SAP partners with Vodafone to push IoT solutions for Indian enterprises

Germany’s business software company SAP has partnered with British telecom major Vodafone Plc. to develop internet of things (IoT) solutions for Indian enterprises.

Both companies will look to develop communications solutions for enterprises by leveraging SAP’s Leonardo platform and Vodafone’s IoT Managed Connectivity platform to enable efficient use of scarce resources, automate routine manual tasks, and improve decision-making, across utilities, manufacturing, automotive, transportation and logistics sectors. 

SAP Leonardo is a digital innovation system that brings together machine learning, IoT, blockchain, analytics and big data on the SAP cloud platform, using design thinking services.

“Enterprises of all sizes are seeking to embrace new-age technologies for higher efficiency,” said Neeraj Athalye, head of innovation and digital strategy group, SAP Indian Subcontinent. “The offerings provided by Vodafone Business Services are truly complementary to the SAP Leonardo portfolio – our enterprise-grade offering for digital innovation. With this, we aim to equip our customers with end-to-end solutions that will shift business value from things to outcomes.”

In a joint statement, the companies said that they had signed an MoU to work together and offer a host of innovative packages comprising connectivity solutions, business application software, end-to-end device management and support services.

“As customers digitise, industrial IoT will be at the centre of their programmes. Working in collaboration with SAP, we will offer an end-to-end partnership across IOT and analytics, which will enable meaningful insight and focused outcomes,” said Nick Gliddon, director of Vodafone’s enterprise business.

Last month, SAP had said that it intends to provide teacher training and equipment for 150 school labs set up under the government’s Atal Innovation Mission.

As part of the plan, employee-volunteers would coach students in internet of things, robotics, 3D printing and artificial intelligence. SAP Labs India will train and give students hands-on experience of gadgets, while SAP India will provide grants through non-profit partners.

In February, Vodafone had said that it was starting a pilot to test its 4G internet of things-enabled drone tracking and safety tech for the European Union, in a bid to protect aircraft and prevent inadvertent or criminal drone incursions at sensitive locations such as airports, prisons and hospitals.