DataXstream – FAQ
Who is DataXstream? What does DataXstream do?
DataXstream is a consulting firm that specializes in SAP. Specifically, we consider ourselves to be the foremost experts in SAP integration. We have deep experience writing, teaching, architecting, developing, and supporting commercial applications using ABAP, ALE/EDI, BAPI, SAP Netweaver Webservices, and .NET integration technologies. As one our clients recently said, ““If there is something to be bolted on to SAP, these guys can make it happen!”
In addition, we deliver exceptional service in implementing new SAP systems, planning and performing SAP upgrades, and migrating from obsolete legacy systems to SAP.
DataXstream combines in-depth design and development expertise with an exceptional talent for innovation and mission critical situations.
OK, great, but what’s SAP?
SAP is a global software firm that provides a comprehensive range of enterprise software applications and business solutions – designed for global operations and supported with globalization services – to empower every aspect of your business. You can read more here.
Who are some of your customers? What services have you provided to them?
Follow this link to our “Customers” page, and click here to read “Case Studies”.
Describe the market DataXstream serves.
DataXstream has served companies from start-ups to Fortune 500 firms. For SAP integration projects, which are often application specific, company size is not usually a good indicator of fit. For SAP implementation and upgrade projects, our customer-intimate, personal approach is usually the best fit for mid-market firms
What is DataXstream’s financial condition?
DataXstream is a fast-growing, privately-owned enterprise, and has been profitably run since inception in 1996. This includes 2009.
What makes DataXstream different from the competition? Why should I select DataXstream for my SAP projects?
We hire only the best people in integration, with most of our senior leadership published in not only SAP integration technologies, but also other technologies such as Weblogic, Mercator, and Gentran. With our 10 year focus on integration, DataXstream is the most capable of finishing the project with the highest degree of integrity, quality, and efficiency. Other key points to consider:
Our Philosophy – We teach all our consultants that the customer and the project are the highest priority. We view the Customer as a Business Partner, and our commitment to excellence ensures the project is done right 100% of the time.
Our Hiring Practices – Having a skill or ability is not enough to be DataXstream consultant. Leadership, Experience, and a successful track record in previous endeavors is what we look for. DataXstream hires proven leaders that pass a rigorous screening process.
Our Commitment to Excellence – A recent poll by Gartner revealed that 70% of all clients are dissatisfied with their consultants. DataXstream is different. We have never had a bad assignment, and we have always delivered on-time and on-budget with a high degree of quality. Why does DataXstream succeed where others fail? We take pride in understanding the problem and scoping out issues before we ever submit a formalized quote. Once the contract is in place, it is our mandate that we fulfill our end of the bargain, regardless of what obstacles come up during the implementation.
Our mission – The most important function of DataXstream is to help our clients be more successful at leveraging their ERP infrastructure and realize a better return on investment. We strive to be a world-class provider of enterprise solutions using proven and emerging technologies architected by seasoned professionals of the highest degree of integrity and skills.
We are also an SAP Customer – DataXstream is both and SAP Customer and Vendor. Providing highly qualified resources to some of SAP’s most challenging customer projects for over a decade.
Infrastructure – DataXstream has a significant SAP infrastructure to support our customers. In our data center we host R/3, ECC, BI, XI, PI, EP, and Solution Manager on many different versions. This infrastructure allows us to rapidly prototype solutions and trouble shoot technical problems for customers. We have the ability to rapidly stand up new landscapes and applications through the use of server virtualization when new customer requirements arise.
Our References – More than anything else, when choosing a consulting company, its about trust. What has that company proved over the years, good or bad. We are very proud of our 100% success rate at implementing and keeping customers.
How should I conduct the Consultant selection process and compare vendor solutions?
Choosing an outsourcing partner requires a process-based approach. This process involves determining your primary needs drivers, engaging executive sponsorship, and identifying the probable project components.
Two main components help compare an outsourcing vendor. First, from an analytical service provision standpoint, you perform an apples-to-apples analysis of each vendor’s proposal. Because no consulting proposal is created equal, vendor proposals include different service provisions and may even limit scope, hiding levels of effort and thus costs in expensive time and material rates. To identify such liabilities and accurately make a comparison between vendors to determine which vendor is right for your business, a vendor comparison matrix is necessary. A vendor comparison matrix breaks down — in detail — the services provisioned in the outsourcing proposal and whether they are included into the price.
Also, be sure to check references — both existing and former customers can give you a better understanding of how the vendor performs and delivers.
What are DataXstream’s product and service offerings?
Our expertise in SAP is broad and deep. In the past, we have helped clients with the following types of projects:
- Implementing full SAP systems.
- Integrating a client’s proprietary software product to SAP and leading the certification process with SAP.
- Implementing enterprise-wide SAP PI solutions, involving hundreds of system interfaces.
- Utilization of our proprietary Xstream Connector, which is Certified for SAP NetWeaver, to integrate SAP with our client’s other IT systems.
Don’t see something on this list that you need? Give us a call, and we may be able to help you with a solution, either provided by our team or by referring you to an organization that best fits your needs.
Every consultant says that they are good. Prove it to me!
We take great pride in our 100% project success rate and the 100% “reference-ability” of those projects. Our clients say it best when they speak of our work, and we will provide contacts info for appropriate reference clients as part of our project proposal to you.
For a look at our expertise, check out our “Consultants’ Blog”.
What partnerships or alliances has DataXstream formed?
Follow this link to view our “Partners” page.
Does DataXstream specialize in certain vertical industries?
DataXstream is industry agnostic, and has worked with a variety of companies from a wide range of industries, including: Chemical, Defense, Manufacturing, Insurance, Media, Software, Telecommunications, Transportation, Utilities, and Wholesale Distribution.
What does the typical sales process look like?
The DataXstream sales process is an important first step in a new customer relationship. The primary objective is to collaboratively design a project solution that will guarantee a successful outcome for your organization’s initiative.
Solution design is accomplished through a combination of on-site and telephone meetings, and through gathering various data-related documents.
Initially, you will be working with someone from the DataXstream sales team who will help scope what services fit best for the needs of your organization. As those services are identified, technical experts with specific domain expertise will be engaged to interview your team, gather data, and scope out project options. That information will then be used to build a solution, with you, that meets your IT goals and helps achieve business objectives.
Once the solution is built, DataXstream develops a budgetary estimate for the cost of the services being provided. It is quite common for the scope definition and arriving at the corresponding cost to be an interactive process.
The timeline of this process is dictated by the customer’s needs and therefore can be a very short, intense process or a longer, more methodical process. Whatever the case, be assured DataXstream can assist in building the right solution to meet your needs.
