With delegate registrations well under way for the biennial Saphila 2012 conference, hosted by the African SAP User Group (AFSUG), the Chairman, Cuan Kloppers, revealed the key topics to be presented by some of the IT industry’s most respected spokespersons.
“In today’s tight economic climate, we are well aware that customers need to drive value from their existing installations for them to build a compelling business case for new technology investment. SAP’s strategy and future outlook fully recognises this, hence its recent in-memory computing innovation and advances in the mobile platform will take centre stage”, Kloppers announced. “In addition, customers will be showcasing their successes and experiences in lowering their total cost of ownership, whilst meeting increasing business demands.”
Pioneered by SAP through “HANA” technology (high-speed analytical appliance), in-memory computing uses data compression techniques to store information in random access memory (RAM), enabling the analysis of large data sets to be performed up to 10,000 times faster than on standard disks. The HANA in-memory database platform is a focus of SAP’s strategy and will form an integral part of the product portfolio spectrum in future.
To further strengthen SAP’s quest for real-time data analysis, mobility is fast becoming the new front end for business applications. SAP’s ‘Mobile 2.0’ strategy will leverage partnerships with Adobe, Appcelerator and Sencha to provide an open mobile application development framework that is cost effective and efficient.
“With over 14 million mobile Internet users in South Africa alone, mobility will play a significant role in supporting our 2020 African growth strategy,” says Derek Kudsee, Chief Operating Officer, SAP Africa. “In addition, smartphone sales exceeded PC sales for the first time in 2011, so this platform, coupled with the exponential increase in tablet PC sales, will see mobile becoming the new desktop.”
This strength in mobile applications will be supported by a renewed focus in cloud services. Following SAP’s acquisition of Success Factors in late 2012 and the upcoming Ariba acquisition on the horizon, the company has formed a separate cloud division to drive key innovations in business applications, particularly in HR, talent management, CRM, procurement and expense reporting.
Taking place at Sun City from 28 – 31 October, Saphila 2012 is expected to attract more than 1,600 customers and partners, who will have the opportunity to draw on the insights of international SAP executives and leading industry experts. Whitepaper submissions are encouraged, and must be completed by the 15th June 2012.
Staff Writer
