Performance optimization drives data management decisions for companies using SAP applications, according to poll by Macro 4

Users of SAP software surveyed reveal the top drivers for data management.

Crawley, UK, November 22, 2011 – According to a poll conducted by Macro 4 of users of SAP® solutions, one of the key factors that drives them to implement data management solutions is the need to control database size to help ensure reliable system performance. The need to optimize performance was mentioned by nearly a third (30 per cent) of all respondents, making it the top data management driver in the survey by Macro 4, a software and services company and SAP partner. Storage costs and compliance requirements, mentioned by 18 per cent of organizations in the research, both tied for second. Maintaining high levels of system availability (17%) came in third. “As SAP applications are central to many organizations’ operations, it’s not surprising that ensuring good performance is viewed as being so important,” explained Lynda Kershaw, UK marketing manager, Macro 4. “That’s why organizations are turning to solutions such as data archiving and the SAP NetWeaver® Information Lifecycle Management component to help minimize the size of the database by removing static data to a secure archive. This keeps the system lean and shortens response times.” Storage costs are minimized by archiving because static data placed in the archive is moved off more expensive disk storage to lower cost media. Customers’ compliance requirements can be addressed by SAP NetWeaver Information Lifecycle Management, which provides tools and technologies to meet the needs for information retention, destruction and compliance in line with legal and regulatory mandates. Macro 4 ILMLink, part of the company’s Columbus software suite, works with SAP NetWeaver Information Lifecycle Management to support long-term data and document retention. “SAP NetWeaver Information Lifecycle Management supports legal compliance in the area of information retention,” added Kershaw. “Another of its features makes it possible to preserve records related to a current legal case by collecting and placing the records on hold during the course of the legal action.” Other data and document management drivers highlighted in the Macro 4 research were the need to limit the growth of back-up windows (5 per cent) and support software upgrades (12 per cent). By reducing the volume of live data processed, archiving helps ensure back-ups and upgrades can be implemented faster. Macro 4 supplies data and document management technology and services. About the Macro 4 Survey The survey was conducted at a seminar event on data management which was run byMacro 4 and Proceed Archiving Solutions in October 2011. Respondents were 21 large UK organizations who use SAP applications. SAP, SAP NetWeaver and all SAP logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and in several other countries. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.