N00ber question about SAP

[Tungsram]

What is 'SAP'?

Someone asked me about it today and I discovered that I really didn't know. I've searched the web and read various things, but nothing really explains what it is or what it does.

So far all I can determine is that it's a centralized structure for all incoming and outgoing data requests. Like some sort of a huge management system that controls every piece of an organization's infrastructure whether it be faxing, email, accounting, human resources, etc.

What I don't get is...

Is it a software application? A DB server? A group of servers all doing thier own things but managed by something greater? Is 'it' what ever I want 'it' to be?

It's like trying to define The Matrix.

Any help would be appreciated.

[TomcaT]

SAP is a massive ERP system, I was involved in linking SAP to a warehouse management system called RIMS. It controls accounts, purchasing, sales orders processing and at a stretch warehousing functions (though not very well IMHO) for very large businesses.

I did a course that stated SAP stood for Systems And Programs, dunno how true it is, either way SAP kicks a**.!!

Edited September 13, 2005 by TomcaT

[Tungsram]

So it's an application?

[D.Celt]

http://www70.sap.com:80/uk/index.epx

[TomcaT]

So it's an application?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It is many applications.

[fizban2]

SAP stands for Systems Analysis and Program, SAP is a huge conglomorate of appications that can basically be suited for any dept in a business and these days, there are modules for different uses (hr, financial etc) very cool app, takes alot of customizing to get it working for your business but is well worth the effort if you can get it working well