The Hindu Business Line : Duet to combine MS, SAP functions

SAP and Microsoft Corp on Tuesday announced Duet, a software that allows PC users to use their familiar Microsoft Office environment to access select SAP business processes and data. Duet is expected to be available in June 2006, said a release issued by the company.

"Duet is a business mash-up of Microsoft Office applications with SAP enterprise information and processes that can improve the quality and speed of decision-making and workforce productivity. With Duet, SAP will be easier to access and more relevant for many more users who spend their workdays in the `Microsoft' Office," said Mr Mark Levitt, Vice-President for IDC's collaboration and enterprise workplace research.

Nearly 100 joint customers and partners, including Infosys and embedded firm Atmel, have been exploring the software's benefits in early release versions since late 2005.

"At Infosys, we have tested and implemented the Duet software within our own business, which runs on Microsoft and SAP software," said Mr Chandrashekar Kakal, head of Infosys' Enterprise Solutions Business Unit, in the release. "Our clients demand results from their IT investments and rely on Infosys to deliver. With our long-standing alliance partners, Microsoft and SAP, Infosys is uniquely positioned and ready to offer Duet-based solutions to our clients to address their business needs," he added.

SAP and Microsoft also announced plans to enhance Duet's capabilities this year and to release additional business scenarios in the second half of 2006.