SAP have undergone a major restructuring the last year and from 2011 onward s the principal focus for sales to small to midsize businesses which now represent 80% of SAP customers.

Sales to the SME market historically were 50:50 in terms of direct and indirect (channel) sales.

Eric Duffaut, President of Global Ecosystem and Channels has said,

“We’re going to transform this business towards a 100-percent indirect model,” he said, adding that the company would make that transformation “very fast” with channels accounting for 90 percent of SME sales in North America by the fourth quarter, up from 50 percent.”

SAP recognises the importance of their channel partners to future growth and also the fulfillment of their new customer centric strategy.

“We want to drive co-innovation with our partners to better help us cover our markets, increase customer touch points and act as a force multiplier for SAP.”

SAP will even turn to channel partners to assist with some sales to large customers, what Duffaut called “targeted opportunities” in specific regions or vertical industries where a solution provider can bring specific expertise.

As a SAP channel partner ourselves we recognise the key role we play in developing and expanding the reach of SAP within the SME sector. We have experience in virtually all business sectors and our high level of expertise, vast experience and standard of implementation, consultation and support delivery continues to be recognised by our Gold Partner Status. Our sole focus on the provision and development of SAP Business One serves as a key differentiator for us as the leading SAP Gold Partner across the UK and Ireland.

If seeking to invest in SAP Business One SMEs should seek out the support and advice of a SAP partner within their region. The SAP partner locator is a useful tool for identifying which partners exist within your country or locality.

Alternatively you can contact SAP directly and they are sure to put you in contact with the most suitable and highly recommended partner to meet your needs.

Original Post: CRN News Channel