SAP Launches Strategic Division Dedicated To The Needs Of Smaller Firms

SAP SE recently announced the launch of SMB Solutions Group, a new division solely focused on the specific needs of small and medium businesses (SMBs) with up to 500 employees. While SAP has already been highly successful in this market, which represents nearly half of the world’s GDP*, the new division is dedicated to meet the ever-increasing technology demands of smaller companies. Following SAP’s mantra of making business simpler, the SMB Solutions Group will become the main entry point for those SAP customers and partners globally. With this customer-centric approach, the group will develop the single focus and dedicated approach necessary to help its customers and partners run simple.

The new division will be headed up by Dean Mansfield, who will have full responsibility for its end-to-end operations. Mansfield will execute on a board strategy to redefine the SMB business solutions market by creating the next generation of simplified, integrated business applications powered by SAP HANA, delivered via the cloud that will solve tomorrow’s complex SMB business challenges.

“SMBs are playing an increasingly important role in the global economy and at the same time are increasingly interested in leveraging advanced technology,” said Ray Boggs, vice president of SMB Research, IDC. “We're predicting record worldwide SMB IT spending that will top $680 billion by 2018, with exceptional gains in key regions and across key technologies as SMBs are being transformed through the use of mobile devices and cloud computing. The opportunity for firms to sharpen their products, refine distribution strategy and appeal to new customers has never been greater."

In addition, Mansfield will lead the current SAP Business One application portfolio, which will continue to operate through the Global Partner Operations organization, and plans to accelerate the adoption of SAP Business One, version for SAP HANA, as well as the SAP Business One Cloud solution, version for SAP HANA.

Prior to joining SAP, Mansfield held several senior leadership positions within the software-as-a-service industry, including six years at NetSuite, where he managed global sales and operations. He brings more than 20 years of software experience to SAP.