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38 IBM ^ xSeries 440 Planning and Installation Guide
2.1.2 Enterprise applications
Because enterprise applications such as ERP, SCM, CRM and BI work with the
most critical data of a business, x440 with its high-availability features is an ideal
server for these applications.
Enterprise Resource Planning
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is an industry term for the broad set of
activities supported by multi-module application software that helps a
manufacturer or other business manage the important parts of its business,
including product planning, parts purchasing, maintaining inventories,
interacting with suppliers, providing customer service, and tracking orders.
ERP can also include application modules for the finance and human
resources aspects of a business. Typically, an ERP system uses or is
integrated with a relational database system.
The key operation areas of the x440 for ERP applications are:
– As an application server and as a database server with two-way servers
such as the x330 acting as Web servers.
– As an application server front-end to a pSeries or zSeries database
server, due to the fact that ERP applications involve integration across
heterogeneous environments.
– Using partitionable x440 servers to deploy ERP applications within a
single large-scale server, which could be an attractive solution for SMB
customers offering them new levels of manageability as it relates to their
ERP implementation.
Key server attributes for ERP applications are availability, scalability, and
performance. The x440, with its Enterprise X-Architecture technology such as
XpandOnDemand capability, Active Memory, and XceL4 server accelerator
cache, is a robust basis to build and implement successful ERP solutions.
Key ERP software vendors include SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Microsoft, JD
Edwards, Baan/Invensys, and Navision.
Supply chain management
Supply chain management (SCM) is the oversight of materials, information,
and finances as they move in a process from supplier to manufacturer to
wholesaler to retailer to consumer. Supply chain management involves
coordinating and integrating these flows both within and among companies.
The x440 is a preferred platform for SCM management applications. The
x440 offers a range of leading technologies that will help to deliver the uptime
required for business-critical applications at the lowest price/performance
ratio. The x440 covers all high-availability features for customers looking for
servers to power their SCM solutions. Also, the x440 can be considered as an