The largest business-management software maker SAP plans to spend almost $500 million in otder to grab customer for its Hana data-processing product, giving an edge to its rival Oracle.SAP has budgeted $337 million to provide new clients of its Hana database platform with consulting services and an 18-month refund policy. The company is also starting a $155 million venture fund to spur development of applications compatible with Hana.
The incentives “give a strong signal to customers and the market that we are deeply committed to developing this growth area,” Vishal Sikka, an SAP board member in charge of technology and innovation. “With Hana, we have an opportunity to really transform the database and rethink applications.”