SAP aims latest utility-based package at medium-sized firms

Software maker SAP and microchip maker Intel are to jointly offer servers pre-packaged with SAP software in the latest move towards utility computing.

The package will be aimed at medium-sized firms and will work straight out of the box.

"The offering targets midsize companies in the manufacturing, service and trade industries and directly addresses the demands in these market segments for quick and easy implementation," said SAP in a statement.

The move is SAP's first venture into pre-installing software on hardware, and is spart of a wider move in the company to diversify its sales channels to capture the smaller enterprise market. SAP is also developing software that small and medium-sized firms can download online.

Both services are aimed at reducing costs for smaller companies.