Tools to ease software installation
J.D. Edwards rolls out a suite of business process modeling and implementation tools intended to make installing the company's software an easier task.
The Business Process Configuration Tool combines business process modeling with configuration files in J.D. Edwards' enterprise application OneWorld. The configuration tool prompts users through a series of questions intended to customize OneWorld for a particular business, according to the company.
In addition to the tool set, J.D. Edwards also debuted a new Computer Based Training (CBT) program that will provide online training for users of the tool set and OneWorld applications. Both were developed to help users speed-up and simplify the implementation of the OneWorld system.
A company spokesperson said J.D. Edwards expects the implementation tool will translate into more efficient implementation schedules for the middle market. Pricing of the tool set was not available.
J.D. Edwards has also launched a new Service Alliance Program to help companies install ERP applications. As part of the program, the company said it has signed an agreement with more than 200 business partners, channel partners, and service companies specializing in OneWorld consulting.
In addition, the company also announced the extension of the J.D. Edwards Channel program to target the small business market through remarketing partners and resellers.
As part of this initiative, the company announced a new business partner, Support Net, a major North American IBM AS/400 reseller. The Support Net distribution network gives smaller companies that typically have revenues less than $35 million access to J.D. Edwards systems, according to the company.
J.D. Edwards competes with Oracle, SAP, Baan, and PeopleSoft in the global ERP systems market.
ERP applications have become fixtures at a large majority of multinational corporations in recent years, but sales have begun to stagnate with market saturation, observers say. The major ERP vendors have devoted large resources to try to extend their core product to the front-office to make it attractive to a more diverse market.