business processes for finance, human capital management, asset management, sales, procurement, and other essential corporate functions. SAP ERP can also support industry-specific processes by providing industry-specific business functions that can be activated selectively via the switch framework, keeping the application core stable and helping ensure maximum performance.

Service that helps companies invest in SAP solutions implemented by strategic partner of SAP:Siemens Financial Services GmbH (SFS). SFS targets the financing service chiefly at midsize companies. Depending on local conditions, the SFS plan leases solutions to customers and provides loan finance.

Solution portfolio specifically designed to meet the needs of aerospace and defense industry. It offers capabilities for maintenance, repair and overhaul, airline operations, defense, manufacturing, contract and program management, and business acquisitions.

Solution portfolio designed to meet the specific needs of the automotive industry. Its capabilities help link complex business processes into a logical flow, maximizing efficiency and profitability and satisfying customers' expectations.

Solution portfolio that enables banks to obtain all customer information at a glance and offers a full complement of high-performance capabilities for strategic planning, financial accounting, costing, and enterprise wide control. It also features key industry-specific applications for profitability management, risk management, customer relationship management, and integrated customer account systems.

Solution portfolio that delivers the specific processes and tools that chemical companies require. Industry-specific capabilities include recipe management, batch management, and version control.

Solution portfolio that supports the integration of every step of consumer product value chain - from suppliers to consumers. Key capabilities include mobile sales, internet sales, trade promotion management, and category management.

Solution portfolio that offers a variety of capabilities that meet the critical needs of the defense and security sector. Key industry-specific capabilities include acquisition and materials management, force planning, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), personnel and organization, infrastructure management, planning and support for deployed operations, in-service support, and line maintenance.

Solution portfolio designed to meet the specific requirements of project-oriented enterprises and offers capabilities for industrial plant construction, construction of commercial and private buildings, as well as shipbuilding.

Solution portfolio for hospitals and clinics to manage a variety of required administrative and clinical processes.

Solution portfolio that meets the demands of high-tech industries, including RosettaNet support.

Solution portfolio that coordinates the entire scope of business activities (estimating, order entry, project management, production planning) for the industrial sector and lends support areas ranging from maintenance and services to billing and profitability analysis.

Solution portfolio that integrates steps in the insurance business process, including capabilities for customer contact, policy and product management, collections and disbursement, as well as claims management.

Solution portfolio that meets the requirements of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and diagnostics companies, as well as manufacturers of medical devices and products.

Solution portfolio that supports processes specific to the media industry with capabilities that include sales and distribution, advertising management, product development, and intellectual property management.

Solution portfolio for manufacturers of building materials, paper and timber industry, and metal and primary metal production, as well as textiles and furniture manufacturers.

Solution portfolio that meets the demands of oil and gas companies of all sizes.

Solution portfolio that delivers integrated tools, best practices, and automated processes designed specifically for the demands of the professional services industry, including management consultancies as well as accounting and legal firms.

Solution portfolio for public administration, providing an electronic framework that makes it possible to communicate online through various applications for the public, government authorities, and related entities.

Solution portfolio that offers multichannel applications designed specifically to provide the best retail services to a large customer base.

Solution portfolio that provides telecommunications enterprises of all types and sizes a range of industry-specific capabilities, including support for convergent invoicing and contract accounting.

Solution portfolio that covers the unique business needs of postal services, railways, airlines, and toll collection companies, as well as logistics service providers, to optimize supply chain and planning. Replaces former SAP for Travel & Logistics Services solution portfolio.

Solution portfolio for all supply and energy industries, with capabilities ranging from call centers and Internet communications to consumption billing.

Solution portfolio that addresses the needs of midsize and large wholesale distribution businesses in a wide range of segments. Industry-specific capabilities support new business models and strategies that meet the needs of an important supply sector.

Portfolio of learning tools including a learning portal, learning management system, authoring tools, and content management system. Individual training and strategic personnel development are supported in the solution.

Organization and offerings that enable SAP customers to access SAP applications and provides the infrastructure required. In this way, solutions are ready to use, and can be adapted to customers’ growing requirements.

Solution for managing manufacturing operations with embedded lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles. It provides capabilities for planning, execution, quality, maintenance, as well as environment, health, and safety.

Support option with a full range of services customized for individual customer needs and covering all stages of an SAP solution’s lifecycle, driven by an on-site technical quality manager.

The technology platform from SAP integrates information and business processes across technologies and organizations. The platform embraces Internet standards such as HTTP, XML, and Web services, and is the foundation of SAP Business Suite software. The platform is designed to deliver a comprehensive set of modular, middleware functions to help IT organizations evolve their existing IT infrastructure and cost-effectively perform mission-critical business processes. See “technology platform.”

Tool based on the J2EE engine of SAP NetWeaver Application Server that enables users to control the entire landscape from a single point. Administrators can monitor the runtime data of logical and physical landscapes, as well as start, stop, or relocate application services, and assign hardware resources to application services.

Component of SAP NetWeaver that provides support for platform-independent Web services, business applications, and standards-based development based upon key technologies such as Java and ABAP technology.

See “SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse.”

Component of SAP NetWeaver that provides a complete view of a company and the tools needed to make the right decisions, optimize processes, and measure strategic success, such as business-critical factors and benchmarks. Previously called SAP NetWeaver Business Intelligence.

Software based on compressions, parallel in-memory processing, and search technologies that improves the performance of queries, reduces administration tasks, and shortens batch processes. Previously called SAP NetWeaver BI Accelerator.

Tool based on the open-source Eclipse framework that supports the efficient development of Web Dynpro, Web services, and Java/J2EE business applications, as well as Java projects on a large-scale basis for both SAP technologies and standard technologies.

Component of SAP NetWeaver that ensures cross-system data consistency across disparate systems and helps integrate business processes - providing a single version of master data for supplier, product, customer, or user-defined data objects in heterogeneous environments.

Component of SAP NetWeaver that provides a platform-independent runtime environment for mobile solutions that employees can use to access enterprise data at any time and from any location, both online and offline.

Component of SAP NetWeaver that offers a complete portal infrastructure and high-performance functions for knowledge management and collaboration between enterprises. The portal is based on open standards and Web services and tightly linked with other SAP NetWeaver components, so it also supports heterogeneous IT landscapes and is compatible with Java, J2EE, and Microsoft.NET.

Component of SAP NetWeaver that. enables different versions of SAP and non-SAP systems from different vendors running on different platforms (for example, Java ABAP, and so on) to communicate with each other. Includes all capabilities previously covered by SAP NetWeaver Exchange Infrastructure to realize cross-system business processes.

Design tool that facilitates the creation of SAP NetWeaver Portal content using a visual user interface, rather than written code.

Tool that provides instructions on how to remove known errors from SAP software, including a description of the symptoms, cause, and location of the error

Global, partner-to-partner business collaboration network where SAP partners can share expertise, development capabilities, solutions, and knowledge to extend their market reach.

Exclusive SAP community of top industry leaders representing some of the world’s largest and best-run businesses. For these premier customers, SAP aims to simplify and tailor the partnership towards the unique needs of each customer by proactively assembling the best talent and synchronization across all SAP lines of business (product development, sales, services, support, and marketing) globally.

Application that helps companies manage, track, and control all product-related information over the complete product and asset lifecycle as well as throughout the extended supply chain. SAP PLM is designed to facilitate creativity and to free the process of product innovation from organizational constraints.

Business software for mainframe computers launched by SAP in 1979; precursor to SAP R/3.

Business software for client/server environments launched by SAP in 1992 with enterprise software components for human resources, logistics, financials, sales and distribution, and others; precursor to SAP ERP.

Program SAP uses to introduce new application releases on the market to selected customers during the restricted shipment phase.

Project-based support option that helps customers manage risks and enable the technical robustness of SAP solutions during implementation, upgrade, and operations.

Extranet platform that offers capabilities for collaboration between SAP, customers, and partners. The extranet provides central access and guided navigation to SAP’s complete portfolio of service offerings.

Application management solution that enables customers to better manage their SAP and non-SAP applications. With SAP Solution Manager, customers can centralize, enhance, automate and improve the management of their entire system landscape, thus reducing total cost of ownership. The solution includes features such as diagnostics, testing, root cause analysis, and solution monitoring.

SAP helps customers around the world manage resources efficiently and responsibly

and achieve their sustainability goals. The solutions for sustainability include the measurement of sustainability key performance indicators, energy and carbon management, and environment, health, and safety. The solutions help organizations tackle energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as support efforts in product safety, healthcare, and sustainability performance management.

Support option offering reliable response to technical disruptions and for maintaining system health and integrity. This basic support offering features including updates, problem resolution, knowledge transfer, quality management, and more to keep IT landscapes up-to-date and stable.

Application that provides tools and processes that provides managers and executives an integrated, real-time overview of the performance of a company - over and beyond its organizational structures.

Procurement application that helps orga­nizations in all industries improve their centralized sourcing and contract management and interact with suppliers through mul­tiple channels. SAP SRM is designed to accelerate and optimize the entire end-to-end procure-to-pay process by supporting integrated processes and by enforcing contract compliance, which can result in realizable savings.

Application helps companies adapt their supply-chain processes to the rapidly changing competitive environment. SAP SCM helps transform traditional supply chains from linear, sequential processes into open, configurable, responsive supply networks in which customer-centric, demand-driven companies can monitor and respond more smartly and quickly to demand and supply dynamics across a globally distributed environment.

Part of SAP Community Network, this online community provides connections between university leaders and students, SAP customers and partners, and SAP internal experts. Professors and lecturers gain access to up-to-date SAP-related business and IT course materials, resources, and peer-to-peer contact with many renowned experts. 

In 2007, SAP initiated a program that encouraged all of these groups to share their expertise and recommended practices with the wider user-group community. It kindled some valuable discussion, which, in the end, is good for all SAP stakeholders. An umbrella organization, SUGEN embraces 12 national SAP user groups with the shared aim of defining priorities and agreeing plans of action to bring greater focus to the dialog between SAP and its user groups on the global plane.

Software architecture that supports the design, development, identification and consumption of standardized services across the enterprise, thereby improving re-usability of software components and creating agility in responding to change.

SAP reports revenues in software and software-related services (SSRS), which encompasses software, support, subscription, and other software-related service revenues.

Software that is provided literally “as a service.” Software applications are delivered and managed remotely over a secure Internet connection and a standard Web browser. Access is charged on a subscription basis at a fixed price per user, usually on a monthly basis, and users only pay for applications they actually use. See “cloud computing.”

New term for SAP partners that focus on developing microvertical solutions based on SAP software. Formerlyknown as independent software vendor (ISV).

SAP solutions enable a customer to meet a challenge or take advantage of an opportunity and are built or assembled by flexibly combining SAP applications and other SAP software. The solutions may include support for best business practices and be aided by consulting and ongoing support. They may also be enhanced or extended by SAP partner applications and services. Organizations can deploy SAP solutions to perform industry-specific business processes and to address their business issues in the way that best meets their needs.

Business maps that model the business processes within an organization. These maps may help customers visualize, plan, and implement a coherent, integrated, and comprehensive information technology solution.

Collection of general-purpose and industry-specific applications, services such as consulting, and support for industry best practices. SAP offers solution portfolios that serve the needs of organizations in more than 25 major industries. Customers choose from among the offerings to assemble or build their SAP solutions to meet their requirements. Each offering in the portfolio is priced and available for individual purchase.

Document that details the business and functional requirements of a particular product or project.

SAP application release that can be deployed independently of other application releases.

Customer-specific development with a contractually binding commitment for at least a partial retrofit.

Bundle of software corrections compiled periodically and available for ABAP or Java programming languages in SAP Service Marketplace.

Release offered after the beginning of the unrestricted shipment phase if required and which contains a collection of all previously available support packages.

For SAP, sustainability is the ability to holistically manage economic, social, and environmental risks and opportunities for increased profitability. It includes embedding social and environmental aspects into business financials to increase profits or reduce risks, minimizing negative impacts on the environment through pollution and consumption of natural resources, and supporting health, safety, and fair labor practices for people. SAP is committed to improving its own operations to be a more sustainable company, and to delivering customer solutions to help companies run sustainable businesses.

SAP technology to activate industry business function sets and generic business functions within SAP ERP.

Company focused on integrating IT systems and providing related consulting. This is a classic channel used by large software vendors, large hardware vendors, and original equipment manufacturers.

The technical foundation for a business-driven software architecture that increases the adaptability, flexibility, openness, and cost-efficiency of IT operations and enables organizations to become more agile in responding to change. See “SAP NetWeaver.”

Set of principles for architecting both new and existing software systems for nondisruptive evolution, to the overall benefit of customers and SAP. The concept refers to the use of platform and services that grow with the organization according to current and future needs and one that can host systems from multiple vendors. Timeless software allows a business to evolve their IT needs in an as nondisruptive fashion as possible, utilizing key tenets such as enhancement packs and services that are easy to upgrade.

Second phase of release delivery, during which all customers can obtain the release. The phase follows the restricted shipment phase.

Replacement of an existing application component with a newer component of that same application.

Partner that receives the majority of its revenue from reselling a vendor’s hardware or software solutions directly to end users. Additionally, VARs often provide consulting, implementation, post-sales support, and training to their own customers. VARs may develop and sell add-on applications to meet the needs of vertical markets and may expand SAP product functionality.

An end-to-end process that directly supports a company’s business strategy. The sequence of activities often involves multiple departments or lines of business, crossing functional, organizational, and company boundaries. SAP provides software and technology that help customers with their value scenarios. See “end-to-end process.”

A specialized application designed to meet the unique needs of a particular business or industry.

Development environment that enables enterprises to model and develop professional applications based on browser technology, including a standards-based, device-independent complete runtime environment. Web Dynpro bridges the gap between different technologies, such as J2EE, ABAP, and Microsoft.NET, and between different Internet browsers and mobile platforms.

Describes a set of technical functionality using Web Services Description Language (WSDL), enabling interoperable machine-to-machine interaction over a network. Typically, Web services are simply Web application programming interfaces (APIs) that can be accessed and executed by a consuming application.

As dictated by the German Works Council Constitution Act, a works council is a legal body for representing employees’ interests to the employer and codetermining the works in private companies. On June 21, 2006, the SAP AG employees working in Germany elected its first works council.