MANILA, Philippines -- IBM has announced plans to integrate business software from SAP into its Lotus Notes email and messaging software.

Codenamed "Atlantic," the initial release of the software will ship in the fourth quarter of 2008, IBM announced during the recent LotusSphere held in Orlando, Florida.

In a statement, IBM said Atlantic will provide support for SAP workflows, reporting and analytics, and the use of "roles" from within the Lotus Notes client application.

SAP support will also be extended other Lotus Notes and Domino software, IBM added.

IBM's Global Business Services division will provide consulting and integration services for end-users that require customization. SAP's partners will likewise be enabled to provide support services, IBM said.

According to IBM, majority of its top 100 users in the Philippines are also using SAP software.