Microsoft and SAP to link Office with ERP apps

摘要

SAP and Microsoft later this year plan to deliver a jointly developed product that links SAP's software and Microsoft's Office products, giving users a familiar user interface to more complex ERP applications. Code-named Mendocino, it is the first joint product from SAP and Microsoft and stems from an agreement that SAP and Microsoft struck last year to integrate their respective NetWeaver and .Net software platforms. Microsoft and SAP have been partners for many years and have discussed a merger. The joint product is one of the most significant results of that partnership since merger talks broke off last year, and it could help SAP and Microsoft compete better against Oracle and IBM.