SAP adapts R/3 for media firms

SAP wants to be in pictures...and publishing, and print, and on the Web.

The German software giant premiered today its new SAP Media vertical software package, a version of SAP's R/3 system adapted for media companies.

"What we are announcing is the release of the international version of something we have been doing for quite some time in the media space," said Bill Rogers, who heads up the vertical unit for SAP in North America. "What we can do now is support North America commercial business patterns. We did this by working with prospects and customers in North America. The result is we are localizing the European offering for the North American market."

Among the companies that helped or are helping SAP develop the system are the British Broadcasting Company, DIRECTV, and publishing house Bertlesmann Media Systems which owns Bantam, Doubleday & Dell, and Random House.

The media package includes SAP's core R/3 systems of financials, human resources, and logistics, combined with industry-specific applications of advertising management and media sales and distribution.

SAP executives said the system is designed to "bridge the gap between preproduction systems [the technical processes leading up to publication and broadcasting] and business applications through standard open interfaces to third-party systems.

SAP Media will be available in North America and most of Europe next month. A German language version is currently shipping.