International Business / The Pacific

Microsoft, SAP to Form Internet Alliance: The software giant and the German firm will work with international standards organizations to develop the Business Application Programming Interface, or BAPI, which will allow Internet users to take advantage of the program developments made by various software companies. SAP spokesman Michael Pfister said the alliance with Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft Corp. is a “technological partnership rather than a joint venture.” SAP will create applications; Microsoft will provide the Internet platform. SAP said it will market its first products by year-end. The aim is to create applications that allow businesses to conduct transactions interactively in real time.