I am an SAP developer by trade, so the traditional SAPGUI has been embedded into my Windows desktop suite for many years. When I switched to Linux several years ago, I was heartened to find that SAP had an underground movement to provide a Linux SAPGUI via Java. It has since matured into a GUI for many environments, including Mac and others.

I think you will see support like that expanding in all areas. Whether that support is via a desktop API as was mentioned in other threads, or simply by moving the applications to a web model...who cares, as long as it happens!

My goal is to free myself from the Microsoft dependence...even if I have to do it without the help of my Helpdesk!