Prelim SAP Services Topics for 2009

A big thank you to everyone who submitted thoughts, suggestions and topic ideas over the past week and a half. Based on your feedback, along with what PAC analyst have noted on the market, we have put together our preliminary research schedule for 2009, including the following topics below.

With overall decreasing IT demand and PAC's latest IT services forecasts moving into negative territory in 2009, PAC has recently expanded and enhanced its SAP Services Research, since it looks to be one of the few "safe havens" during this economic downturn

As such, PAC is offering a Half-Day Workshop & Presentation, "Preparing your SAP Business for 2009," including at minimum 2 PAC consultants for $4,500. We have blocked off time from the second half of January through early February to help support clients on the opportunities that we see on this market in 2009. If you are interested please contact myself or my colleague, JC Jung; and if possible no later than the first week of January, due to scheduling constraints.


"The SAP Skills Ecosystem" (to be published in early January)

A follow-up to PAC's topic leading report in 2007, the report analyzes the current state of the general IT skills crunch, how SAP skill-sets are changing and whether or not the economic environment will ease or continue this labor structure issue for SAP, its customers and its partners.

"SAP Trends in a Lean Economy - First Half '09 Assessment" (to be published: Q109)

How is the buying behavior changing for SAP customers?
What SAP technical and business trends can we expect to see in 2009?
Which projects are positioned to be launched, prolonged, placed on hold or canceled?
How can IT Services suppliers adapt their SAP Services offering to succeed?

"SAP Application Management Services" (to be published: Q209)

Analysis of SAP AM Services Best Practices between suppliers and users
Areas of the greatest demand for AM Services
Sourcing models, including the use of emerging region resources
What does SAP's own exit from the hosting business mean for IT services suppliers?

"SAP Services in Emerging Markets" (to be published Q309)
Analysis of both local SAP Services market demand, as well as the establishment of sourcing models in emerging regions, with a focus on Eastern Europe, Brazil, China and India.

"SAP/Business Objects: Product Roadmap & Opportunities in '09" (to be published: Q409)

PAC's view of SAP's Business Objects roadmap and SAP suite integration
Which Business Objects offerings are most attractive to end-users in the current economy?
Analysis of skills needs around Business Objects, and how PAC sees these skill sets evolving as part of SAP Best practices in leveraging information management skills