Specifications

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Chapter 4. IBM’s Software Products that Complement SAP R/3
In this chapter, we discuss IBM’s commitment to Windows NT and the various
software products available on Windows NT from IBM that complement SAP R/3.
4.1 IBM’s Commitment to Windows NT
When IBM first announced it would deliver much of its software on Windows NT,
plenty of eyebrows shot up, because IBM and Microsoft have long been in direct
competition and now they would be cooperating.
Despite the skepticism, the two software giants have confounded critics by
forging a relationship around Windows NT that goes beyond their mutual interest
in the Win32 APIs.
Though they compete fiercely in some industry sections, IBM and Microsoft also
realize that it is in their best interests to cooperate in other areas. Throughout this
cooperative relationship, each has shown respect for the other’s design and
programming skills in the liaison between the two companies that has arisen from
IBM’s focus on Windows NT.
The primary point of interaction between IBM and Microsoft is at IBM’s Kirkland
Programming Center and within IBM’s Windows NT System Management
Organization. Lotus and Tivoli also maintain productive technical relationships
with Microsoft.
IBM founded Kirkland in 1993. Kirkland’s primary aim has remained the same --
to ensure that IBM hardware and software work seamless with Microsoft
products. In addition to its hardware optimization role, the Kirkland Programming
Center also plays a leadership role in ensuring IBM’s software on Windows NT
qualifies for the Designed for BackOffice logo. This accreditation communicates
to IBM’s customers that IBM software for Windows NT conforms to Microsoft’s
standards for excellent integration into the Windows NT environment. To date,
eleven IBM products, including those providing database, communications,
queuing and directory, and distributed security functions, have this accreditation.
4.2 IBM and Windows NT 5.0
Through IBM’s Windows NT System Management Organization, the IBM
laboratories are participating in the Windows NT 5 early adopters program.
Microsoft calls this the FirstWave Program. As a result of this relationship, IBM
obtains regular builds of Windows NT 5, and IBM receives the technical support
necessary to ensure that IBM software exploits Windows NT 5 functionality in a
first class manner.
In fact, IBM and Microsoft have signed an agreement articulating the integration
points that IBM will exploit in Windows NT 5. Explains Pat Gibney, Windows NT
System Manager for IBM, "Ours is a working relationship founded on mutual
respect for each other’s technical talent and a shared interest in making the most
of the Windows NT technologies." On a regular basis, the technical staffs of both
companies attend meetings and participate in conference calls to discuss