IFS launches Applications 7 ERP suite and warns of growing dangers

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) application vendors must pay more attention to security as threats climb the software value chain.

That was the warning yesterday from Dan Johannsen, chief technology officer at ERP specialist IFS. "Virus attacks have moved through the operating system layer, the network and emails, but moves to counter them have become increasingly sophisticated and most firms don't have many virus outbreaks," he said. "That means the next step for attackers is to go direct to the [business] application layer. We are seeing attacks now on some web based apps and it is a matter of time before we see the first SAP virus."

Johannsen was speaking at the launch of the IFS Applications 7 ERP suite, which offers enhanced security, including measures to prevent attacks. The new suite also embraces the vogue for service-oriented architecture (SOA) and includes nearly 6,000 reusable objects or components that can be used within a firm's SOA environment.

Johannsen argued that IFS has always adopted this component-based approach and much of its development effort is focused on making SOAs more usable, and on tailoring applications for the seven specific industries targeted by IFS: defence and aerospace, automotive, construction, high-tech, manufacturing, process, and utilities and telecoms.

IFS chief executive Alastair Scobie said in a statement that IFS had been developing component-based applications since 1998. “Now we are bringing to market the seventh generation of our component-based applications while our competitors are still on their first," he added.

IFS Applications 7 also features improved role-based user interfaces for specific industries and enhanced functionality for managing distributed supply chains and providing tools to support project-based work, according to Johannsen.