SAP is an acronym for “System Application & Products” whose function is to create a centralized database for all possible applications within an organization. SAP has been designed with such a versatility way that it efficiently handles and effectively coordinates all functional departments. It needs to be noted that today major companies including Microsoft and IBM are using SAP products to run their own businesses.

SAP products are generally focused on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and its applications are built around R/3 system which provides the expertise to manage product operations, cost accounting, assets, materials and personnel. The R/3 system of SAP runs on majority of platforms including windows 2000 and it uses the client/sever model.

SAP NetWeaver is the most recent technology introduced into the market by SAP. SAP products are primarily aimed at large organizations which mainly comprises of Fortune 500 companies and is arguably the number one choice for ERP system worldwide. SAP has software solutions called SAP Business One (SAP B1) and SAP all in one which are mainly created for small and mid sized organizations. SAP products are used by more than 75,000 customers worldwide and in more than 120 countries and the numbers are constantly increasing.

As the world’s leading provider of business software, SAP delivers products and services that help accelerate business innovation for business people. The phenomenal growth of SAP is due to their technology of innovation, co-innovation with customers and partners. Despite stiff and growing competition from Oracle, Baan, JD Edwards and more recently from Microsoft, SAP has managed to retain its market share and be the market leader. SAP ERP solutions provide a reliable means to integrate all these information systems thereby improving process efficiency and operational productivity. The distinct advantage of SAP solutions is that they are up-gradable and can also be customized according to the evolving business requirements of any business house.

Today SAP solutions have become almost indispensable for international businesses as almost half of the world’s Fortune1000 companies have implemented ERP solutions from SAP. This proprietary enterprise resource planning software conveniently automates the entire transactions of an enterprise. Presently SAP has the expertise to implement ERP solutions in more than twenty-five different industry verticals.

SAP has a growing demand in the emerging markets of Asia and Africa and several small and medium enterprises have realized that implementing SAP not only helps manage day to day operations efficiently but it also sharpens business insight by providing real time access to timely information. SAP R/3 solutions is capable of running on several databases Oracle, ADABAS, Informix, DB2/400, Microsoft SQL Server 6.0. With its latest offering my SAP, the company intends to get a stranglehold grip in the enterprise software market. Its future business strategy is to introduce existing ERP customers to mySAP. mySAP has helped the company obtain considerable market share through e- business applications like mySap Customer Relationship Management, mySAP Supply Chain Management, and mySAP Product Lifecycle Management.

During recent times, the ongoing demand for persons skilled in SAP technologies is growing at a rapid pace according to Foote Partners LLC, an analyst firm in Vero Beach, Fla., that tracks pay rates for IT jobs. The salary for SAP persons is rising particularly for those with skills centered on SAP’s latest NetWeaver platform.

A distinction should however be made between SAP employees and the SAP consultants who work with the vendor’s partners. “As a result of the strong demand and market uptake for SAP solutions, there is a corresponding increased demand for IT consultants with SAP skills. We are actively working with our partners to build the pipeline to meet this demand,” – a SAP spokesperson said.

“How do I become an SAP Consultant?”

Business experience in the relevant area is of the utmost importance.  There are various areas in which one can become an SAP Consultant, e.g. Human Resources, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Customer Relationship Management and many more.    Visit the SAP Global web site at http://www.sap.com/ for more information on the various functional and focus areas.

 What is the pass rate for ceritification?”

The overall pass rate is 70%.

When do I get to know my exam result?”

After completing the exam, the candidate gets a result immediately.   These results are then sent to SAP AG for final verification and uploading.

“If I fail, what is the waiting period?”

A candidate can only retake the test after one month’s waiting period.  (Refer to the Policy for Participation in SAP’s Consultant Certification Program for further details)

“How long after writing the exam will I receive my certificate?”

Once the exam results have been verified by SAP AG and the qualifications uploaded will the certificates be issued.  All certificates will be posted to the candidate as per the address supplied.  It could take approximately 2-3 weeks before the certificates can be issued.

Can I obtain a list of certified consultants?”

No, this information is confidential and not released.

“Can a headcounter or anyone else get a list of the people have certified at a company?”

No, this information is confidential and not released.  However SAP Africa will verify the candidate qualifications.

“I have been working on an SAP system in my job and have done a few courses at your SAP Training Centre.  I want to write the certification exam – what must I do?”

Ensure that you have the relevant knowledge to complete an SAP Certification exam.  Then enroll onto one of public exam dates.

“Can I transfer my Certificate to another Company?”

Yes, candidates can transfer previous qualifications to their new company

“How do I make payment for my exam?”

Delegates can make payment either directly into SAP Africa’s banking account or pay by: cash, credit card or bank guaranteed cheque. 

“Can I get certified in more than one area of SAP?”

Yes, it depend on your level of business experience as well as SAP experience.

Will I be a consultant at the end of the Academy Training?”

At the end of the Academy you will be classed as a junior consultant, having to work under the guidance of a senior consultant.

“Does SAP Africa help me find a job after completing the Academy Training?”

No, SAP Africa does not assist in job hunting.

“Should I attend the Academy Training or the Standard courses?”

Academy Training enables certification after a short period of time. Standard courses will also enable one to have the knowledge to write the certification exam, but could take longer to accomplish.

“How do I decide which area to focus on if I do not have the relevant experience?”

We would advise an individual to only attempt an area with the relevant business experience within that area.

“I am fron a programming background and am interested in getting involved in SAP.  What SAP training should I attend?”

SAP’s programming language is called ABAP.  It is therefore advisable to focus on ABAP as an area for individuals with a programming background.

If you have a high speed Internet connection, also known as broadband, then you are a good candidate for a broadband phone. Broadband phone, or VoIP—Voice over Internet Protocol—allows you to use your Internet connection to make and receive phone calls. A VoIP router or adapter converts your voice into digital packets that are directed to the Internet after they are converted into analog signals. This allows you to use your broadband phone to replace your traditional phone service.

There are many advantages to broadband phone. On the simplest level, broadband phone service can be far cheaper than traditional phone service both for monthly fees and for long distance charges. The hardware needed to enable you to take advantage of broadband phone is relatively minimal and is readily available through a number of vendors both online and wherever computer hardware is sold. With a VoIP router or adapter it is not even necessary to purchase new handsets. Additionally, most broadband phone providers offer many standard services that require an additional fee when purchased from traditional phone service companies. These may include three way calling, caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, and phone number portability.

For small business broadband phone can be an exceptionally attractive alternative to traditional phone service. Using VoIP multiple offices can be linked together and long distance tolls can be reduced significantly. All the advantages available to residential broadband phone subscribers can be enjoyed by business users as well.

Making the leap to broadband phone can be intimidating since there are so many options when it comes to both services and hardware. One thing that may make it a little easier is that many providers supply you with the necessary VoIP router when you subscribe. If this is not the case with your broadband phone provider then you do have numerous choices. Big name manufacturers include Cisco, who markets broadband phone routers under both the Cisco and Linksys brands. Other recognizable names include D-Link, Netgear and Belkin. If you do a little research you can find a good quality broadband phone router in the right price range for you.

Searching for a broadband phone provider can prove a little challenging for those just learning about VoIP. Many of the dedicated broadband phone providers in Canada are relatively new to the market but traditional cable providers can be much more expensive. Since broadband phone has had wide adoption in the United States, the newer providers shouldn’t concern you too much since they may have experience in other geographic areas.

There has never been a better time to start looking into your options for broadband phone service. The market is breaking wide open and you can enjoy substantial cost savings as well as high quality service. The technology has advanced to the point where there is now little difference between the service you receive from your conventional provider and from your broadband phone provider. So make the leap. You will be glad you did.