Enterprise application software firm SAP has announced the names of the initial companies participating in its blockchain co-innovation initiative.

The nine participating companies include Capgemini, Deloitte, GrainCorp, HCL Technologies, HERE Technologies, Moog Inc., Natura Cosméticos S.A., NetApp and PeerNova. They are collaborating with SAP to validate blockchain use cases and business models for product and asset lifecycle management solutions from SAP.

The SAP Leonardo Blockchain Co-Innovation program offers SAP customers and partners the opportunity to explore applications including blockchain use from product inception to manufacturing and logistics. SAP said that it is exploring digital supply chain scenarios where different suppliers submit offers directly to blockchain to improve effectiveness across their business networks.

"In the digital economy, an iterative, fast-paced approach in close collaboration with our customers and partners is imperative," said Dr. Juergen Mueller, chief innovation officer, SAP. "With the blockchain service as part of the SAP Leonardo digital innovation system we are enabling an open collaboration around distributed business processes in peer-to-peer networks."

SAP plans to make the digital ledger system an integrated part of Internet of Things (IoT), manufacturing and digital supply chain solutions using the SAP Cloud Platform Blockchain service.

The registrations for the SAP Leonardo Blockchain Early Access program is now open and will offer customers and partners access to standard SAP products that have been enhanced with blockchain functionality. They will get an opportunity to learn how SAP Leonardo Blockchain capabilities can enable them to access the same information without the need for central control and management.

"Blockchain is a transformative technology that can simplify multiparty transactions and open new possibilities for digital innovation in many industries," said Dr. Tanja Rueckert, president of IoT & Digital Supply Chain at SAP. "Our early access customers and partners can join SAP to get a first-mover advantage innovating and scaling blockchain as a core part of their Internet of Things strategies."

In its early access blockchain program, SAP is focusing on industries including automotive, aerospace and defense, discrete manufacturing and utilities, with additional participation across the broader supply chain and business networks, including logistics network providers. The early access program is open for customers and partners to register until early Q1 2018.

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