InformationWeek
Defining The Business Value Of Technology
November 17, 1997
Baan Adds Components
Next year's Baan V will link to third-party applications and simplify upgradesBy Marianne Kolbasuk McGee and Tom Stein
Much of the framework for linking application modules exists under the covers in Baan IV, company executives say. But with the release of Baan V next year, it will be further opened up to developers.
Baan will use the architecture to connect its ERP system to the supply-chain planning and sales-force automation software it acquired from Berclain Software and Aurum Software.
Baan's architecture also lays the ground- work for connecting third-party software. "They're positioned to start modeling non-Baan processes," says Ed Black, an analyst with the Aberdeen Group in Boston. Adds Mike May, VP of IT for Teknion Furniture Systems in Downsview, Ontario, "The more Baan does to make those interfaces
seamless, the better it is for me."
Baan will roll out components for processes such as finance, warehouse, and configuration in Baan V, which is expected in the first half of 1998.
The component architecture will also make it possible for Baan to upgrade its applications in small, frequent releases, says chairman Jan Baan. He adds, "We are trying to get rid of 'big bang' upgrades."
or companies looking to integrate enterprise resource planning systems with other applications, Baan Co. last week unveiled the Baan Component architecture.
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