Specifications

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Appendix C. IBM Netfinity for Ready-to-Run R/3
Ready-to-Run R/3 is a new concept initiated by the SAP AG Walldorf, Germany.
R/3 is considered by many as difficult to implement and to install. This could
hinder SAP as they want to increase market share particularly in the small and
midrange business areas. Today, implementation time and project costs are
additional issues.
Ready-to-Run R/3 is a strategic SAP initiative and designed to solve these
problems. Ready-to-Run R/3 is an R/3 system solution that packages a
pre-installed, pre-configured R/3 system with a complete hardware and software
infrastructure. All that you have to do is unpack the Ready-to Run R/3 hardware,
connect it, and start working with SAP R/3. Pre-sized, pre-installed, and
pre-configured, Ready-to-Run R/3 simplifies the technical planning that goes
along with introducing the powerful R/3 system.
Ready-to-Run R/3 means:
• Faster and cheaper implementation of R/3
• High system availibility through use of proven "best practices" in the
Ready-to-Run R/3 design and implementation concept
• Reduced cost of ownership through streamlined, tool-supported
administration
SAP is using the German market as a pilot market for the Ready-to-Run R/3
project. IBM together with SAP offers the Ready-to-Run R/3 IBM Netfinity 7000
offering based on IBM products -Netfinity, PC Server, desktops, network,
software, support and service.
C.1 Implementation Phases
The IBM Netfinity for SAP R/3 NT RRR solution is planned to be implemented in
three different phases:
• Phase I - Pilot RRR implementation in Germany. Pre-load and
pre-configuration performed by CompuNet (implemented).
• Phase II - Availability of RRR for other countries. Pre-load and
pre-configuration possible for a limited number of additional IBM business
partners (availability planned for 2Q/98)
• Phase III - Worldwide availability (planned for 2H/98).
C.2 Ease of implementation
Project implementation costs and complexity are major issues for businesses
adopting enterprise applications such as R/3. RRR systems make extensive use
of SAP and IBM's proven R/3 implementation methodologies for fast and
trouble-free rollouts. The Netfinity servers are available in RRR configurations,
making them a highly cost-effective and attractive solution for businesses needing
a rapid, economical implementation.