Duet will make it simpler to access SAP applications through Microsoft Office

SAP and Microsoft will next month release Duet, their jointly-developed software to link their respective enterprise and desktop programs.

Announced a year ago under the Mendocino codename, Duet should make it easier to access SAP applications through Microsoft Office. Duet is important because Office is ubiquitous on desktops and SAP is the leader in back-office applications. By creating a link between the two, the firms hope to encourage more use of information held in server-based applications.

“When people are unaware that information exists or lack the time to find what is needed, they risk making bad decisions,” said Mark Levitt, vice-president for IDC’s collaboration and enterprise workplace research group.

Tools for budget monitoring, time management, leave requests and human resources will be available in the first release but other functionality is planned.

Later this year, to chime with forthcoming upgrades to Office and MySAP, two “value packs” are due, with more language translations and extra business scenario support covering recruitment management, travel management, analytics, purchasing management and sales activity management via links to SAP’s back-end customer relationship management (CRM) and supplier relationship management modules.

SAP said almost 100 joint customers and partners have been running the software since late last year.

Silicon device maker Atmel used Duet to monitor budget planning data in SAP systems across its global network, using Office as the front-end. In a statement, Atmel chief information officer (CIO) Mikes Sisois said Duet allowed “greater visibility and access to SAP business data …from a widely used and familiar user interface”.

Another firm testing the software internally is Indian IT services firm Infosys, which also plans to offer advice on Duet deployment to its customers.

SAP and Microsoft plan a roadshow next month to publicise Duet.