IBM has announced a new offering to help small and midsize enterprises (SME) rapidly deploy SAP software on IBM Power Systems. The new offering, IBM i InstallOption for SAP, dubbed ‘KOBI’ provides SAP value added resellers with a pre-configured and fully customised installation routine for SAP Business All-in-One solutions.

"IBM Power Systems is an excellent platform to bring innovation to new market segments," said Hans-Peter Klaey, president, Global SME and corporate officer, SAP AG. "This approach is providing customers with a highly configurable and customised enterprise solution that lowers the total cost of ownership."

KOBI is developed for installing SAP Business All-in-One solutions optimised for IBM i running on IBM Power Systems hardware. Basic components include an IBM DB2 database, SAP ERP Central Component 6.0, the SAP Solution Manager and SAP Best Practices.

"The ability to create and deliver a pre-configured and customised solution for our joint SME customers helps to drive more value from restrictive IT budgets and enables a faster return on investment," said Marc Dupaquier, general manager, IBM General Business. "IBM and SAP value added resellers also benefit from KOBI as the installation routines can be reused with the customer as they grow and also across specific industries to further speed installation."