What is SAP?

SAP AG corporation is a Software House specializing in business applications for middle and large sized companies. It was founded in Walldorf, Germany in 1972. It now has offices throughout the world. SAP also provides consulting services for the implementation of their software. SAP stands for Systeme, Anwendungen, Produkte in der Datenverarbeitung. This can be translated to Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing.
SAP Systems
SAP markets two main products: R/2 and R/3. The two products share many features and provide similar functionality such as:
Provide an integrated suite of software application modules. The modules cover the requirements of most companies who can purchase those components which they require.
Provide real-time database update for integrated applications. Thus when a business transaction such as the receipt of inventory occurs, the entry into the system will immediately be effected in the Inventory Reports and in the Financial Ledger.
Support organisations with multiple companies in different locations.
Support any number of currencies within the organisation. If item is posted to the system in foreign currency, it is also entered into the system in the companies local currency.
Support multiple languages. The user specifies their native language when signing on to the system and subsequent screens appear the chosen language. Suitable to wide range of industries and organisations. The software can be tuned to practically any companys' requirements through configuration and customisation.
R/3 System
R/3 is the SAP client-server solution and has been around for approximately five years. The current version is 3.1. It has proved hugely popular in many countries. Demand in the United States is particularly high at present. The solution is available to many more companies than R/2 as a mainframe is not required.
It consists of the following modules:
BC Basis (includes ABAP/4 Programming Language)
AM Asset Management
CO Controlling
FI Financial Accounting
HR Human Resources
IS Industry Specific Solutions
PM Plant Maintenance
PP Production Planning
PS Project System
QM Quality Management
SD Sales and Distribution
MM Materials Management WF Business Work Flow