arcplan Unveils dynaSight 3.0 to U.S. SAP User Community

arcplan Inc, a leading provider of powerful front-end analysis solutions and business intelligence software, will demonstrate the soon-to-be released dynaSight version 3.0, its flagship analytic reporting platform at SAPPHIRE 2001.

With this latest release, arcplan has created advanced functionality unavailable with any other 3rd party tool and has again asserted it's exceptional position within the SAP environment. dynaSight, its flagship platform for analytical applications, enables the development and deployment of tailored, Web-based enterprise decision support systems. It permits direct access to many types of data sources, as well as quick and simple analysis of data for the common information user. It can be applied in any IT infrastructure to create seamless and powerful analytical solutions for most legacy, RDBMS or cubed data. With 3.0, arcplan introduces: a certified BW 2.0 interface using BW-OBI, write-back to the SAP BW, the integration of DHTML, enhanced graphics via OpenGL and advanced ad-hoc functionalities through Interactive Query.

"With version 3.0, users can now analyze critical data from SAP enterprise applications faster than ever before. Our rich and highly intuitive reporting technology helps them turn business information into a plan of action," commented Roland Hoelscher, CEO of arcplan Inc. "The SAP user community will clearly recognize the benefits of the certified native BAPI interface, which allows seamless integration and functional improvement to SAP's Business Warehouse (BW); and, through an interface with SAP's Strategic Enterprise Management (SEM), we are the first partner to provide write-back to the BW... a must for interactive processing of your data."

Native BAPI interfaces allow direct integration to SAP BW

With the 3.0 release, dynaSight becomes the only solution (other than the SAP Business Explorer) that permits direct access to SAP BW 2.0 data via the native BAPI. For SAP customers, this means that all the functionalities related to SAP BW are fully supported through the arcplan interface. It has also been proven that direct access to SAP BW Query Cubes in this manner allows for faster data analysis - and when considering the ease of development and deployment that arcplan already boasts - arcplan's already leading market share should continue to increase. Furthermore, the necessary ODBO component updates for new releases or patches can be eliminated. This means that customers using the native BAPI will enjoy both a decrease in administration and maintenance.

Hoelscher further explained, "arcplan has successfully provided its front end for SAP data for several years and was certified for previous manifestations of the SAP OLE DB for OLAP specification. arcplan is now the only third-party company with official and tested access to SAP BW via both the BW-OBI and the BW-ODB and the only company that continues to allow their customers the choice of two interfaces for data access."

"More than 50 of arcplan's 1,500 customers worldwide deploy SAP BW using the ODB interface", stated Hoelscher. The arcplan/ SAP BW combined solution are used with many of the world's largest companies, such as Eastman Kodak, Kimberly-Clark, Phillips Petroleum, Rhone Poulenc Rorer, Siemens and Tellabs.

dynaSight provides data entry in SAP BW via SAP SEM, improving processing and analytical power

With Strategic Enterprise Management (SAP SEM), SAP is offering a comprehensive software solution for analytical support of the strategic management process. BW data entry powered by SAP SEM, a completely new interface developed mutually by arcplan and SAP, will (for the first time) allow for write back to the SAP BW. By using the new arcplan interface, customers will be allowed to directly access the Business Planning Simulation module (BPS) of SAP SEM 2.0B and more fully utilize its processing and analytical power. Results of the write back can be immediately observed in the BW system and presented with the infinite flexibility of the dynaSight solution. This kind of functionality allows the BW to deliver customized, intuitive and Web-enabled budgeting, planning and forecast applications to it's users.

Also included among the new enhancements to Version 3.0 are: integrated HTML for faster Web delivery and integration of critical business information; enhanced visualization with Open GL and Interactive Query for improved ad-hoc reporting capabilities

Integrated HTML

Version 3.0's HTML Viewer allows the individual combination of dynaSight objects with freely structured data (such as illustrations, texts, animations, graphics and tables) on a company's Internet or Intranet pages. Content can now be linked quickly and easily in the desired form and independently of the design of the original dynaSight applications.

Enhanced three-dimensional visualization through OpenGL

Version 3.0's use of OpenGL technology now allows both the three-dimensional representation of design features, buttons and graphics types and also the inclusion of light-and-shade effects. "The targeted use of 3-D items enhances not only the attractiveness of the information system but can also visually emphasize critical data," Hoelscher said. For example, turnover or the year's profits can be clearly emphasized by means of an individually configurable, artificial lighting effect. "The attention of the user is instantly focused on the essential information," Hoelscher added.

Ad-Hoc Reporting Capabilities

The Interactive Query allows ad-hoc processing by business users. Data can be quickly and easily analyzed across multiple dimensions on-the-fly without additional development efforts.

arcplan will demonstrate the powerful functionality of its products at the Orange County Convention Center at booth ##2643.

About arcplan Inc

arcplan Inc, headquartered in Wayne, PA, is a leading vendor of front-end analytic solutions for the OLAP and RDBMS market. arcplan's unique analytical architecture provides the easiest and most flexible platform for seamless information integration and intuitive end user delivery of business intelligence solutions. Customers include AIG, BP Amoco, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Deloitte Consulting, Eastman Kodak, Federal Express, Novartis, Pharmacia & Upjohn, Pfizer, and Safeway Supermarkets. Additional information on arcplan and its products can be obtained by calling 877-2-ARCPLAN or via the company's Web site at www.arcplan.com.

Contact arcplan Inc, by Altus Group, Holly Winzler, 856-234-2700, winzler@altus-group.com.