SAP has announced the launch of its new SMB Solutions Group to reach out to small and medium businesses (SMBs) with up to 500 employees and focus on their business needs.
SAP says it wants its new unit to become the main entry point for those customers and partners globally and the company is implementing its new approach for new clients.
Following this, it will redefine its strategy and plans to create next generation cloud applications, powered by SAP HANA, which will be dedicated to the sector.
The new business unit will be led by Dean Mansfield who has over 20 years of expertise in software-as-a-service industry and his past experience includes six years at NetSuite. In his new role he will be responsible for end-to-end operations of a new division as well as for an execution of the strategy.
Additionally, Mansfield will lead SAP's Business One application portfolio, which will continue operate through the Global Partner Operations organisation.
“SMBs are playing an increasingly important role in the global economy and at the same time are increasingly interested in leveraging advanced technology. We’re predicting record worldwide SMB IT spending that will top $680bn by 2018, with exceptional gains in key regions and across key technologies as SMBs are being transformed through the use of mobile devices and cloud computing. The opportunity for firms to sharpen their products, refine distribution strategy and appeal to new customers has never been greater,” explains Ray Boggs, vice president of SMB Research, IDC.