FAQ

Data analytics is the science of acquiring and processing information and using the data to make conclusions.

Big Data is a field that deals with very large data sets that are too complex to be analyzed by traditional data-processing applications.

Data analytics leverages real information, making predictions and studies into actions, behaviors and other phenomena more accurate and valuable.

Your business and your customers generate a lot of information. Analytics lets you tap into that information so you know what your customers want, and how you can optimize your workflows.

Big Data involves extremely large data sets — but the actual size of Big Data is a constantly moving target, evolving as data storage capabilities increase.

Due to vast increases in the ability to collect, store, and analyze valuable data, analytics has replaced some traditional human functions. However, in many areas, Big Data is enhancing the work that humans do, not supplanting it.

Data sources for Big Data include the Internet and social networks, the Internet of Things, and information from traditional business systems.

There are many areas of growth and innovation in Big Data, including accessible artificial intelligence, increased predictive analytics, “dark data” migration (the vast amount of information that has yet to be digitized), and edge computing, which leveraged connected devices to collect and analyze data.

Data visualization is gaining popularity because it provides an easy-to-understand representation of real-life activity and behavior.

Cloud computing involves connecting to external computing resources via the internet.

Cloud computing allows organizations with limited IT and computing resources to use only what they need at any given time, saving on the cost of acquiring and managing computing equipment.

Utility, on-demand, and grid computing refer to subsets of cloud computing. Grid computing is a distributed system, such as a super virtual computer. Utility computing and on-demand computing uses resources such as hardware, software and network bandwidth in a manner similar to how electricity, natural gas, and other utilities are used.

Software-as-a-service is a specific application of cloud computing, with users connecting to the cloud to use an application that, in the past, would have been installed and managed on-premises.

Almost any application can be cloud-based, and increasingly, more and more applications are moving to the cloud. From accounting software to Unified Communications solutions, most applications are available in a cloud-based delivery.

Yes, and many businesses utilize a private cloud to segregate data from the public internet.

Cloud usage may seem less-than-secure at first glance, as you are transmitting potentially sensitive information outside of your organization’s physical location, however, the Cloud has many security features from how data is stored, encrypted, secured, and accessed.

AWS CloudFormation is a service that provides tools to Amazon Web Service (AWS) customers for building and managing application infrastructure.

AWS CloudFormation supports various AWS stack resources, such as an Amazon EC2 instance, an AWS CloudFormation stack, or an Amazon S3 bucket.

Digital transformation is the process where an organization substantially alters its operations based on technology. However, it involves much more than just adding tech to a business; it’s about transforming a company’s entire culture and being with technology.

Digital transformation is a top-down process that affects every function of a business, involving integrated technologies and access to actionable data that powers positive changes and growth.

Most businesses benefit from digital transformation. One of the big drivers of the digital transformation process is survival, as organizations often have to keep pace with competitors who have evolved and adapted to new technologies. Digital transformation is a good decision for any organization that is looking to modernize all aspects of their organization and best prepare for the future.

Digitalization is similar to digital transformation; however, it involves adding tech and digitizing processes, without necessarily altering an organization’s core operations and identity.

Big businesses require digital transformation to remain competitive, and to get the most out of the digital information available today.

Digital transformation makes an organization more agile and nimble, responsive to customers, and able to act on actual information, rather than assumptions.

For success, digital transformation requires a thorough and holistic revamping of an organization’s processes.

ERP software is the integrated management of primary business processes.

ERP solutions often integrate planning, purchasing, inventory management, sales and customer relationship management, marketing, finance, and human resources.

ERP integrates various key business components, allowing for customizable levels of transparency and more efficient cross-functional workflows.

If your existing ERP solution does not cover all of your key business functions, then you may need to consider updating your system.

Choosing an ERP should involve a thorough analysis of your current solution, where the solutions may be falling short, and your organization’s goals.

ERP increases accuracy and the ability to share information between departments and provides greater reporting and insights.

Since ERP touches every key function of a business, it is generally best to make major changes in slower times, when you can dedicate more time and resources to implementation.

Most businesses do not know what they need when it comes to ERP, and one of the key benefits of working with an ERP expert is the tailor solution that results from the assessment process.

Cloud-based ERP adds scalability, flexibility, and potential cost savings. The instant access of the cloud means your employees have all the tools they need to do their job, no matter where they may be. The cloud also adds automatic backup capabilities that protect your data. Also, the increased visibility and central location of your organization’s key functions powers businesses to make better decisions.

This stands for the Internet of Things, which is the use of connected devices to collect and analyze data.

The “things” are various devices, from network-connected thermostats to factory machinery and more that record data and share with other devices and computers.

An IoT solution allows an organization to integrate collected data into specific workflows and get the most value from IoT.

IoT PoC is the process or ability to test and experiment with a solution in your particular technology environment. It is important to have a clear scope with any IoT project, and PoC helps determine if the IoT application provides value to your organization.

An IoT cloud platform helps combine IoT devices with cloud computing resources and deliver an end-to-end solution.

An Application Enablement Platform or AEP is a form of platform-as-a-service. It enables rapid deployment of an IoT service or application by providing the foundation that is required for the IoT service to properly function, such as communication, data storage, application building, user interface, security, and analytics.

Edge computing leverages device computing capabilities to distribute tasks, resulting in increased efficiencies.

A Smart device is any device that is connected to other devices and which has some degree of interaction or autonomy.

The basic IoT device elements include network connectivity, central control hardware, cloud data collection and sharing, user interface, system security, and data analytics.

There are secure IoT security practices, including configuring your router to control access to your network, creating a secondary or guest network for IoT traffic, enabling multi-factor authentication, and more.

There are also numerous IoT operating systems, including Ubuntu Core, RIOT, Fuchsia OS, Contiki, TinyOS, and others.

Cybercriminals attempt to hack IoT devices to exploit network vulnerabilities or access data.

Encryption practices and tools can help increase the security of IoT systems during the exchange of data.

How do we best address the technical challenges impacting security for the IoT?

Organizations should plan a framework that covers security, privacy, and long-term sustainability issues holistically. The focus should not be on devices, but rather on the entire ecosystem.

SAP’s enterprise software solutions help businesses manage operations and customer relations.

Cloud computing is the use of off-premises computing resources to achieve business objectives while increasing scalability and flexibility and reducing costs.

SAP HANA is a relational database management system that allows for the storing and retrieval of data requested by applications.

Cloud revenue is the largest source of earnings for SAP, approaching $10 billion in 2020.

SAP solutions are developed in-house by SAP developers and engineers, with customization at client sites.

R&D expense is the cost associated with investigating a new product or service.

SAP S/4HANA is SAP’s ERP for large enterprises, optimized for SAP’s in-memory database SAP HANA.

Yes, it is both a cloud and an on-premises solution.

SAP Cloud Platform is SAP’s business platform designed to help businesses innovate, integrate and extend applications with agility, flexibility, and choice.

With its investment in business networks, SAP provides sources for businesses to help drive their businesses further. SAP’s Business Network Group includes procurement platforms, travel, and expense management solutions, and accessible ways to manage workforces.