PeopleSoft, IBM join hands to tap SMB mkt

BANGALORE: PeopleSoft (India)has announced the general availability of PeopleSoft World Express, a comprehensive solution for small and medium-size businesses (SMBs) with annual revenues less than Rs 100 crore.

Developed exclusively on the IBM eServer iSeries platform, the new solution includes PeopleSoft World enterprise applications, more than 30 industry-specific business processes, and implementation services from certified channel partners. The new release is available for industrial manufacturers, wholesale distributors, homebuilders, construction companies, and automotive suppliers.

India has a large SMB base of over 20,000 companies, with a turnover ranging from Rs five crore to Rs 100crore. According to the press release, PeopleSoft World Express solutions, designed for SMBs, will enable these companies to operate in a more responsive, flexible and cost effective manner - in order to better serve customers and grow revenue, reduce inventory levels or to take costs out of their supply chain.

"Two of the key factors dominating decision making in the SMB market are the cost of ownership and software solution functionality. With PeopleSoft World Express, we are able to cater to the diverse needs of this market. With the increased penetration of technology-based solutions in the country, we have partnered with Systime to tap the large potential in the market and leverage the 30 industry-specific business process available on World Express effectively," said PeopleSoft India country manager Thiru Vengadam.

The new offering, announced by PeopleSoft on May 3, 2004, is now shipping in India.