SAP started talking about composite applications, or xApps, around 2003 with its Enterprise Services Architecture Strategy. All SAP xApps composite applications combine Web services and data from multiple systems. The company has developed a composite application framework that supports model-driven application composition, a user interface layer and a collaboration framework to relate any service or object from SAP’s Netweaver to any other business object. There are xApps for Sales and Operations Planning, Lean Planning and Operations, etc. – and some of the new ones around Governance, Risk and Compliance and Mobile Business.
Now Oracle has jumped into the fray – probably it had to with its multiple app portfolio. Big question is whether Project ‘X’s approach will overshadow and perhaps be injurious to Oracle’s Fusion vision. If Oracle is smart, Project X could generate an annuity business. However with this, a JD Edwards customer could use this integration framework to access G-Log’s logistics hub, Demantra’s demand planning capabilities or Siebel’s CRM functionality without having to license the suites themselves or wait for Fusion Applications.