IBM adds SAP software workload capabilities on hybrid cloud

IBM has announced new services, partnerships and capabilities designed to help corporate clients accelerate their hybrid cloud journeys and deploy and run SAP software workloads wherever they choose - from the IBM public cloud to on-premises. These offerings expand on IBM and SAP's global alliance partnership to help clients optimise their SAP software workloads.

Global clients across industries are choosing to run their SAP software workloads on IBM Cloud. Reinforcing IBM's commitment to investing in a hybrid cloud ecosystem, IBM and SAP are also expanding their ecosystem of GSI and ISV partners, to include Syniti, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Tech Mahindra and others, to help simplify and speed how clients run their SAP software workloads on IBM Cloud.  

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, enterprises around the world are looking to modernise their operations. According to a recent IBM IBV study, 64% of executives surveyed now plan to shift to a more cloud-based business model over the next two years. With this acceleration comes the need for deploying complex enterprise resource planning (ERP) and business process workloads in a way that provides clients with the industry's highest levels of security.

IBM offered the following examples of corporate clients working to deploy their SAP software workloads to IBM Cloud:

• Peruvian construction company Cementos Pacasmayo, who deployed its SAP S/4HANA suite to IBM public cloud as it sought to expand beyond construction sales to value-added services, which allowed it to handle the additional ERP complexity that came with its new business line.
• Coca-Cola European Partners, who is deploying several large SAP software workloads - including the SAP ERP application and the SAP BW/4 HANA solution - as part of its hybrid transformation. The work is designed to help CCEP deliver higher levels of service to its customers by leveraging advanced analytics while retaining a reliable infrastructure.
• Italian footwear retailer Primadonna Collection, who deployed its IT infrastructure to a certified SAP software environment on IBM public cloud for VMware to improve manageability and performance. This is designed to help Primadonna Collection modernise its business-critical processes, such as sales and customer care, as it looks to expand its global footprint. 

 

Information security tops operational risk concerns in financial services

Information security, including cyber, has topped a league table of operational risk concerns for risk professionals at global financial services organisations. The findings were published in a report from ORX, an operational risk association with a membership of over 100 banks and insures globally.

According to the report, 'Top Risk Review, Monitoring the ongoing change in the operational risk profile, October 2020', information security risk continues to challenge the industry, with a score more than double the second rated - third Party risk - with 83% of respondents rating it within their top five.  This result was consistent across banking, insurance and asset management organisations.

The research revealed a number of drivers for information security risks - some historic and well established and others exacerbated by the COVID pandemic.

“Participants reported more frequent and sophisticated cyber-attacks," said Steve Bishop, head of Risk Information from ORX. "At a macro level, global geopolitical tensions are driving cyber-attacks as a form of espionage and warfare. Members also continue to report continued targeted attacks on customers and employees (such as phishing). A shift towards the digitalisation of products, services and work environments also increases exposure to information security threats."

 

Starling Bank integrates PayStream accounting for businesses 

PayStream online accounting software is now available directly through the Starling Marketplace, the in-app space where customers can connect to third-party products and services. 

Back in February, PayStream became part of the Starling Marketplace to connect business customers with experts on IR35, the tax legislation that helps determine if a limited company contractor is an independent business, or if they’re essentially an employee working for a client without being on the payroll. 

The new integration that has been developed is focused on bookkeeping. By connecting a business bank account to PayStream’s online accounting software, everything will update and transfer automatically, which the bank says will make tax returns less of a headache. A dedicated accounts team is also provided as part of the service, to help with limited company administration and advice on pay and tax-related issues. Once a Starling account is integrated with PayStream, transactions will sync once a day, typically overnight.