Freudenberg IT now an SAP-certified provider of cloud services

The Certification confirms Freudenberg IT’s ability to deliver SAP® applications via its cloud services, creating flexibility and reducing costs

Weinheim/Durham - June 21th, 2010. Freudenberg IT today announced it is now an SAP-certified provider of cloud services. The internationally active IT service provider is one of the first SAP partners to receive SAP certification of its cloud services. As such, Freudenberg IT can operate its customers’ SAP applications in the dynamic environment of cloud computing. Freudenberg IT has designed its cloud services specifically for the requirements of SAP software. "Achieving certification as a provider of cloud services in support of SAP applications is an affirmation of the tremendous effort that Freudenberg IT has invested into architecting its cloud environment to meet the rigorous quality standards of SAP," said Freudenberg IT's CEO Michael Fichtner.

Cloud computing for greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness
Through the virtual approach of cloud computing, software can be operated significantly faster, in a more performance-oriented way and more in line with demand than is possible in a hardware environment based on fixed allocation. This reduces hardware and software acquisition costs as well as lowers implementation expenses as a result of the less-intensive planning and design requirements. On the basis of Fichtner's experience, applications can be adapted rapidly to changing business requirements, noted as follows: "Cloud services are also ideal if a company wants to test a system or add additional functions at short notice."
In addition, applications such as HCM or CRM can be implemented after only a few hours through the use of cloud technology. The results are tailor-made software environments in which companies can change functions, service levels, contract terms or user numbers very quickly and adapt them in line with their own requirements.

Security as the top priority
Thanks to its own hosting centers around the world, Freudenberg IT can offer cloud services designed specifically for the delivery of SAP software. All data and applications are held at clearly defined locations, warranting the highest security standards for customers' critical business applications. "We make sure that data security and data continuity are ensured at all times," Fichtner explained.

Protecting the environment
Cloud computing allows a considerable reduction in the size of computer systems in use. The flexible assignment of software helps ensure considerably improved utilization of the hardware available. This helps conserve resources, while lower power and cooling requirements also reduce emissions. Fichtner expects a marked reduction in carbon dioxide output: "Cloud computing is a major step towards green IT."

"The certification of Freudenberg IT as a provider of cloud services confirms its capabilities to deliver SAP applications via its cloud delivery platform,” said Michael Ressemann, global head of Outsourcing Services and Solution Delivery, SAP AG. “SAP customers can benefit from comprehensive and innovative service offerings from Freudenberg IT, which are flexible and scaleable and will help them meet their technical and security requirements via the cloud."