It’s Not Just About the Weather: Put Your Emails in Context

The customers you seek to attract — as well as your current customer base you want to retain — are more technologically savvy than ever before, and they are demanding a very different kind of marketing approach to gain their attention. Today’s customers have little tolerance for generic, mass-marketing emails.

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Beyond Spots and Dots

Beyond Spots & Dots is a full service advertising agency with global reach located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania which strategically implements television, radio, internet, outdoor and print advertising into your business's advertising plan to achieve your marketing goals. We strive to work with clients who are passionate about what they do and who are interested in growing their business through a collaborative partnership. We believe in the power of advertising and take calculated risks to achieve breakthrough results. We believe that a strategic advertising plan can make a difference in your business.

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Top 10 Microsoft Azure Partners: Secrets to Their Cloud Expertise

Article | March 5, 2024

Discover the pinnacle of cloud innovation with this comprehensive article on Microsoft Azure Partners and unveil the transformative power of collaboration between businesses and Azure cloud experts. Contents 1. Introduction 2. Top Solutions Offered by Microsoft Azure Partners 2.1 Pax8 2.2 OneNeck IT Solutions 2.3 Chetu Inc. 2.4 Express Info 2.5 Optimum 2.6 Rightpoint 2.7 Softchoice 2.8 Velosio 2.9 Pythian 2.10 3Cloud Solutions 3. Wrap Up 1. Introduction Microsoft Azure is at the forefront of cloud computing technology and serves as a fundamental element for the digital transformation initiatives of businesses worldwide through its partnership ecosystem. The platform offers a suite of specialized services developed in collaboration with Microsoft Azure partners to cater to the complex demands of various industries. These Azure partner solutions encompass a wide range of functionalities, including cloud migration, big data analytics, AI, and IoT applications. Recognized for its agility, security, and scalability, Azure provides a robust foundation for these solutions. With these capabilities, it enables businesses of all sizes to leverage advanced architecture, stringent security measures, and comprehensive computing, storage, and networking options. 2. Top Solutions Offered by Microsoft Azure Partners Microsoft Azure stands out not only for its robust platform but also for the rich ecosystem of partner solutions it supports. Developed in collaboration with leading technology partners, these solutions are designed to enhance and extend the capabilities of Azure, catering to the diverse needs of various industries. Here are the top 10 benefits of choosing Microsoft Azure partners for solutions that are revolutionizing how businesses approach digital transformation. Each partner brings unique strengths to address the complex challenges of today's technological environment, offering enhanced security, scalability, and innovation to fully leverage the advantages of cloud technology. 2.1 Pax8 Pax8 revolutionizes how organizations engage with cloud solutions by offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to enhance the cloud journey. As one of the leading Microsoft cloud partners, Pax8 enables its partners to fully utilize cloud technology through a unique blend of service and technology. Its key features include: Simplified procurement, sales, and management of cloud solutions A cloud-native platform that streamlines the cloud adoption process, featuring: - Unified billing systems. - Automated provisioning. - Integrations with leading Professional Services Automation (PSA) tools Continuous, 24/7 support to address any queries or issues promptly Access to educational resources and tools essential for expanding a cloud business 2.2 OneNeck IT Solutions OneNeck IT Solutions is a leading provider of comprehensive IT services designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses. Here’s a detailed overview of its offerings, along with a wide array of hybrid IT solutions: OneNeck IT Solutions offers a range of cloud and hosting solutions, including the proprietary ReliaCloud™, tailored for enterprise needs. It provides extensive support for ERP application management, infrastructure, operating systems, databases, applications, and multi-cloud environments. It delivers support for public, hosted private, on-premises, and hybrid cloud configurations as part of its multi-cloud services. Businesses can access comprehensive infrastructure solutions, with services for operating systems, databases, applications, multi-cloud management, and storage solutions, alongside wired and wireless access and data protection. OneNeck IT Solutions enhances communication through voice, video, messaging, and meeting solutions. It leverages modern data platforms, data transformation, and artificial intelligence to drive business insights. It provides risk assessments, security roadmaps, mitigation strategies, and round-the-clock response capabilities as part of its security systems. 2.3 Chetu Inc. Chetu Inc. specializes in offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to assist clients in transforming and modernizing their business operations to adapt to the dynamic market environment. As a prestigious software development firm based in the United States, Chetu extends its services globally, delivering industry-aligned, superior-quality software solutions to a diverse clientele. The company integrates advanced technological capabilities, deep domain knowledge, and a fervent commitment to excellence, positioning itself as an integral backend technology ally. Its primary objective is to propel businesses forward by expediting the development of desktop, mobile, and web applications through the provision of specialized developers. It provides unparalleled service to a broad spectrum of clients through a unique and highly effective software delivery model. The spectrum includes businesses ranging from startups and small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to Fortune 5000 companies. 2.4 Express Info A leading technology solutions provider in Texas, Express Info focuses on finance and accounting. Other key attributes: It offers a blend of technology, process workflow, and operational knowledge to address complex business challenges. It specializes in integrated cloud and on-premise accounting software. It provides Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics GP, and Dynamics 365 Business Central to enhance organizational efficiency involving clients, vendors, and employees. Express Info has over three decades of experience in ERP implementation and is listed in Accounting Today’s VAR 100. 2.5 Optimum Optimum is recognized as a contemporary IT consulting firm dedicated to enhancing organizational efficiency and solving IT challenges. It offers a comprehensive array of services, including: Custom Application Development across web, mobile, and cloud platforms Migration and consulting services for Office 365 Development and consulting for intranet/extranet portals Expertise in SharePoint, Teams, Power Automate, and Power Apps Development Advanced Business Intelligence (BI) and Power BI Solutions Workflow/Process Automation and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Solutions for InfoPath Replacement Data Warehouse Construction and Systems Integration Services Blockchain Development and Consulting Services Consultation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development and Consulting Services for Smartsheet Project Management Consulting Services Corporate Website Development User Experience (UX)/User Interface (UI) Design Front-end Development utilizing React, Angular, and JavaScript 2.6 Rightpoint Rightpoint is an independent customer experience agency with a foundational emphasis on technology. As a constituent of Genpact, Rightpoint stands as a global experience entity, assisting clients in conceptualizing and actualizing their vision through comprehensive, end-to-end experience design and engineering, thereby ensuring sustained market relevance. The agency excels in crafting seamless digital experiences underpinned by insight, strategy, technology, and design to revolutionize client business operations. The core services offered encompass customer experience, employee experience, and supplier experience. Operating under the Genpact umbrella, Rightpoint distinguishes itself as a leader in the global experience domain. The company boasts a workforce of over 700 employees, distributed across 12 offices worldwide, dedicated to fostering client growth by redefining the interaction dynamics between people, technology, and businesses through what is termed as Total Experience. Rightpoint is committed to guiding clients from the conceptualization stage through implementation, embedding experience-driven principles across all facets of operations, from the front to the back office. Thus, it facilitates facilitating digital transformation through a focus on human-centric values. 2.7 Softchoice Softchoice Corporation is a provider of IT solutions with a focus on software designed to enhance the agility and innovation of organizations. Some of its distinguished characteristics are: It specializes in volume licensing solutions targeted at corporate customers, simplifying the process of acquiring, renting, and managing software. It aims to equip organizations for a future-proof workplace. It, thus, facilitates cloud migration and fosters an environment where employees are engaged, connected, and creative. It provides technology solutions that support organizations in making informed decisions regarding their technology investments, ultimately contributing to their success and preparedness for future challenges. It is dedicated to identifying and addressing obstacles, solving problems, and ensuring customer success through innovative technology solutions. 2.8 Velosio Velosio offers consulting, implementation, and support services for a wide range of solutions, including ERP, CRM, Business Intelligence, and Office Productivity. The firm aids organizations in overcoming operational, financial, regulatory, and technical challenges. Velosio's approach involves transitioning businesses to advanced technological stages through the proficient application of business solutions and cloud technologies. Possessing extensive expertise in business systems, Velosio specializes in Microsoft's comprehensive solution suite, encompassing Dynamics, Microsoft 365, Azure, Power Platform, and Insights. The company prides itself on introducing innovative ideas in ERP, CRM, business intelligence, and cloud business solutions, aiming to optimize client operations. Velosio's mission includes helping clients achieve business value swiftly, streamlining the technology deployment process, gaining deeper insights through data analysis, and continuously innovating to advance their business. Catering to a diverse client base, from growing small-to-medium-sized businesses to multinational enterprises, Velosio offers tailored cloud solutions and services designed to expedite technological initiatives. 2.9 Pythian Pythian is a preeminent global data and analytics services firm dedicated to assisting organizations in their transformation efforts through the strategic use of data, analytics, and cloud technologies. Pythian leverages cloud automation and machine learning to deliver customized solutions for complex data challenges, with a proven track record in professional and managed services. Recognized globally, it excels in developing, implementing, and managing systems that enhance business revenue and success. Pythian modernizes data across clouds and optimizes resources for cost-effective scalability, risk mitigation, and reduced expenses. Through data governance and security, it boosts informed decision-making, revenue growth, cost reduction, and better customer experiences. Pythian ensures operational excellence in transformation projects, offering services in migration, management, and expertise across databases, cloud, DevOps, and IT infrastructure. 2.10 3Cloud Solutions 3Cloud specializes in providing data and analytics solutions that enable critical decision-making. As a result, it helps boost profits, lower expenses, refine mission-critical operations, and foster a sustainable cultural transformation within organizations. As the top Microsoft Azure partner, 3Cloud offers unmatched Azure expertise and insights into infrastructure, data, and innovation, effectively addressing complex business challenges. 3Cloud provides a superior Azure experience, optimizing Azure services and solutions for both internal and external users. It actively seeks Microsoft project funding to enhance client benefits from cloud technology. 3Cloud's Azure integration boosts functionality and capacity for on-premises and cloud systems, ensuring seamless system expansion. Azure solution accelerators from 3Cloud enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. With deep Azure knowledge, 3Cloud ensures a swift, smooth transition to cloud services for clients. Scalable Azure solutions from 3Cloud support business growth by allowing adaptability to market changes. 3. Wrap Up In 2024, the Microsoft Azure ecosystem is characterized by a broad spectrum of partners, with top Microsoft Azure partners playing a pivotal role, leading advancements across different sectors of cloud computing. Looking ahead, the trends within the Azure partner network suggest an increasing focus on sophisticated cloud solutions tailored to the needs of various industries, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail. Top Azure partners in the USA are increasingly focusing on developing scalable, secure, and customized cloud services to meet the unique requirements of various sectors. This focus, combined with forthcoming advancements in AI, machine learning, and data analytics, is poised to continue influencing the offerings of Microsoft Azure partners. Such developments are anticipated to further enhance their contributions to driving digital transformation and fostering business growth.

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Marketing Strategy, Marketing Analytics, Channel Partnerships

Cloud Reseller Marketplace Trends: Evolution and Opportunities

Article | August 17, 2023

Explore this article highlighting the dynamics of cloud reseller marketplace trends. Discover the top trends in reseller platforms driving the future of cloud services and innovation strategies. Contents 1. Introduction 2. Key Trends Shaping Cloud Reseller Marketplaces 2.1 AI and Cloud Convergence 2.2 Hybrid and Multi-cloud 2.3 Real-time Cloud Infrastructure 2.4 Sustainable Cloud Computing 2.5 Serverless and Pay-As-You-Go Cloud 2.6 Disaster Recovery 2.7 Blockchain Technology 2.8 Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Integration 2.9 Vertical Deep Dives 2.10 Subscription-based Offerings 3. Future Prospects 1. Introduction The cloud reseller marketplaces are witnessing substantial growth and are set to redefine cloud-based transactions and influence business operations and technology adaptation. According to Canalys, sales within these marketplaces are expected to exceed $45 billion by 2025, underlining their increasing significance in the cloud services ecosystem. [Source: WorkSpan] These platforms are revolutionizing the cloud services value chain, driving demand for infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and creating new opportunities for software providers and IT professionals. Leading the industry are Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Salesforce App Exchange, each implementing unique strategies through their marketplaces. As major cloud service providers shape the market, the rise of the cloud reseller marketplace trends becomes a pivotal aspect of cloud computing. These growing trends in cloud marketplaces fuel the demand for efficient and scalable cloud services, presenting vast opportunities for the industry. 2. Key Trends Shaping Cloud Reseller Marketplaces Here's a list of top cloud reseller marketplace trends, showcasing the dynamic changes and key innovations steering the future direction of cloud service transactions and deployment strategies. 2.1 AI and Cloud Convergence The convergence of artificial intelligence and cloud technologies has emerged as a pivotal trend shaping the future of cloud reselling and digital transformation. This trend reflects the integration of advanced AI capabilities with cloud computing infrastructures, leading to a more sophisticated and efficient utilization of cloud resources. The following points highlight key aspects of this trend: AI model training has become a primary focus for data center operations, indicating a shift toward more AI-centric cloud services. Major cloud providers are making significant investments in AI, exemplified by Amazon's investment in AI through Anthropic and the expansion of its data center network, underscoring the strategic importance of AI in the cloud sector. This convergence is not only enhancing the functionality of existing cloud services but also paving the way for new business models and opportunities within the cloud marketplace. The increasing regulatory interest from government bodies, particularly in the U.S., toward the operations of major AI entities and the usage of cloud resources highlights the growing significance of AI and cloud integration in both the technological and regulatory domains. The trend toward AI and cloud convergence is expected to continue evolving, bringing advanced AI capabilities to cloud platforms and consequently transforming the strategies and operations of cloud resellers. 2.2 Hybrid and Multi-cloud In cloud computing, a notable trend is the expanding hybrid and multi-cloud market, which encompasses cloud reselling services from major providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud, SAP Cloud, and Cisco Cloud. The hybrid cloud market size is estimated at USD 129.68 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 352.28 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 22.12% during the forecast period (2024-2029) [Source: Mordor Intelligence] This trend is characterized by several key developments: AI integration into cloud environments is on the rise, with many enterprises utilizing public cloud services for AI and analytics. This trend is spurring new investments and highlighting sustainability in tech decisions. Major cloud service providers are continuously enhancing their hybrid cloud offerings, aiming to strike an optimal balance between the flexibility of modern public cloud services and the security and control provided by on-premises infrastructure. This growth is driven by increased demand for cloud solutions and accelerated digital transformation due to the COVID-19 pandemic across a diverse and segmented market of various components, services, sizes, and verticals. Despite their benefits in scalability, productivity, and durability, hybrid and multi-cloud environments face issues like higher costs, performance challenges, complexity, and security concerns. Thus, choosing between hybrid or multi-cloud strategies depends on business needs like availability, data storage, cost, and flexibility. 2.3 Real-time Cloud Infrastructure The real-time cloud infrastructure reseller market, involving key providers like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and others, shows distinct trends and dynamics. AWS faces a slowdown in enterprise demand, leading to cost cuts, whereas Microsoft invests heavily in AI integration. The market offers a diverse range of products and applications, reflecting a tailored approach to cloud services. The real-time cloud infrastructure market exhibits regional spending variations, with growth in specific areas and declines in others, influenced by geopolitical and economic factors. Amazon Web Services has implemented cost-cutting measures in response to a slowdown in enterprise demand. Microsoft Azure has enhanced its cloud services with significant investments in artificial intelligence integration. The market segmentation reflects a customized approach, catering to diverse product types and applications across various industries. Security concerns are paramount, with trends moving toward distributed cloud models and the adoption of Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tools for enhanced security and threat mitigation, indicating a shift toward more secure, adaptable, and AI-integrated cloud services. 2.4 Sustainable Cloud Computing The trend in sustainable cloud computing, especially among cloud resellers and key providers like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud, SAP Cloud, and Cisco Cloud, focuses on environmental sustainability. Key trends in sustainable cloud computing practices: The promotion of the use of renewable energy sources to power cloud services is coupled with efficient electronic recycling methods to foster a more environmentally sustainable cloud computing ecosystem. Enhancement of resource allocation techniques and the implementation of advanced cooling and power management systems in data centers optimize energy usage and reduce waste. Major industry stakeholders are at the forefront of integrating sustainable practices into their business operations, ranging from renewable energy investments to the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. Emphasis on server virtualization and serverless computing architectures reduces power consumption and carbon emissions, thereby aligning technological advancements with environmental stewardship. The pursuit of green cloud certification standards and the development of energy-efficient cloud infrastructures highlight the industry's dedication to minimizing its environmental footprint and promoting ecological sustainability. 2.5 Serverless and Pay-As-You-Go Cloud The serverless and pay-as-you-go cloud models are emerging trends within the cloud computing industry, driven by major cloud service providers, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud, SAP Cloud, and Cisco Cloud. These models are revolutionizing how companies access and manage cloud resources, offering a more flexible and cost-effective approach compared to traditional cloud services. Below are the key highlights of this trend: AWS and Microsoft Azure lead the market with their extensive service offerings and flexible pay-as-you-go pricing models. AWS provides a broad range of services, such as computing power, storage, and networking, while Azure is celebrated for its comprehensive solutions in AI, analytics, IoT, and seamless integration with Microsoft's software products. Oracle Cloud is recognized for its powerful suite of services with a focus on database management systems, applications, and comprehensive platform and infrastructure services. SAP Cloud specializes in cloud solutions tailored for business processes, including enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer experience, catering to the unique needs of businesses looking to streamline operations. Cisco Cloud emphasizes cloud-based solutions that prioritize networking and security, reflecting the growing importance of cybersecurity in the cloud computing space. 2.6 Disaster Recovery The enhancement of disaster recovery solutions by cloud service resellers marks a significant advancement in cloud computing, aiming for minimal downtime and data loss across various applications. AWS has rolled out AWS Elastic Disaster Recovery (AWS DRS), offering quick and reliable recovery with features like restoring to an existing instance and highlighting cost efficiency and adaptability for multi-cloud environments. Microsoft Azure's Azure Site Recovery (ASR) provides a broad disaster recovery approach, accommodating cloud-to-cloud and hybrid models for diverse workloads characterized by scalability, quick recovery, and automated failover for business continuity. Routine testing and validation of disaster recovery plans are emphasized by both AWS and Azure as essential for a robust strategy, ensuring preparedness against disruptions. These advancements reflect a move toward more resilient, flexible, and efficient cloud services, enhancing organizational defenses against unforeseen events. The focus on cost-effectiveness and versatility in multi-cloud environments underlines the commitment to meeting the dynamic needs of modern IT infrastructures. 2.7 Blockchain Technology The integration of blockchain technology into cloud services by major providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud, and Google Cloud Platform highlights a growing trend toward enhancing cloud offerings with blockchain capabilities. AWS offers a wide range of cloud services with cost-efficiency and flexibility, including various instance types and AWS Spot instances, making it suitable for blockchain technologies. Microsoft Azure focuses on hybrid cloud solutions and integrates services like AI and blockchain, making it ideal for blockchain applications through its hybrid environments and AI solutions. Oracle Cloud provides a robust architecture with powerful distributed cloud services, catering to highly regulated industries with its compliance and security-focused offerings for blockchain applications. Google Cloud Platform excels in AI and machine learning, managing large datasets effectively, which is advantageous for data-centric blockchain applications. 2.8 Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Integration The trend of integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into cloud reseller marketplaces, specifically through AWS, represents a significant advancement in spatial computing. AWS is actively investing in AR and VR technologies, as evidenced by their organization of events such as AWS re:Invent, which highlights technological progress in these areas. Furthermore, AWS offers a suite of resources for AR and VR application development, utilizing cloud services like Amazon S3 and Amazon Elastic Block Store. The AR and VR market is on a trajectory of substantial growth, with revenue expected to increase from $32.1 billion in 2023 to $58.1 billion by 2028 [Source: Program.Ace] The United States is currently the largest market for AR and VR technologies, leading in both innovation and adoption. These technologies are being extensively applied across various sectors, with e-commerce benefiting particularly through the enhancement of customer experiences via virtual 'try before you buy' features. The integration of AR and VR into cloud services not only boosts customer satisfaction but also contributes to a reduction in product return rates. Successful implementations of AR and VR by leading brands, such as The New York Times and Pizza Hut, have showcased the potential of these technologies in creating immersive and engaging consumer experiences. 2.9 Vertical Deep Dives As the cloud computing ecosystem evolves, leading entities such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) are poised to further diversify their offerings into novel industry verticals. This strategic expansion aims to meet the complex needs of emerging markets and leverage new technological developments. The trajectory of cloud services is set toward exploring and capitalizing on uncharted verticals, potentially including sectors like healthcare, education, or specific manufacturing niches currently underutilized by cloud technology. Another avenue for growth is the adoption of emerging technologies such as quantum computing, blockchain, enhanced AI, and machine learning functionalities. It aims to serve businesses seeking forefront technological solutions. This diversification strategy is a proactive method to sustain competitiveness and meet the dynamic needs of businesses, in addition to being a reaction to the growing cloud industry. By venturing into these new areas, AWS, Azure, and GCP are expected to not only broaden their service portfolios but also to provide more specialized solutions that cater to the unique challenges of various industries. The emphasis on vertical deep dives signifies a shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more sector-specific strategy in cloud computing. It underscores the industry's evolution toward delivering more personalized and efficient cloud solutions. 2.10 Subscription-based Offerings The cloud reseller marketplace trend of subscription-based offerings is characterized by continuous refinement and expansion by major cloud service providers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud, and GCP. These offerings are designed to cater to the varied requirements of both businesses and individual users, featuring: AWS and Azure lead with a variety of subscription options. AWS presents instance types with discounts for different applications, while Azure organizes subscriptions by resource groups for better billing and permission management, offering flexibility in subscription reassignment. Microsoft integrates its cloud services, including Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365, through Microsoft Entra tenant for efficient subscription and identity management across its cloud offerings. Google Cloud emphasizes advanced AI and machine learning capabilities, providing services and pricing models that cater to data-centric businesses. Providers offer specialized services in compute, database, storage, networking, and industry-specific solutions. AWS showcases a wide range of services, including DevOps, AI & ML, IoT, AR & VR, and game development, highlighting their diverse market positioning. The PaaS model stands out for reducing infrastructure management needs and facilitating focus on application development and innovation. 3. Future Prospects The growth opportunities for cloud marketplaces are transforming as they become the core strategies of independent software vendors (ISVs) and cloud providers. This shift involves integrating products with cloud services to offer unique value, emphasizing cloud-focused value propositions, and investing in specialized sales teams to enhance marketplace activities. The trend toward utilizing cloud marketplaces in 2024 for software purchases is reshaping buying behaviors, merging cloud and software budgets, and moving toward centralized procurement, reflecting future trends in cloud reseller platforms. Channel partners are adapting by moving toward a cloud marketplace model, focusing on digital transformation and consumption-based pricing. Despite integration challenges, the benefits include faster market access and shorter sales cycles. The future of cloud reseller marketplaces promises substantial growth but requires navigating resource-intensive integration challenges.

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Marketing Strategy, Martech, Channel Partnerships

Turning Complex SAP HANA Challenges into Opportunities for Growth

Article | August 3, 2023

Tackle SAP HANA challenges head-on and discover effective strategies on how to solve the issues in SAP HANA. Read this comprehensive article and take the first step toward a successful deployment. Contents 1. Understanding SAP HANA 2. Overcoming SAP HANA Challenges with Custom Solutions 2.1 Data Integration and Migration 2.2 Security Vulnerabilities 2.3 Effective Training Programs 2.4 Technical and Functional Challenges 2.5 Business Case and Architecture Selection 2.6 Integration with Existing Systems 2.7 Hardware and Infrastructure Requirements 2.8 Performance Optimization 2.9 High Availability and Disaster Recovery Planning 2.10 Cost Management and ROI 3. Final Thoughts 1. Understanding SAP HANA SAP HANA (High-performance ANalytic Appliance), developed by SAP SE, is a high-performance in-memory database and application platform that revolutionizes data processing and storage by utilizing RAM instead of traditional disk storage, enabling rapid real-time data analysis and processing. With architectural innovations like columnar data storage and multi-model data processing, SAP HANA enhances data management and scalability. The benefits of SAP HANA include significant improvements in processing speed, agility through instant data insights, innovation in application development, and simplification by consolidating databases and application platforms. 2. Overcoming SAP HANA Challenges with Custom Solutions In the world of digital transformation, SAP HANA has emerged as a key player, transforming how businesses manage data processing, storage, and analysis. This technology has become crucial for organizations seeking to enhance their real-time business operations and further their digital transformation objectives. However, implementing SAP HANA is not without its challenges. Organizations embarking on this journey often encounter various obstacles that can impede their progress and impact the success of their implementation projects. In light of this, the article explores the critical SAP HANA challenges that organizations must address, covering both technical aspects and strategic planning considerations. It also presents effective strategies to ensure a successful SAP HANA deployment. Here are some of the most common SAP HANA implementation challenges, along with the effective ways to mitigate them: 2.1 Data Integration and Migration Implementing SAP HANA involves addressing the complexities involved in both data integration and data migration. Data integration requires harmonizing diverse datasets from various sources for real-time use, a process fraught with difficulties due to differing data formats, structures, and the immediacy of data availability demands. Similarly, the risk of data migration in SAP presents a complex array of challenges to tackle. Transitioning data from legacy systems to SAP HANA carries risks of data loss, corruption, or inconsistency, given the architectural and data model disparities between old and new systems. These challenges underscore the delicate balance needed to ensure both seamless integration and migration processes. Addressing these challenges necessitates a two-fold solution strategy focused on ensuring data integrity and system functionality: For data integration, conducting end-to-end testing of all data sources and integrators is crucial. This ensures the reliability and validity of data before it goes live, allowing for the certification of apps and data feeds that meet SAP HANA’s stringent requirements. On the migration front, a rigorous data migration testing regimen, including ETL i.e. extract, transform, and load testing, is essential. This process verifies that data is correctly extracted, transformed to fit into SAP HANA’s data models, and loaded without errors, thus mitigating the risks of data loss, corruption, or inconsistency. These solutions, focusing on thorough testing and certification, are key to overcoming the challenges of data integration and migration, ultimately facilitating a successful SAP HANA implementation. 2.2 Security Vulnerabilities Implementing SAP HANA can significantly expose businesses to security vulnerabilities, primarily during the transition phase. The shift towards this new platform can bring unforeseen security risks due to the complex nature of SAP HANA's architecture and the changes it necessitates in existing security practices. Organizations might find themselves grappling with the challenge of securing a system that operates differently from their traditional databases, making it difficult to anticipate and mitigate all potential security threats. To mitigate these risks: It's crucial for organizations to conduct comprehensive security assessments and develop appropriate control measures as part of the SAP HANA implementation process. Regular security analysis and verification of upgrades are essential to ensure the system remains protected against new and evolving threats. Developing a robust security strategy that includes frequent assessments, adjustments to security policies, and continuous monitoring can help safeguard the organization's data and infrastructure during and after the transition to SAP HANA. 2.3 Effective Training Programs Addressing SAP HANA challenges includes implementing effective training programs, which are crucial for overcoming obstacles in user adoption. The primary issue centers around the complexity and robustness of SAP HANA, which necessitates users to gain a deep understanding and familiarity with the system. Given the intricate nature of SAP HANA, users across various departments must overcome a steep learning curve to leverage the system's full capabilities efficiently. This challenge is compounded by the diverse needs and roles of users within an organization, each requiring specific knowledge and skills to navigate SAP HANA effectively. Thus, the implementation of a one-size-fits-all training program is not feasible, and the need for tailored, role-specific training becomes apparent. To tackle these challenges: It is crucial to develop comprehensive, role-based training programs that are designed to meet the distinct needs of different user groups within the organization. These training programs should encompass a broad range of functional coverage, including core processes like Source to Pay, Order to Cash, and Record to Report, ensuring that all users receive relevant and practical knowledge. Customized training content that aligns with the specific roles and responsibilities of users can significantly enhance the learning experience, making it more effective and engaging. Additionally, leveraging advanced learning technologies such as SAP Enable Now can facilitate the creation and dissemination of digital training materials, offering users flexible and accessible learning options. Early and continuous engagement with the training content is also vital, encouraging a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. 2.4 Technical and Functional Challenges Implementing SAP HANA comes with its unique set of challenges that span both technical and functional aspects of the system. One of the primary technical challenges is the complexity introduced by custom code. SAP HANA migration challenges are often intensified by custom code developed for specific business requirements in legacy systems, complicating the transition process. This complexity arises because custom code may not be optimized for SAP HANA's in-memory computing capabilities, leading to potential performance issues or even incompatibilities. Moreover, custom code can hinder the ability to leverage the full suite of SAP HANA's functionalities, as it may necessitate custom modifications every time an upgrade or a system update is required. The solution to this challenge involves a multi-faceted approach aimed at minimizing the impact of custom code on the SAP HANA implementation process: First, conducting a thorough analysis of existing custom code to identify which portions are necessary and which can be retired or replaced with standard SAP functionalities is crucial. This step helps in reducing the volume of custom code that needs to be migrated or optimized. Next, for the custom code that is deemed necessary, rewriting or optimizing it to leverage SAP HANA's capabilities fully is essential. This may involve using SAP HANA's advanced data processing and computation capabilities to improve performance. Additionally, developing any new custom functionalities as add-ons outside of the core SAP HANA system can facilitate easier system upgrades and maintenance. By externalizing new custom code, organizations can ensure that their core SAP HANA system remains aligned with SAP's standard offerings, thereby simplifying future updates and reducing the risk of incompatibilities. 2.5 Business Case and Architecture Selection The challenge of justifying the investment in HANA and choosing the right architecture for it stems from the considerable costs and strategic implications it entails. For businesses, the essential aspect is to ensure that the investment in SAP HANA will lead to tangible benefits and that the selected architecture will cater to both current and future business requirements. This challenge is compounded by the need to demonstrate a favorable return on investment through improved efficiency, faster data processing, and potential cost savings, all of which must significantly outweigh the initial and ongoing costs associated with SAP HANA deployment. The solution to this challenge lies in comprehensive strategies: Developing a strong business case, performing a thorough cost-benefit analysis, ensuring strategic alignment with broader business objectives, conducting a comprehensive risk assessment, and leveraging success stories and case studies from other companies. To select the right architecture, businesses should assess their current and future needs, consult with SAP experts, prioritize scalability and flexibility, evaluate integration capabilities, and consider the total cost of ownership. Engaging key stakeholders throughout this process, educating them on SAP HANA’s benefits and capabilities, and conducting pilot tests to provide a practical proof of concept are crucial steps. 2.6 Integration with Existing Systems The challenge of integrating SAP HANA with existing systems stems from the diversity of technologies, data formats, and communication protocols in use. This diversity can lead to compatibility issues, making it difficult to ensure a seamless data flow and maintain data consistency and integrity across platforms. The primary hurdle is to bridge the gap between SAP HANA’s in-memory computing capabilities and the potentially older, less flexible technologies of legacy systems. This process often requires significant customization and troubleshooting to prevent data loss, duplication, or corruption, and to ensure that real-time data processing needs are met without disrupting existing business operations. Addressing these challenges requires holistic methods: Starting with a comprehensive audit of existing systems is crucial to grasp their technical and functional specifics, thereby identifying potential compatibility issues at an early stage. Defining clear integration requirements sets the stage for creating a robust integration architecture. Leveraging SAP's integration tools, or employing middleware solutions when direct integration isn’t feasible, allows for the flexible and efficient connection of disparate systems. Comprehensive testing, including automated tests, ensures that the integration points work as expected under various conditions. Data mapping and quality management are critical for maintaining the integrity of the data being shared between systems. A scalable and flexible integration architecture ensures that the system can adapt to future changes in both SAP HANA and the existing technological ecosystem. Regular monitoring and continuous improvement of the integration solution, coupled with training for technical staff and thorough documentation, round out the strategy for a successful SAP HANA integration with existing systems. 2.7 Hardware and Infrastructure Requirements The SAP HANA challenges include significant obstacles stemming from its specific hardware and infrastructure needs, which are both expensive and complex to address. These challenges stem from the need for high-performance computing resources to handle SAP HANA's in-memory data processing capabilities effectively. Organizations must ensure that their infrastructure is not only capable of supporting SAP HANA's current demands but is also scalable to accommodate future growth and technological advancements. This can involve substantial upfront investments in hardware and infrastructure modernization, as well as ongoing costs associated with maintenance and upgrades. To effectively navigate these challenges, organizations should adopt an Integrated solution focusing on scalability, resilience, and infrastructure modernization. This includes: Choosing the right infrastructure that aligns with SAP HANA's needs, such as HANA Appliances for a managed environment or the TDI model for more flexibility in using existing data center components. Infrastructure virtualization offers additional flexibility, particularly for SAP pre-production instances. It's crucial to conduct thorough assessments and iterative sizing to understand CPU, disk, and memory requirements, ensuring the infrastructure can support SAP HANA guidelines and business needs. Exploring cloud alternatives presents an opportunity to leverage scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, making the cloud a viable option for development, testing, and increasingly, production environments. 2.8 Performance Optimization In complex data environments, optimizing the performance of SAP HANA, known for its high-performance capabilities in real-time data processing, presents a significant challenge. The difficulties stem from managing large volumes and varied types of data (structured, semi-structured, and unstructured), which can hinder performance as the data grows. Additionally, complex queries and data models, especially those not optimized for HANA's in-memory architecture, can severely impact efficiency. To address these challenges and optimize SAP HANA's performance in complex data environments, several strategies can be implemented: Regular performance tuning is critical, involving continuous monitoring and adjustment of configurations for memory allocation, disk storage, and query execution settings to ensure optimal performance. Implementing robust monitoring tools to track system performance metrics such as memory usage, CPU load, and disk I/O is essential for proactive issue resolution. Optimizing data models and queries by simplifying and streamlining to take full advantage of HANA’s in-memory capabilities, and rewriting queries for efficiency, can significantly enhance performance. Ensuring the team managing HANA has deep expertise and receives continuous training is crucial for effective performance optimization. Regular updates and patches, along with using SAP HANA’s native tools for performance monitoring and optimization, further support maintaining high efficiency. 2.9 High Availability and Disaster Recovery Planning Ensuring high availability and robust disaster recovery for SAP HANA is critical for uninterrupted business operations. The primary challenge lies in creating a resilient environment that can withstand technical failures, natural disasters, and other unexpected incidents without significant downtime or data loss. This requires a multifaceted strategy that incorporates both SAP HANA's native capabilities and external cloud infrastructure solutions. The complexity of implementing and managing these solutions, along with the need to minimize recovery time objectives (RTO) and recovery point objectives (RPO), makes disaster recovery planning a significant challenge for organizations. It involves not only technical considerations but also thorough planning and regular testing to ensure the effectiveness of the disaster recovery procedures. To address these challenges, a comprehensive approach is essential which includes: Combining SAP HANA’s built-in high availability features with cloud infrastructure capabilities. Multi-zone replication in SAP HANA Cloud ensures data availability across different geographic locations, allowing for quick failover in the event of a disaster. SAP HANA System Replication provides continuous synchronization of data to a secondary site, offering a solid foundation for disaster recovery. Additionally, SAP HANA’s fault and disaster recovery solution offers a high availability of design options critical for maintaining business operations during unexpected incidents. For deployments on AWS, leveraging the multi-Availability Zone infrastructure and the AWS Backint Agent for backup and restore operations enhances disaster recovery efforts. Furthermore, configuring cluster solutions on AWS for SAP HANA workloads can provide additional layers of fault tolerance and high availability at the infrastructure level. These strategies, when combined, establish a robust disaster recovery and high availability plan for SAP HANA, ensuring business continuity and minimizing the impact of disruptions. 2.10 Cost Management and ROI Managing the costs associated with SAP HANA implementation and securing a satisfactory ROI poses significant challenges for organizations. The broad range of expenses, from initial licensing and deployment to ongoing maintenance, support, and hardware costs, can quickly accumulate hundreds of millions of dollars for comprehensive licensing and implementation projects. Such high costs demand a careful evaluation of the financial viability of SAP HANA projects, including a detailed analysis of expected savings, total cost of ownership, and the optimization of resources. The complexity of these financial calculations, coupled with the need to justify the investment to stakeholders and secure executive sponsorship, makes cost management and ROI optimization a critical concern for businesses considering SAP HANA. To effectively manage these costs and enhance ROI organizations should employ a strategic and thorough approach that encompasses several key areas: Conducting a detailed cost-benefit analysis before implementation can provide a clearer picture of the financial impacts, including potential savings and optimization opportunities. Choosing the most efficient implementation strategy, tailored to the organization’s specific needs and capabilities, can minimize unnecessary expenses and accelerate the realization of benefits. Leveraging the advanced features of SAP S/4HANA, such as database size reduction and performance enhancements, can further reduce costs and improve system efficiency. Implementing data management strategies, such as archiving and purging unnecessary data, can optimize the migration process and reduce the overall system footprint. Focusing on business value by aligning the project with organizational goals and prioritizing areas with the highest potential for value creation is critical for maximizing ROI. Finally, taking advantage of SAP’s evolving capabilities in analytics, ML, and AI can unlock new avenues for innovation and sustainable value generation. Through careful planning, strategic implementation, and ongoing optimization, organizations can manage the substantial costs associated with SAP HANA implementation while achieving a strong ROI and driving business growth. 3. Final Thoughts The journey of SAP HANA implementation, though fraught with challenges, offers a pathway to significant advancements and opportunities. From data migration complexities to integrating with legacy systems, the process demands careful planning, thorough testing, and strategic execution. Ensuring robust security measures and compliance with current regulations is paramount within a constantly changing tech environment. Moreover, successful adoption requires embracing organizational changes, with effective management strategies, thereby easing the transition. Looking forward, SAP HANA's integration with emerging technologies like quantum computing, AI, and machine learning promises to revolutionize decision-making processes and user interactions. While the road to implementing SAP HANA may be intricate, the benefits of its full potential are immense, paving the way for a future where businesses are more innovative, efficient, and agile.

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Channel Partnerships

SAP BusinessObjects Resellers: Excelling in Today's Marketplace

Article | February 26, 2024

Discover the transformative power of SAP BusinessObjects Solutions through this article. Gain insights into how top SAP BusinessObjects resellers are implementing these innovative solutions. Contents 1. Understanding SAP BusinessObjects 2. How SAP BusinessObjects Fits into the Broader SAP Ecosystem 3. Licensing and Pricing Models 4. Top SAP BusinessObjects Resellers 4.1 Dunn Solutions 4.2 Talan 4.3 Fusion Consulting 4.4 VantagePoint Business Solutions 4.5 CACI Ltd 4.6 Microexcel Inc. 4.7 N'ware Technologies 4.8 Meridian Partners 4.9 GROM Associates 4.10 ExceleratedS2P 5. The Road Ahead for SAP BusinessObjects 1. Understanding SAP BusinessObjects SAP BusinessObjects resellers operate as integral allies in distributing and enhancing the SAP BusinessObjects business intelligence platform. As SAP partners, these resellers do more than just facilitate the sale of SAP BusinessObjects; they add to its worth by offering custom services and functionalities tailored to meet specific client requirements. The primary objective for SAP BusinessObjects resellers is to bolster their clients' financial efficiency and operational productivity. They empower organizations by enabling informed decision-making and intelligent process automation. It serves as a vital resource for IT and data professionals to structure, analyze, and leverage enterprise data, facilitating the deployment of analytics applications to end-users. By supporting a variety of data integration methods, including file uploads and direct database or application connectors, SAP BusinessObjects ensures comprehensive data accessibility. Moreover, collaboration with SAP Business Intelligence consulting firms adds additional layers of support and expertise, offering training and specialized guidance to enhance the platform's implementation and utilization. 2. How SAP BusinessObjects Fits into the Broader SAP Ecosystem The SAP BusinessObjects platform is recognized as a premier business intelligence solution as it significantly enhances organizational data analysis and decision-making processes. It is intricately integrated with SAP's wide range of software and applications, ensuring a smooth flow of data and analytics across various domains, including finance, HR, supply chain, and customer management. This integration with SAP's ERP systems, such as SAP S/4HANA, and cloud solutions, like SAP Cloud Platform, enables comprehensive real-time analytics and insights throughout the organization. Additionally, it improves operational efficiency and supports strategic efforts. Resellers need to understand how SAP BusinessObjects fits within the SAP ecosystem to offer solutions that meet the specific requirements of their clients, whether they're existing SAP users or considering a move toward a digital transformation with SAP. This insight equips SAP BusinessObjects resellers with a unique advantage; it allows them to present a product that stands out for its versatility and efficacy. Such an offering ensures they remain ahead in the competitive market, driving substantial business enhancements for their clientele. SAP's commitment to incorporating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning makes their ecosystem forward-thinking. As a result, SAP BusinessObjects can evolve with the changing demands of businesses. This aspect allows resellers to present a solution that not only addresses current needs but is also prepared for future challenges, positioning it as a crucial tool for businesses aiming to harness data for a competitive advantage. SAP BusinessObjects offers a solution that addresses both present and future business challenges. It becomes an essential choice for companies seeking to advance their data analysis and decision-making capabilities. It also stands out as a pivotal resource for SAP consulting companies, which specialize in maximizing the platform's utility for client success. 3. Licensing and Pricing Models SAP BusinessObjects offers a range of licensing and pricing options designed to provide flexibility and scalability to resellers and their clients. Resellers play a crucial role in guiding their clients through these options, helping them select the most cost-effective and suitable licensing model based on their specific business requirements, usage patterns, and budget constraints. These models include: Subscription-based Licensing This model allows clients to access SAP BusinessObjects on a subscription basis, offering a predictable, ongoing expense rather than a large upfront investment. Subscription licenses typically cover the software itself, updates, and support services, making it an attractive option for businesses looking for comprehensive solutions with regular updates and maintenance. Perpetual Licensing Under the perpetual licensing model, clients make a one-time purchase of the SAP BusinessObjects software. This model may appeal to organizations preferring to capitalize on their software investments and who are looking for long-term usage without the recurring costs associated with subscriptions. However, it's important to note that maintenance and support services may incur additional annual fees. Concurrent Session Licensing This approach allows multiple users to access the software but limits the number of concurrent sessions. It is suitable for organizations where the users need access to the BI tools at different times rather than simultaneously. This model can optimize costs for companies with flexible usage patterns. Named User Licensing In contrast to concurrent licensing, named user licenses are assigned to specific individuals, allowing only those named users to access the software. This model is ideal for businesses with a clear set of users who require consistent access to business intelligence tools. Cloud and On-Premises Options SAP BusinessObjects is available in both cloud and on-premises deployments, allowing resellers to offer solutions that best fit their clients' infrastructure preferences and data governance requirements. The pricing may vary depending on the deployment option chosen, with cloud deployments typically following a subscription model and on-premises deployments offering both subscription and perpetual options. Customization and Add-ons Resellers can further tailor their offerings by including additional services or customizations specific to their client’s needs. This could involve advanced analytics, additional data connectors, or industry-specific modules, which can affect the overall pricing and licensing structure. 4. Top SAP BusinessObjects Resellers Here's a list of leading distributors and value-added resellers (VARs) specializing in the sale and implementation of SAP BusinessObjects software. The best SAP BusinessObjects resellers in 2024, as mentioned below, have demonstrated exceptional expertise, sales performance, and customer service in delivering SAP BusinessObjects solutions. 4.1 Dunn Solutions Dunn Solutions, which has recently become a component of KaarTech, is a consultancy firm with a focus on digital commerce and business transformation. The firm provides services aimed at automating business operations and leveraging analytics for strategic guidance. Its areas of proficiency encompass the design and development of flexible e-commerce solutions, customer data platforms, and the creation of mobile applications. Furthermore, the company possesses an enormous amount of expertise in business analytics and marketing automation. This makes it easy to integrate e-commerce websites and data analytics to forge all-encompassing solutions centered on the customer. Dunn Solutions is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and precision of client projects through its transformative endeavors. 4.2 Talan Talan, an international consulting group, is dedicated to driving innovation and digital transformation using technology. The organization provides a wide range of services, encompassing management consulting, data and technology, cloud and application services, as well as service centers of excellence. With its proficiency spanning various sectors such as finance, insurance, energy and environment, public sector, telecom, and transportation and logistics, Talan aims to build resilience, improve efficiency, and encourage innovation within organizations. This approach helps businesses to steer through the complexities and dynamic changes of the technology realm. 4.3 Fusion Consulting Fusion Consulting is recognized for its expertise in driving digital transformation across various sectors, including consumer healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. The organization emphasizes the integration of specialized industry knowledge with information technology skills, process efficiency, and innovation. As a facilitator in the digital transformation process, Fusion Consulting aims to support its clients by leveraging a combination of commitment, innovative capabilities, and tailored strategies. 4.4 VantagePoint Business Solutions VantagePoint Business Solutions, recognized as a premier gold SAP partner, concentrates its efforts on business planning, analytics, reporting, consolidation, data strategy, and data intelligence. The firm's services are centered on assisting organizations in utilizing SAP applications to convert data into actionable insights, thereby enhancing business performance. It prioritizes the establishment of a cohesive linkage between business processes and corporate planning, employing advanced cloud technology to support the concept of the intelligent enterprise. VantagePoint is distinguished by its capability to interpret numerical data in terms of business implications, aiming to facilitate operational efficiencies and growth for its clients. 4.5 CACI Ltd CACI, with its headquarters located in the United Kingdom, operates as an enterprise that utilizes the collective power of expertise, data, and technology to support the achievements of its clients. The company's portfolio spans a broad spectrum of services, encompassing business intelligence, data management, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Serving a varied clientele across sectors such as banking, government, and healthcare, among others, CACI is noted for its holistic strategy in addressing intricate business dilemmas through the application of innovative technological solutions. The organization places a significant emphasis on the role of data, integrating it with advanced technology to achieve enhanced business results. 4.6 Microexcel Inc. Microexcel, a subsidiary of New Era Technology, is a firm dedicated to offering solutions for digital transformation. The scope of its services extends across various domains, including consulting on customer experience, operations in marketing, management of change, development of web and mobile applications, and transformation of the workplace. The company emphasizes the architecture and integration of data, strategic management of data, business intelligence and analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning alongside a variety of technological and cloud-based solutions. Serving a wide spectrum of industries, Microexcel provides tailored solutions to entities ranging from mid-market to Fortune 100 companies. The firm is acknowledged for its use of data insights, design focused on user experience, and technological advancements to redefine how businesses engage with their clientele. 4.7 N'ware Technologies N'ware Technologies specializes in providing ERP solutions tailored for small to medium-sized enterprises, with a particular focus on SAP Business One. The company offers an extensive array of enhancements and integrated solutions designed to expand the capabilities of SAP Business One. Among these solutions are LISA WMS, a system for managing warehouses, and N'Sight, a tool for business intelligence. N'ware Technologies serves a wide range of industries, demonstrating its ability to adapt to the specific needs of each client. Its commitment to delivering effective ERP solutions is evident through its emphasis on usability and efficiency, making advanced technology accessible to smaller businesses. 4.8 Meridian Partners Meridian Partners is an enterprise that furnishes ERP software and associated services with an emphasis on devising solutions aimed at enhancing the management of organizational resources. The firm is adept in the provision of customized ERP solutions, alongside offering consultancy and support services, predominantly to entities within the public sector. Notably, Meridian Partners possesses a distinguished proficiency in assisting clients to navigate the intricacies associated with the implementation of ERP systems, thereby facilitating organizations to optimize these systems for augmented efficiency and decision-making. 4.9 GROM Associates GROM Associates is recognized in the industry for its consulting services, specifically in the realms of SAP solutions and business process optimization. The firm is dedicated to aiding organizations in the deployment and enhancement of SAP systems, ensuring these systems are in alignment with the organization's business objectives and strategies. Its area of expertise encompasses SAP ERP, SAP S/4HANA, and related technologies, with a focus on crafting solutions that enhance operational efficiency and contribute to business value. 4.10 ExceleratedS2P ExceleratedS2P provides a comprehensive range of consultancy, advisory, and implementation services focused on SAP ERP and SAP Ariba Source-to-Pay solutions. The firm is dedicated to helping organizations fully utilize the capabilities of their ERP and source-to-pay software to increase productivity and effectiveness through the deployment of industry-specific templates and process alignment. ExceleratedS2P distinguishes itself through its profound expertise in SAP technology, a strong commitment to achieving tangible outcomes, and an emphasis on implementing rapid and industry best practices. The company crafts customized solutions to support the transformation of procurement, supply chain, and financial operations. It positions itself as a comprehensive provider of transformation services for a diverse clientele across various sectors. 5. The Road Ahead for SAP BusinessObjects As SAP BusinessObjects moves toward a cloud-based future, it showcases its ongoing importance and adaptability in the business world. The article emphasizes how SAP BusinessObjects continues to grow, embracing new trends like AI, cloud applications, and sustainability, which points to its proactive approach in the BI and analytics field. Such expansion aligns with the current market demands and sets the stage for future data-driven decision-making. For resellers, this evolution presents an invaluable chance to guide and support clients through their digital transformations, making SAP BusinessObjects an integral part of their journey. The combination of SAP's cloud vision and its integration of advanced technologies into BusinessObjects promises a future of greater scalability, flexibility, and efficiency. This ensures that SAP BusinessObjects will remain a vital resource for businesses aiming to master the complexities of today's data-centric world, signaling a promising future for individuals adept at utilizing these developments.

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HiddenLayer Launches Channel Partner Program to Secure AI and MLOps Lifecycle

PR Newswire | January 25, 2024

HiddenLayer, the leading security provider for artificial intelligence (AI) models and assets, today announced a new partner program to empower enterprises with complete AI protection including rapid threat detection and security across the entire MLOps lifecycle. "Our Channel Partner Program is designed to drive innovation by allowing partners to introduce security for AI to their customers, helping to educate more businesses about a new threat landscape," said Rebecca Cahak, Head of Channel, HiddenLayer. "By leveraging this new offering, partners will ensure margin and deal protection, leverage incentives, access flexible and easy-to-use training tools, demo environments, and proof of value tools to drive success." The Channel Partner Program allows partners to seamlessly onboard while providing predictable, transparent pricing and flexible licensing models, and a first-of-its-kind unobtrusive, automated, scalable Artificial Intelligence Security (AISec) Platform. Partners will be able to educate customers on a new threat landscape and provide the solutions they need to protect their AI, and competitive edge, build stronger relationships, and establish their team as AI leaders for their customers. "The HiddenLayer line of products is an important component in our AI security service offerings," said Matt Keating, Head of AI Security at Booz Allen Hamilton. "We are excited to continue to strengthen our strategic partnership with the HiddenLayer team, furthering our ability for joint strategy and co-solutioning." HiddenLayer aims to optimize its current partner network, enhancing it through streamlined support and collaborative offerings. There will be three tiers for the program, Covert, Concealed, and Clandestine, so customers can work together with HiddenLayer to achieve the best-shared outcome. Each tier includes pricing discounts, free online training for sales, and technical enablement and security for AI marketing partnerships. Concealed includes free on-site training and performance incentive programs for extra financial success. Clandestine includes everything previously mentioned, with the addition of account mapping, executive security research briefings, and more. "By joining HiddenLayer's partner program, we're enabling customers to safeguard against constantly evolving cybersecurity risks," said Rick Echevarria, Vice President and General Manager, Intel Security Center of Excellence. "We are now able to provide a scalable security solution for AI and help more businesses foster the acceleration of safer AI adoption." Additionally, HiddenLayer recently announced that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, named HiddenLayer to its 2023 Stellar Startups list. This annual list, previously known as CRN Emerging Vendors, recognizes fast-rising technology manufacturers committed to delivering leading-edge solutions that propel innovation and growth in the IT channel. Learn more about HiddenLayer's Channel Partner Program here. About HiddenLayer HiddenLayer, a Gartner-recognized AI Application Security company, helps enterprises safeguard the machine learning models behind their most important products with a comprehensive security platform. Only HiddenLayer offers turnkey security for AI that does not add unnecessary complexity to models and does not require access to raw data and algorithms. Founded in March of 2022 by experienced security and ML professionals, HiddenLayer is based in Austin, Texas. For additional information, including product updates and the latest research reports, visit www.hiddenlayer.com.

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Channel Partnerships

ServiceNow Unveils Next Wave of Partner Program Transformation with New Specializations

Business Wire | January 24, 2024

ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), the leading digital workflow company making the world work better for everyone, today unveiled the next wave of partner program transformation with new Specializations. As part of the revamped ServiceNow partner program announced in January 2023, the recently developed Partner Specializations are the next step in the partner program evolution for partners to unlock new revenue opportunities and earn a range of benefits to further grow their practice. Announced today at ServiceNow Partner Kickoff in Las Vegas, partners can obtain three Specializations which include Service Operations, Serve the Customer, and Power the Employee. ServiceNow is on a path to significantly increase the percentage of net new revenue sourced by partners in the coming years by supporting partners who build the ServiceNow platform into the core of their business models. Partners can acquire the new Specializations by showcasing a combination of product and sales expertise through customer wins and a go-to-market strategy. The new Partner Specializations showcase partners’ unique strengths in the market and encourage innovative ways to continue to grow their ServiceNow practice. “Last year at this time, we made a massive commitment to our partner community by completely transforming our partner program to ensure that partners are front and center in everything we do as a company,” said Erica Volini, senior vice president, global partnerships at ServiceNow. “With the launch of Specializations, our customers can easily identify partners with the best experience and expertise they need to help solve some of their biggest digital transformation challenges.” Obtaining a Specialization will help partners in three critical areas: Differentiate among the ecosystem:Partners will receive badging that will appear across their ServiceNow profiles with increased visibility on the ServiceNow Partner Finder. Prospective customers will also be able to search partner experts in Partner Finder based on the current Specializations. Unlock new revenue opportunities:Each Specialization addresses a pressing customer need that presents a large, untapped market opportunity and high year-over-year growth. Earn benefits to grow ServiceNow practices:ServiceNow will offer additional benefits for partners to build and grow their business through invitation to the ServiceNow Partner Advisory Council to ensure their needs and counsel are being addressed across the broader ServiceNow ecosystem. Qualifying partners will also have access to ServiceNow co-marketing programs and the ServiceNow Partner Development Fund announced last January. The program is launching with three Specializations, Service Operations, Serve the Customer and Power the Employee, that present large market opportunities with high year-over-year growth and a large total addressable market (TAM). All Specializations can be obtained at the regional and global level as well as two levels of achievement for further differentiation. Additional Partner Specializations are expected to be launched in 2024. The three Partner Specializations are expected to be available for partners to obtain starting in ServiceNow’s second quarter of 2024. Many partners have already expressed their feedback on the importance of the ServiceNow Partner Specializations including: Jason Rosenfeld, Senior Vice President at Cask: “ServiceNow’s new Partner Specializations offer an opportunity for Cask to showcase our unique consulting expertise and change management solutions to drive digital transformation across enterprises. Program updates like subsequent badging and product line achievements provide greater reach and visibility with organizations looking for the best partner to meet their specific needs. We believe Specializations and the partner finder are a winning combo for connecting customers with the right support and implementations.” Michael Lombardo, Chief Executive Officer at GlideFast Consulting: “We’re thrilled about the new designations to ServiceNow’s Partner Program. With new Partner Specializations, we can continue expanding our technical consulting services and delivering deep ServiceNow expertise to new markets. We look forward to helping customers find value in the Now Platform.” Michael Vadini, Chief Executive Officer at Infocenter:“Today, organizations are looking for a collaborative partner for support with the adoption and scale of new technologies. ServiceNow’s new Partner Specializations will help Infocenter build industry-specific solutions and accelerate technology for customers and their businesses more quickly. We are excited about the enhanced benefits offered by ServiceNow and the continued focus on partners.” Jon Reynolds, Senior VP Global Alliances & Corp Development at Thirdera, a Cognizant Company:“As our company looks to further expand our work across different industries, we’re focused on differentiating our services and ServiceNow platform expertise. ServiceNow's comprehensive Partner Program provides valued guidance and incentives to improve how we advise, implement and optimize technology for businesses worldwide. ServiceNow sets a standard for what it means to be an innovative partner.” ServiceNow is also launching a brand-new partner channel on LinkedIn. Join the new social community for the latest ServiceNow partner news here. For more information on the ServiceNow Partner Specializations visit here. About ServiceNow ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) makes the world work better for everyone. Our cloud-based platform and solutions help digitize and unify organizations so that they can find smarter, faster, better ways to make work flow. So employees and customers can be more connected, more innovative, and more agile. And we can all create the future we imagine. The world works with ServiceNow™. For more information, visit: www.servicenow.com.

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Channel Partnerships

Vendavo Drives Strong Growth in 2023 with AI-Powered Product Innovations and Partner Program

PR Newswire | January 12, 2024

Vendavo, the global market leader in B2B pricing, selling and rebate solutions announced a strong 2023 finish today, noting a 12% growth in annual recurring revenue and 43% growth in higher margin recurring services. "As economic uncertainty persisted through 2023, global organizations increased investments in AI-driven technology to drive profitable growth, placing their trust in Vendavo," said Alex Hoff, Chief Product Officer, Vendavo. "While many predict stronger economies in 2024, manufacturers and distributors face a growing demand for agility in pricing, channel incentives, and commercial processes. We take pride in enabling significant revenue and margin growth for our customers." Vendavo's products and services enabled a 1.5% margin increase for customers in 2023 through improved pricing over cost. On average, customers achieved $27 million benefit from price improvement. To offer more features to customers, Vendavo's product investment increased by 21% in 2023. New AI product innovations have set the stage for smarter, more efficient commercial processes for customers. A new AI fueled Price Sensitivity metric was added to Vendavo Deal Price Optimizer, a solution that maximizes revenue and profitability through a better understanding of customers' willingness to pay. AI algorithms allow for more in-depth segmentation and analyses that deliver more precise sales guidance. AI now powers timely pattern detection for Price/Volume/Mix analyses in Vendavo Margin Bridge Analyzer. Ranked a Strong Performer in the 2023 Forrester Wave™ for CPQ, Vendavo Intelligent CPQ now has new pricing capabilities within the solution's agreement's function. Sales teams can incorporate more accurate pricing from the onset for even the most complex quotes. Vendavo Pricepoint, the flagship solution for B2B price management, improved both pricing calculation speed and performance. Vendavo's commitment to growing its partner ecosystem led to a doubling of partner-originated pipeline year over year. Notably, Vendavo's existing partnership with Oracle significantly expanded with the creation of new rebate and channel management incentives and the addition of support staff. In response to increasing market demand for rebate and channel management solutions, and following the 2022 acquisition of Market Medium, Vendavo integrated Rebate & Channel Manager into their suite of growth and profitability products. Many customers now effectively manage their rebate programs with the solution. About Vendavo Vendavo empowers global manufacturers and distributors to accelerate growth and profitability with leading pricing, selling, and rebate management solutions. Companies like Emerson, Medtronic, and GAF rely on Vendavo to manage, optimize, and digitize their end-to-end commercial processes. Vendavo's solutions, team of pricing and selling experts, and proven process accelerates value and outcomes that are not only predictable, but unrivaled. With Vendavo, the world's most ambitious B2B organizations can develop dynamic customer insights and execute optimal pricing strategies that maximize margin, boost sales effectiveness, and improve the customer experience.

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Channel Partnerships

HiddenLayer Launches Channel Partner Program to Secure AI and MLOps Lifecycle

PR Newswire | January 25, 2024

HiddenLayer, the leading security provider for artificial intelligence (AI) models and assets, today announced a new partner program to empower enterprises with complete AI protection including rapid threat detection and security across the entire MLOps lifecycle. "Our Channel Partner Program is designed to drive innovation by allowing partners to introduce security for AI to their customers, helping to educate more businesses about a new threat landscape," said Rebecca Cahak, Head of Channel, HiddenLayer. "By leveraging this new offering, partners will ensure margin and deal protection, leverage incentives, access flexible and easy-to-use training tools, demo environments, and proof of value tools to drive success." The Channel Partner Program allows partners to seamlessly onboard while providing predictable, transparent pricing and flexible licensing models, and a first-of-its-kind unobtrusive, automated, scalable Artificial Intelligence Security (AISec) Platform. Partners will be able to educate customers on a new threat landscape and provide the solutions they need to protect their AI, and competitive edge, build stronger relationships, and establish their team as AI leaders for their customers. "The HiddenLayer line of products is an important component in our AI security service offerings," said Matt Keating, Head of AI Security at Booz Allen Hamilton. "We are excited to continue to strengthen our strategic partnership with the HiddenLayer team, furthering our ability for joint strategy and co-solutioning." HiddenLayer aims to optimize its current partner network, enhancing it through streamlined support and collaborative offerings. There will be three tiers for the program, Covert, Concealed, and Clandestine, so customers can work together with HiddenLayer to achieve the best-shared outcome. Each tier includes pricing discounts, free online training for sales, and technical enablement and security for AI marketing partnerships. Concealed includes free on-site training and performance incentive programs for extra financial success. Clandestine includes everything previously mentioned, with the addition of account mapping, executive security research briefings, and more. "By joining HiddenLayer's partner program, we're enabling customers to safeguard against constantly evolving cybersecurity risks," said Rick Echevarria, Vice President and General Manager, Intel Security Center of Excellence. "We are now able to provide a scalable security solution for AI and help more businesses foster the acceleration of safer AI adoption." Additionally, HiddenLayer recently announced that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, named HiddenLayer to its 2023 Stellar Startups list. This annual list, previously known as CRN Emerging Vendors, recognizes fast-rising technology manufacturers committed to delivering leading-edge solutions that propel innovation and growth in the IT channel. Learn more about HiddenLayer's Channel Partner Program here. About HiddenLayer HiddenLayer, a Gartner-recognized AI Application Security company, helps enterprises safeguard the machine learning models behind their most important products with a comprehensive security platform. Only HiddenLayer offers turnkey security for AI that does not add unnecessary complexity to models and does not require access to raw data and algorithms. Founded in March of 2022 by experienced security and ML professionals, HiddenLayer is based in Austin, Texas. For additional information, including product updates and the latest research reports, visit www.hiddenlayer.com.

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Channel Partnerships

ServiceNow Unveils Next Wave of Partner Program Transformation with New Specializations

Business Wire | January 24, 2024

ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), the leading digital workflow company making the world work better for everyone, today unveiled the next wave of partner program transformation with new Specializations. As part of the revamped ServiceNow partner program announced in January 2023, the recently developed Partner Specializations are the next step in the partner program evolution for partners to unlock new revenue opportunities and earn a range of benefits to further grow their practice. Announced today at ServiceNow Partner Kickoff in Las Vegas, partners can obtain three Specializations which include Service Operations, Serve the Customer, and Power the Employee. ServiceNow is on a path to significantly increase the percentage of net new revenue sourced by partners in the coming years by supporting partners who build the ServiceNow platform into the core of their business models. Partners can acquire the new Specializations by showcasing a combination of product and sales expertise through customer wins and a go-to-market strategy. The new Partner Specializations showcase partners’ unique strengths in the market and encourage innovative ways to continue to grow their ServiceNow practice. “Last year at this time, we made a massive commitment to our partner community by completely transforming our partner program to ensure that partners are front and center in everything we do as a company,” said Erica Volini, senior vice president, global partnerships at ServiceNow. “With the launch of Specializations, our customers can easily identify partners with the best experience and expertise they need to help solve some of their biggest digital transformation challenges.” Obtaining a Specialization will help partners in three critical areas: Differentiate among the ecosystem:Partners will receive badging that will appear across their ServiceNow profiles with increased visibility on the ServiceNow Partner Finder. Prospective customers will also be able to search partner experts in Partner Finder based on the current Specializations. Unlock new revenue opportunities:Each Specialization addresses a pressing customer need that presents a large, untapped market opportunity and high year-over-year growth. Earn benefits to grow ServiceNow practices:ServiceNow will offer additional benefits for partners to build and grow their business through invitation to the ServiceNow Partner Advisory Council to ensure their needs and counsel are being addressed across the broader ServiceNow ecosystem. Qualifying partners will also have access to ServiceNow co-marketing programs and the ServiceNow Partner Development Fund announced last January. The program is launching with three Specializations, Service Operations, Serve the Customer and Power the Employee, that present large market opportunities with high year-over-year growth and a large total addressable market (TAM). All Specializations can be obtained at the regional and global level as well as two levels of achievement for further differentiation. Additional Partner Specializations are expected to be launched in 2024. The three Partner Specializations are expected to be available for partners to obtain starting in ServiceNow’s second quarter of 2024. Many partners have already expressed their feedback on the importance of the ServiceNow Partner Specializations including: Jason Rosenfeld, Senior Vice President at Cask: “ServiceNow’s new Partner Specializations offer an opportunity for Cask to showcase our unique consulting expertise and change management solutions to drive digital transformation across enterprises. Program updates like subsequent badging and product line achievements provide greater reach and visibility with organizations looking for the best partner to meet their specific needs. We believe Specializations and the partner finder are a winning combo for connecting customers with the right support and implementations.” Michael Lombardo, Chief Executive Officer at GlideFast Consulting: “We’re thrilled about the new designations to ServiceNow’s Partner Program. With new Partner Specializations, we can continue expanding our technical consulting services and delivering deep ServiceNow expertise to new markets. We look forward to helping customers find value in the Now Platform.” Michael Vadini, Chief Executive Officer at Infocenter:“Today, organizations are looking for a collaborative partner for support with the adoption and scale of new technologies. ServiceNow’s new Partner Specializations will help Infocenter build industry-specific solutions and accelerate technology for customers and their businesses more quickly. We are excited about the enhanced benefits offered by ServiceNow and the continued focus on partners.” Jon Reynolds, Senior VP Global Alliances & Corp Development at Thirdera, a Cognizant Company:“As our company looks to further expand our work across different industries, we’re focused on differentiating our services and ServiceNow platform expertise. ServiceNow's comprehensive Partner Program provides valued guidance and incentives to improve how we advise, implement and optimize technology for businesses worldwide. ServiceNow sets a standard for what it means to be an innovative partner.” ServiceNow is also launching a brand-new partner channel on LinkedIn. Join the new social community for the latest ServiceNow partner news here. For more information on the ServiceNow Partner Specializations visit here. About ServiceNow ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) makes the world work better for everyone. Our cloud-based platform and solutions help digitize and unify organizations so that they can find smarter, faster, better ways to make work flow. So employees and customers can be more connected, more innovative, and more agile. And we can all create the future we imagine. The world works with ServiceNow™. For more information, visit: www.servicenow.com.

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Channel Partnerships

Vendavo Drives Strong Growth in 2023 with AI-Powered Product Innovations and Partner Program

PR Newswire | January 12, 2024

Vendavo, the global market leader in B2B pricing, selling and rebate solutions announced a strong 2023 finish today, noting a 12% growth in annual recurring revenue and 43% growth in higher margin recurring services. "As economic uncertainty persisted through 2023, global organizations increased investments in AI-driven technology to drive profitable growth, placing their trust in Vendavo," said Alex Hoff, Chief Product Officer, Vendavo. "While many predict stronger economies in 2024, manufacturers and distributors face a growing demand for agility in pricing, channel incentives, and commercial processes. We take pride in enabling significant revenue and margin growth for our customers." Vendavo's products and services enabled a 1.5% margin increase for customers in 2023 through improved pricing over cost. On average, customers achieved $27 million benefit from price improvement. To offer more features to customers, Vendavo's product investment increased by 21% in 2023. New AI product innovations have set the stage for smarter, more efficient commercial processes for customers. A new AI fueled Price Sensitivity metric was added to Vendavo Deal Price Optimizer, a solution that maximizes revenue and profitability through a better understanding of customers' willingness to pay. AI algorithms allow for more in-depth segmentation and analyses that deliver more precise sales guidance. AI now powers timely pattern detection for Price/Volume/Mix analyses in Vendavo Margin Bridge Analyzer. Ranked a Strong Performer in the 2023 Forrester Wave™ for CPQ, Vendavo Intelligent CPQ now has new pricing capabilities within the solution's agreement's function. Sales teams can incorporate more accurate pricing from the onset for even the most complex quotes. Vendavo Pricepoint, the flagship solution for B2B price management, improved both pricing calculation speed and performance. Vendavo's commitment to growing its partner ecosystem led to a doubling of partner-originated pipeline year over year. Notably, Vendavo's existing partnership with Oracle significantly expanded with the creation of new rebate and channel management incentives and the addition of support staff. In response to increasing market demand for rebate and channel management solutions, and following the 2022 acquisition of Market Medium, Vendavo integrated Rebate & Channel Manager into their suite of growth and profitability products. Many customers now effectively manage their rebate programs with the solution. About Vendavo Vendavo empowers global manufacturers and distributors to accelerate growth and profitability with leading pricing, selling, and rebate management solutions. Companies like Emerson, Medtronic, and GAF rely on Vendavo to manage, optimize, and digitize their end-to-end commercial processes. Vendavo's solutions, team of pricing and selling experts, and proven process accelerates value and outcomes that are not only predictable, but unrivaled. With Vendavo, the world's most ambitious B2B organizations can develop dynamic customer insights and execute optimal pricing strategies that maximize margin, boost sales effectiveness, and improve the customer experience.

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