But Tyco doesn't tinker with the financial systems software of the companies it buys. Instead, it uses Hyperion software to map the financial accounts into a standardized Tyco general ledger. On the business side, when Tyco buys a company similar to a current unit, it folds the new operation into an existing SAP enterprise resource planning program. Other acquisitions keep their business systems in place but develop interfaces for linking sales, customer orders, and other critical data with Tyco's own systems. Using the Internet, it can take orders from customers or distribute software updates through the Internet.
Customers can get their keys to activate new software through the Web.
The company keeps track of distributors' inventory online. And manufacturing partners use IT links to get product specifications and orders from Xilinx. The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.