MADRID, Nov. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SAP NEWSBYTE — To support partners in the development of cloud-based packaged applications, SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today unveiled the SAP NetWeaver® Cloud Applications Partner program. This new program gives partners full access to the SAP NetWeaver® Cloud service. It offers a comprehensive set of enablement tools, benefits and support that will help them to quickly and efficiently develop, market and sell cloud applications that meet customers' needs. The announcement was made at SAPPHIRE® NOW + SAP® TechEd, being held as a co-located event in Madrid from November 13-16.

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"Customers large and small are using or looking to use the cloud, not only to save money but also to become more agile, innovative and responsive," said Bernd-Uwe Pagel, senior vice president, Platform Ecosystem and eChannels, SAP. "With the growing demand for software-as-a-service applications, the window of opportunity for this market is wide open. Continuing a deep commitment to the ecosystem, SAP is helping partners take advantage of this huge market opportunity to develop cloud application offerings and reach SAP's vast customer base by selling them on SAP Store."

The program delivers a cost-effective starter package of platform resources and development licenses, including access to a rich and vibrant community of developers, specific enablement and partnership life-cycle management.

"The launch of this new partner program will help SAP to garner even more support from the ISV and developer community for SAP NetWeaver Cloud," said Darren Bibby, vice president, Channels and Alliance Research, IDC. "This will help build on SAP's cloud platform vision by providing key building blocks for developers to create powerful applications in the cloud."

Additionally, the program offers the ability to gain SAP certification for applications integrated with SAP NetWeaver Cloud, as well as the opportunity to market and sell these cloud applications on SAP® Store, the online marketplace from SAP for cloud, mobile and other enterprise-ready applications.

The program is easy to join with low annual fees. Participating partners will particularly benefit from access to the SAP NetWeaver Cloud Applications Partner Center. This comprehensive portal is designed to simplify the partnership experience in all life-cycle phases. Software vendors interested in the program can find detailed information on the partner center portal, including instructions on how to sign up.

For announcements, blog posts, videos and other coverage during SAPPHIRE NOW + SAP TechEd Madrid, visit the Events Newsroom.

Media Contact:
Cindy McKendry, +1 (503) 231-7274, cindy.mckendry@sap.com, PST

SOURCE SAP AG