Ask Approyo - What new technical functions are available in SAP HANA 2 compared to the older SAP HANA versions?

Lately, we have talked a lot about SAP HANA 2.0 and how it can impact your company. We are seeing more and more deployments of SAP HANA 2.0 environments across our customers businesses and the impact it is having. And with recent updates like SAP HANA 2.0 SPS 02, now is the time to make the move to SAP HANA 2. What are some of these new functions that can help your business?

The next-generation of SAP’s in-memory platform, SAP HANA 2.0, simplifies database and data management – and makes it easier for application developers to deliver smart, insight-driven apps. The platform’s new capabilities are optimized for innovation and can help your business compete more effectively in the digital economy. And because SAP HANA 2.0 is a continuation of the existing platform, you’ll have access to a stable, highly available, and secure data environment for your applications.

Key SAP HANA 2 features and enhancements to help IT transform include:

• Database management: There are multiple enhancements for high availability and security. For example, the new “active/active read-enabled” option allows IT organizations to leverage secondary systems – previously used only for system replication – to off-load read-intensive workloads for improved operations.
• Data management: The SAP HANA-based Web application SAP Enterprise Architecture Designer allows customers to visualize the impact of new technologies on their architecture before they are implemented. In addition, a tiered storage enhancement allows the distributed storage of data by priority regardless of where it resides. These are two of the many enhancements that have been developed for enterprise modeling, data integration, and data quality.
• Analytical intelligence: SAP HANA 2 is ideally equipped to enable customers to more effectively integrate additional insight obtained by analyzing text, spatial, graph and streaming data into their applications. For example, there are new algorithms in the predictive analytics library for time series, classification, and regression analysis to empower data scientists to discover new patterns and incorporate machine learning into customer applications.
• Application development: Application developers will benefit from enhanced functions for application servers, new development tools, and development languages. In application programming, a new file processor interface enables developers to extract metadata from documents in order to gain newer, deeper insights.

Read the full blog post at www.approyo.com 

The Cloud Helpers Blog Series - In-Memory Computing

Welcome to our blog series, The Cloud Helpers. This series will focus on cloud computing topics and help you understand how the cloud can impact your business today and in the future. Today we are going to focus on In-Memory Computing.

What is In-Memory Computing?
In-memory computing is the storage of information in the main random access memory (RAM) of dedicated servers rather than in complicated relational databases operating on comparatively slow disk drives. In-memory computing helps business customers, including retailers, banks and utilities, to quickly detect patterns, analyze massive data volumes on the fly, and perform their operations quickly. The drop in memory prices in the present market is a major factor contributing to the increasing popularity of in-memory computing technology. This has made in-memory computing economical among a wide variety of applications.

SAP HANA and In-Memory Computing
SAP HANA relies on in-memory computing to quickly analyze massive amounts of data. In-memory computing is a technology that allows the processing of tremendous quantities of data in main memory to provide immediate results from analysis and transaction. The data is available for processing or analysis immediately after it is created. SAP HANA's performance is 10,000 times faster when compared to standard disks, which allows companies to analyze data in a matter of seconds instead of long hours.

To achieve the preferred performance, in-memory computing adheres to the following basic concepts:

• Keep data in main memory to speed up data access.
• Minimize data movement by using the columnar storage concept and compression, and performing calculations at the database level.
• Divide and conquer by using multi-core architecture and multi-processor servers to meet growing demands.

Some of the advantages of in-memory computing include:

• The ability to cache countless amounts of data constantly. This ensures extremely fast response times for searches.
• The ability to store session data, allowing for the customization of live sessions and ensuring optimum website performance.
• The ability to process events for improved complex event processing

Innovating with In-Memory Technology
A recent study by IDC on Innovating with Real-Time Data and Insights with SAP HANA revealed three important examples  that illustrate  some of the ways SAP HANA  and In-Memory Computing customers are changing their businesses:

• Enablement of core customer-facing services: “SAP HANA is part of a greenfield buildout of an entirely new capability that didn’t exist anywhere, and no one else is doing this with a completely new use of technology. We didn’t have an existing service that SAP HANA snapped into; we built it from the ground up.”
• Understanding and responding to business patterns. One retail organization is achieving better business results because its stores “now have better and precise knowledge of consumption and because we can keep inventory up to date with SAP HANA.”
• Customer support teams. Granular and more robust insights about customer behavior enabled more effective support of customers for the 50-person team at one organization. It noted: “We’re using a tool driven by SAP HANA that allows us to be ahead of our customers so that we’ve already spotted anything that they see. So we’ll have already found that little nugget of information and have come up with ways to address their issue.”

Top Reasons to move your SAP Applications to the Cloud

Cloud computing is an important resource that has gained growing support businesses of all sizes worldwide. These businesses are attracted to the cost-effective competitive benefits the cloud affords to smaller business. By providing access to tools that otherwise would be unavailable to them, cloud computing enables companies to become more agile, operate more efficiently and grow.

Simply put, cloud computing makes it possible for users to access data, applications, and services over the Internet. The cloud eliminates the need for costly hardware, such as hard drives and servers – and gives users the ability to work from anywhere. Over 90% of businesses are already using cloud technology in a public, private or hybrid cloud environment.

The most important reasons for customers to consider cloud-based computing:

• Fast implementation time, providing quick access to functionality
• Reduced IT efforts because both hardware and software operation and maintenance are the provider’s responsibility
• Flexibility due to subscription rather than licensing contracts and “pay-what-you-use” concepts
• Scalability to support changing business needs and supporting growth strategy

SAP Applications

SAP HANA
A business that uses next-generation applications can work better with the SAP HANA in the cloud. The platform lets you extend existing applications and build new apps in the cloud. SAP HANA is an in-memory cloud platform designed for the highly data-driven, social, mobile, and networked user. This makes it ideal for a business that takes advantage of continuously evolving data sharing trends.

Feature-packed for business
The platform has many different features that can let you build, manage, and deploy cloud-based enterprise applications to go with your existing SAP and non-SAP solutions or extend them in the cloud or on-premises. Flexible subscription models and other services for database, apps, and infrastructure enable easy access to SAP HANA’s full power.

Expand the value of your existing applications
If you have existing enterprise solutions in the cloud or running on-premises, SAP HANA offers connectivity through the cloud connectivity service. This way, you can streamline the integration of new applications with the assurance of the lowest possible overall cost of ownership.

Deploy Faster
SAP HANA in the cloud can let you build and deploy consumer and business applications fast while ensuring new functionality that meets emerging business needs. At the same time, it lets you connect with customers through more engaging experiences.

Improve ROI, decrease costs
SAP HANA in the cloud does not require up-front capital investment in software or hardware for partners and customers, resulting in a more cost-effective service with minimal risk. Once it is applied, the cloud provider will manage platform operations to minimize the cost of deploying and developing cloud applications.

SAP Hybris
SAP Hybris focuses on rapid transformation and agility across all channels, getting you close to your customers and delivering a consistently great experience at every touch point. SAP Hybris makes products that cut cost, time and complexity, freeing you up to focus on innovation and strategy. SAP Hybris covers five main areas – commerce, marketing, revenue, sales and service – and offer you the insights and flexibility you need to lead.

The ability to sell anytime, anywhere on any device
Be Productive, even when you’re offline. Spend less time on chasing down information and more time with your customer.

Easy instant access to Back-Office information
Provide a complete customer view and flexibility to create orders, quotes and service tickets on-site.

Access to real-time customer analytics and data
Look up context of their accounts and opportunities to help them engage and connect with customers in a personal, relevant way.

Predictive Analytics and Insight
See realtime-visibility and predictability into your business, enabling you to make changes in realtime and guide and coach your sales team.

SAP S/4HANA
SAP S/4HANA is a real-time enterprise resource management suite for digital business. It is built on our advanced in-memory platform, SAP HANA, and offers a personalized, consumer-grade user experience with SAP Fiori. SAP S/4HANA can drive instant value across all lines of business – no matter your industry or business size.

Reduce Support Costs
Current jobs like back-ups and performance monitoring are all covered by using a cloud provider to host SAP S/4HANA in the cloud. This allows you to focus on their business rather than managing your SAP S/4HANA system.

Improved Performance
Direct access to operational data without affecting the performance of other
operational systems.

Strategic Direction 
The demand for Cloud based tools is rapidly growing and ERP is now firmly on this journey as well. Additionally, SAP’s recent acquisitions have mainly been best of breed Cloud solutions such as Hybris, Success Factors and Concur.

Flexibility of Integration 
SAP S/4HANA in the cloud is not a one stop shop for all enterprise tools. Within the product a number of API’s are available to link to other systems such as Success Factors, Hybris and others.

Download the whitepaper: Top reasons to move your SAP Applications to the Cloud

FoxConn, Welcome to Wisconsin. An open letter from Wisconsin based CEO Chris Carter

You’ve probably heard the big news by now, Foxconn Technology Group, a global technology and electronics manufacturer, is coming to Wisconsin and creating up to 13,000 jobs. The announcement was made earlier this summer by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walk, President Donald Trump and Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou. And the Wisconsin assembly recently passed a bill supporting the move to Wisconsin.

As an owner of a leading SAP technology company based in Wisconsin, I would like to welcome Foxconn to the great state of Wisconsin. I look forward to forging a partnership with your business and continue to help Wisconsin and out industry grow.

I’ve had the pleasure of working in Wisconsin for over 2 decades and started Approyo here in Wisconsin in 2012. In that short time, I’ve grown Approyo by leaps and bounds, being named the Inc. 5000 list 2 years in a row (2016 and 2017). Seeing an industry leading global company like Foxconn make a commitment to Wisconsin is a great sign that the state is heading in the right direction.

Over the years, I’ve grown to enjoy working and having a business in Wisconsin. Wisconsin offers a great environment for businesses to grow. We have lots of great people who are hungry to work and provide for their families. These people have tremendous values and will be a great addition to any organization out there. I’ve been fortunate enough to find great staff throughout Wisconsin with drive and knowledge to help me and my company grow.

Plus, we have clients throughout the state of Wisconsin that we work with every day to ensure that their SAP environments are running as efficiently as possibly. We can offer award winning SAP solutions throughout the state, country and world, just like you have throughout the years.  Foxconn should have no problem finding qualified individuals and companies like Approyo to work with.
An underrated factor that makes Wisconsin a great place to have a business is the location. Since Wisconsin is situated right in the middle of the country, it is easy to fly to the east coast or west coast at any given time. Plus, we are located within a short drive or train ride to Chicago, which has many other easy transportation options.

Seeing a fellow technology company come to Wisconsin and create so many jobs is exciting. We at Approyo have been fortunate to find very qualified SAP and technology experts to work with in Wisconsin.

I can’t reiterate how exciting it is as a business owner, to have a company like Foxconn choose to come to Wisconsin. As a leading SAP provider we look forward to the opportunity to partner with you and your business leaders.  Our local SAP operations can help your company as it extends its footprint in Wisconsin and across the United States. I look forward to all your success and can’t wait to do business together in Wisconsin.

About the Author:

Mr. Carter works with businesses around the globe, assisting them in their journey to the usage of Big Data in the forms of Hadoop (Cloudera and Hortonwork's) and SAP HANA. At Approyo, we support firms who are looking for knowledge to grow through current business process, where even 1% increase can lead to millions of dollars in business flow. 

Mr. Carter has been in the "Big Data" industry and the SAP industry for almost 25 years, He has been nationally recognized by The American SAP Users Group, SAP, Hadoop World, Cloud Expo and more. 

Approyo WhitePaper: 9 Reasons to Upgrade to SAP S/4HANA Today

SAP S/4HANA isn’t just the solution that can transform your company for the future. It is the solution that can grow your business right now. The ability to unite enterprise-wide processes into a synergistic digital core allows you to address today’s challenges, as well as position yourself for success tomorrow.

Why would you choose an enterprise management solution that impacts just one or two business areas, when you can use a single solution for all of your business needs? Learn more in our new SAP S/4HANA White Paper. We dive deep into the top 9 reasons to move to SAP S/4HANA right now.

9 reasons to upgrade to SAP S/4HANA right now:

• Improve order fulfillment
• Increase customer satisfaction
• Reduce manufacturing error rates
• Reduce procurement costs
• Respond to market fluctuations faster than ever
• Streamline your supply chain
• Improve your manufacturing cycle time
• Streamline your supply chain
• Reduce unplanned downtime

Download the Whitepaper: 9 Reasons to Upgrade to SAP S/4HANA Today

SAP S/4HANA is The Next Generation Business Suite For A Digital World
The opportunity exists to transform business processes and achieve the digital transformation of your business with more automation and real-time visibility. Our SAP HANA, SAP S/4HANA and Big Data solutions address these important these needs and more. Let us show you today! Set up a free consultation.

Calling all Inc 5000 Winners.... Share your Story

Recently, Inc. Magazine released its 36th annual Inc. 5000. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment— its independent small and midsized businesses. Companies such as Microsoft, Dell, Domino’s Pizza, Pandora, Timberland, LinkedIn, Yelp, Zillow, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees of the Inc. 5000. Approyo is honored to be featured back-to-back, this year at NO. 747!

As part of the honor, Approyo will be attending the annual Inc. 5000 conference and gala honoring all the companies on the list will be held from October 10 through 12, 2017 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, CA.

Last year, we held a series of special interviews with some of the top companies and speakers at the event. The interview series moderated by Approyo CEO Christopher Carter, focused on what it takes to be a successful business owner and entrepreneur in today’s ever changing world. This year Approyo will continue the interview series. If you are a business owner who made the list and will be attending the conference, please let us know. The interview process only takes a few minutes and you will get a chance to share your personal and business journey to the Inc. 5000.

Take a look at some examples the event last year:

Approyo Inc 5000 Interview series - Les McKeown, CEO, PREDICTABLE SUCCESS

https://vimeo.com/189325131

Approyo Inc 5000 Interview Series - Steve Baker of The Great Game of Business

https://vimeo.com/189325130

Are you interested in being a part of our interview series at the annual Inc. 5000 Conference and Gala? Reach out to our PR team below to schedule a time to meet during the event.

Alison Maloni, President and CEO, Alison May Public Relations
Email: alison@alisonmaypr.com

We look forward to seeing everyone at the event!

About Approyo

Approyo has been providing SAP HANA solutions such as SAP S/4HANA 1610 in the cloud for the last three years. Approyo built an entire platform using the best solutions in the market, allowing clients to move SAP HANA quickly and benefit immediately without the massive upfront cost structure typically seen with those bare metal solutions.

Approyo is a global SAP HANA start up focus partner for products and services that include upgrades, comprehensive remote operations/managed services, consulting, migrations, hosting and implementations and cloud services. Approyo differentiates itself by offering scalable managed SAP HANA solutions for organizations of all size. Approyo has the capability to support global organizations and their applications with our Headquarters in Milwaukee, WI and offices in throughout North America, Europe and South America, plus partners around the world.

Approyo Honored as Back-to-Back Winner from Inc. 5000, Ranking No. 747

Inc. magazine today ranked Approyo NO. 747 on its 36th annual Inc. 5000, the most prestigious ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment— its independent small and midsized businesses. Companies such as Microsoft, Dell, Domino’s Pizza, Pandora, Timberland, LinkedIn, Yelp, Zillow, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees of the Inc. 5000.

“Approyo is honored to be named to the Inc. 5000 list for two years in a row” said Christopher Carter, CEO of Approyo. “This ranking continues to validate our success in the SAP industry worldwide. We would like to thank our amazing clients and partners who have been and continue to be supporters of Approyo, plus our talented and dedicated staff for their passion and continued commitment to excellence.”

The 2017 Inc. 5000, unveiled online at Inc.com and with the top 500 companies featured in the September issue of Inc. is the most competitive crop in the list’s history. The average company on the list achieved a mind-boggling three-year average growth of 481%. The Inc. 5000’s aggregate revenue is $206 billion, and the companies on the list collectively generated 619,500 jobs over the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.

"The Inc. 5000 is the most persuasive evidence I know that the American Dream is still alive,” says Inc. President and Editor-In-Chief Eric Schurenberg. “The founders and CEOs of the Inc. 5000 tell us they think determination, risk taking, and vision were the keys to their success, and I believe them.”

The annual Inc. 5000 event honoring all the companies on the list will be held from October 10 through 12, 2017 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, CA. Speakers include some of the greatest entrepreneurs of this and past generations, such as former Ford president Alan Mullaly, FUBU CEO and founder and “Shark Tank” star Daymond John, Dollar Shave Club founder Michael Dubin, researcher and #1 New York Times bestseller Brené Brown, and Gravity Payments’ founder and CEO Dan Price.

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000

Methodology
The 2017 Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2013 to 2016. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2013. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2016. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2013 is $100,000; the minimum for 2016 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.'s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000.

About Inc. Media:
Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders. Winner of the National Magazine Award for General Excellence in both 2014 and 2012. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 18,000,000 today. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

The Inc. 5000 is a list of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation. Started in 1982, this prestigious list of the nation's most successful private companies has become the hallmark of entrepreneurial success. The Inc. 5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony is an annual event that celebrates their remarkable achievements. The event also offers informative workshops, celebrated keynote speakers, and evening functions.

For more information on Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Conference, visit http://conference.inc.com/.

View the full Press Release