Google’s Chrome Book will be out 15th Of June (What this means to SAP)
I am following the Google chrome with lots of enthusiasm for the past few months. I really love the concept of “100% Internet”. For most of the countries however, even the mere internet connection is luxury to have. So I have a fundamental question with the concept too. But nevertheless, I firmly believe the world will move towards this idea, sooner than later. The world is moving towards the clouds. What does this means to SAP?
SAP, traditionally based on client based UI (or fat clients) did show some move towards the thin web based technology. In fact some of them were very interesting developments. But still I believe SAP has some catching up to do.
One difference I see between SAP and companies like Google, is that, SAP tries to do more or less the same thing they do with their fat clients, on the web with their thin clients too. This for me has two problems. First it will require larger band widths (meaning slower to the users); second it doesn’t use the power of online technology brings. For an example, while Spread sheet solutions on Google Docs have traditional functions which MS Excel used to has, they also have very interesting functions to get the real-time financial report using the power of online technology. Forms in Google docs is another great example for using the power of being online.
Again, a system like SAP requires the reliability and security levels which may be compromised in the online world. So it is correct to say, SAP is best used with the fat client technology today. But very soon, I am sure; SAP will come up with a real web solution making users to work online, just like any other online application.
BTW, if you are wondering what chrome book is, it is a kind of a notebook computer, which doesn’t contain any installed applications. But it is always connected to the web, making available to the user web based programs like Google Docs, Gmail and other tons of stuff. Chrome Books will not install software in their hard drives. So there is no need to upgrade and maintain anything. It is secured from the source, so even a virus guard is not required. Obviously this makes the system faster, and smarter. Cost for maintaining the system is much less compared to a traditional network. All the files will be saved in the “Cloud” not in your hard drive. So what you do is independent of the device you use. You might lose the device, not the work. And when it comes to the price, it is based on subscription just like using a mobile phone. Interesting isn’t it?
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