In a sign of the growing penetration of iPhones and iPads into the enterprise, SAP has released a mobile version of its SAP Business One management software for Apple's smartphone and tablet devices.
SAP Business One is an integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that integrates a number of core business functions, such as inventory and customer relationship management (CRM), into a single management application.
With the new app, users will be able to stay connected and have constant access to their business and customer data while away from the office.
Its key features include allowing users to process approval requests, have real-time access to built-in reports, check inventory levels (including purchasing and sales price, available quantity, product specifications and item images), access to product information, edit contact details and view historical activities, and alerting users on approved discounts, prices or credit limits.
The app is available exclusively for the iPhone and free to download on the Apple iTunes store.
The news follows the increasing uptake of portable devices, such as the iPad, by many companies to progress their business.
However, the growing adoption of the iPad in businesses has been criticised by Gartner vice president, Robin Simpson, as the Apple tablet does not have adequate enterprise-level support for businesses.