SAP trends, strategy and ERP market share

Top Stories

Tip 04 Sep 2019
S/4HANA public cloud vs. private cloud: Compare the pros, cons

In addition to SAP's on-premises and hybrid models, the vendor offers S/4HANA in public and private clouds. Here's a look at the differences in some important areas. Continue Reading
Answer 30 Aug 2018
How does SAP S/4HANA digital core enable digital transformation?

The S/4HANA digital core is an initiative of SAP to help companies turn big data emanating from various sources, such as sensors, into actionable insights. Here's a look. Continue Reading

Tip 21 Aug 2018

What are your S/4HANA supply chain software integration options?

Starting with S/4HANA supply chain software and adding additional capabilities through components such as Ariba and C/4HANA can solve some of the thorniest supply chain issues. Continue Reading
Answer 09 Aug 2018

Which SAP C/4HANA deployment options create great customer experience?

Companies looking to SAP to help them create great customer experience should understand C/4HANA deployment options and which is best for them. Continue Reading
Feature 30 Jul 2018

French transit develops chatbot with SAP Conversational AI

The transit system in the Paris metropolitan area is tackling an AI-driven chatbot project to create an easy way for riders to access personalized information. Here's a look. Continue Reading
Feature 25 Jul 2018

SAP users tell why they are building an intelligent enterprise

Four SAP customers from a variety of industries explained why their companies are building intelligent enterprise systems. Reasons include responding to business and data growth. Continue Reading
News 19 Jul 2018

SAP Q2 2018: Cloud revenue shows momentum, 600 more S/4 customers

SAP’s second-quarter results show cloud revenue now at one-fifth of total, indicating momentum. S/4 Hana customers now number 8,900 Continue Reading
Tip 06 Jul 2018

Deployment options -- SAP S/4HANA Cloud vs. on-premises vs. hybrid

Are you confused about the implementation options of S/4HANA? If so, learn about the various choices and their associated pros and cons. Continue Reading
Podcast 21 Jun 2018

Sapphire conference intros raise SAP integration questions

Unveiling of Salesforce challenger C/4HANA and lingering indirect licensing issue give mixed message about SAP's willingness to integrate with popular products from competitors. Continue Reading
News 08 Jun 2018

C/4HANA suite gets qualified thumbs up at SAP Sapphire Now

SAP debuts its Salesforce challenger, C/4HANA, at Sapphire Now 2018. But users probably won't implement it soon, and questions remain about SAP's ability to redefine the CRM market. Continue Reading
News 06 Jun 2018

Sapphire 2018: SAP will take over CRM market, says McDermott

SAP’s chief executive Bill McDermott tells 2018 Sapphire conference the supplier will storm the CRM market with its C/4 Hana business applications suite Continue Reading
News 04 Jun 2018

Practical info on tap at SAP Sapphire Now 2018

At Sapphire Now 2018, SAP needs to combine high-level conceptual information with practical examples of how its technology helps businesses solve real business problems. Continue Reading
Feature 31 May 2018

SAP partner program delivers applications for SMB market

SAP partners are optimistic that a new program for qualifying their applications and making them available on the cloud will drive new business in the SMB market. Continue Reading
Feature 14 May 2018

Inside SAP's digital transformation strategy

In this Q&A, Bertram Schulte, SAP's chief digital officer, discusses the how and why as the company goes through its own internal digital transformation. Continue Reading
News 24 Apr 2018

SAP Q1 2018: Cloud revenue breaks €1bn, 400 more S/4 customers

SAP’s overall first-quarter revenue was flat, but cloud revenue and profitability were up, while its S/4 Hana customer base stands at 8,300 Continue Reading
News 17 Apr 2018

SAP indirect access debate tackled in new licensing model

SAP wants to resolve the indirect-access issue with a new, document-based licensing model. Analysts think customers will be happy, but SAP needs to build trust. Continue Reading
News 10 Apr 2018

SAP bids to modernise indirect licensing with new pricing model

SAP has announced a new pricing model for indirect licensing scenarios that has been welcomed by user groups, who are still pressing for reassurance that they won’t pay more Continue Reading
Feature 23 Mar 2018

Software license management tools can help with SAP indirect usage

Companies can use third-party license management tools to audit their SAP environment to address indirect access issues, but the tools need to be a part of an overall strategy. Continue Reading
News 23 Feb 2018

SAP buys lead-to-money leader CallidusCloud to take on Salesforce

SAP paid $2.4 billion to acquire lead-to-money vendor CallidusCloud, and analysts agree that the significant price may be worth it in an effort to compete with Salesforce. Continue Reading
News 22 Feb 2018

Hana and S/4 users more sophisticated but beset by licensing doubts

Research sponsored by SAP consultancy Centiq finds SAP customers maturing their use of SAP Hana and S/4 Hana, but hindered by licensing concerns and dearth of skills Continue Reading
Feature 19 Feb 2018

Avoiding SAP indirect access woes requires good faith

Some customers are concerned that SAP will hit them for indirect access licensing fees, but they can avoid trouble if they act in good faith and better understand their contracts. Continue Reading
Feature 30 Jan 2018

SAP indirect access issue needs clarity for users, experts say

The indirect licensing access issue is confusing to many SAP customers, and the company's efforts to explain it have not been fully successful, according to industry analysts. Continue Reading
News 30 Jan 2018

SAP 2017 results: Cloud revenue nears €3.8bn, 7,900 S/4 Hana customers

SAP has declared full year 2017 revenue of €23.5bn, of which nearly €2.8bn was cloud, alongside acquisition of Callidus, a cloud-based “lead to money” service Continue Reading
Feature 10 Jan 2018

SAP S/4HANA Cloud and indirect access will dominate 2018

Industry experts say SAP S/4HANA Cloud migrations, Leonardo and Cloud Platform are the technology issues for SAP in 2018; on the business side, the top issue is indirect access. Continue Reading
News 19 Oct 2017

SAP Q3 2017 results show steady growth in cloud revenue to €937m

SAP’s third quarter 2017 results show steady growth in cloud revenue, S/4 Hana adoption, and some uptake for its “digital transformation” spearhead SAP Leonardo Continue Reading
News 07 Aug 2017

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim gets 'faster in the head' with SAP analytics

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim has been using SAP’s Hana database and applications to speed up players mentally, as well as using SAP Hybris to sell shirts Continue Reading
News 05 Jul 2017

New report says users aren't eager for SAP S/4HANA migration

A survey from Rimini Street says that almost 90% of SAP users have no plans for an S/4HANA migration, in part due to satisfaction with their existing SAP ERP. Continue Reading
News 16 Jun 2017

Greggs bakes in business change programme with SAP

UK baker and food-to-go retailer says it has significantly advanced its business change programme with a full panoply of SAP software Continue Reading
News 17 May 2017

Sapphire 2017: McDermott declares SAP indirect licensing policy change

At SAP’s annual Sapphire Now conference in Orlando, Florida, CEO Bill McDermott ruled out charging for static read access from third-party systems, after recent controversy Continue Reading
News 17 Feb 2017

High Court rules for SAP, against Diageo in indirect licensing case

Judge rejects Diageo’s submission that SAP PI is a “gatekeeper” licence for gaining access to the SAP suite of applications and database Continue Reading
News 31 Jan 2017

SAP aims to clarify S/4 Hana, cloud apps roadmaps for customers

The SAP board has launched an initiative to publish and clarify roadmaps, especially in respect of S/4 Hana and its cloud applications, and one product of this is a new technology choice tool Continue Reading
Answer 25 Jan 2017

What can a materials planner do to better manage inventory?

Creating material groupings, assigning replenishment strategies and ensuring timely monitoring for changes are some important keys to effective materials planning. Continue Reading
News 25 Nov 2016

Boots SAP centre of expertise helps take back control

Walgreens Boots Alliance has built an SAP centre of expertise to take back control of the strategic direction of its IT organisation from its previously outsourced structure Continue Reading
News 15 Sep 2016

Manchester City builds digital fan wall on Hana Cloud Platform

Football club has unveiled an interactive fan wall, built on SAP’s Hana Cloud Platform, to engage fans better Continue Reading
Feature 28 Jun 2016

[email protected]: Spreadsheets and ERP – 50 years of software coding business

Business software has been a rich field for IT professionals over the past five decades, and we are on the cusp of a new era of customers rolling their own for competitive advantage Continue Reading
Answer 25 Mar 2016

What does S/4HANA Supply Chain offer production planning?

The line of business Enterprise Management product S/4HANA Supply Chain offers a production-planning component that features materials planning tools and intuitive dashboards. Continue Reading
News 26 Oct 2015

Oracle OpenWorld 2015: Larry Ellison vaunts Oracle’s cloud services over rivals

Larry Ellison promoted his company’s cloud services and berated rivals in his opening keynote at Oracle OpenWorld 2015 Continue Reading
Feature 19 May 2015

Book excerpt: How the SAP HANA platform stores data

This excerpt from 'Implementing SAP HANA, 2nd Edition,' explains the ins and outs of row and column storage, and how SAP HANA's approach to data storage can improve compression and performance. Continue Reading
Answer 03 Apr 2015

How does SAP ERP handle free goods procurement processes?

Learn how to handle business processes involving free samples or goods with no commercial value in SAP ERP. Continue Reading
Feature 05 Aug 2014

Create SuccessFactors Metadata Framework objects, rules with ease

Looking at extending SuccessFactors software? Consultant Luke Marson lays out best practices for using the SuccessFactors Metadata Framework to make it happen. Continue Reading
News 03 Jun 2014

SAP says 'run simple,' users retort: 'back at ya'

SAP's new mantra is "run simple." Can the behemoth software company follow its own advice? Continue Reading
News 03 Jun 2014

SAP announces program to develop industry-focused cloud apps

SAP says its plan to build industry-focused cloud apps will give customers new options for meeting business-specific needs in this news roundup. Continue Reading
Guide 29 May 2014

SAP Sapphire Now 2014: Special conference coverage

News and analysis from the SAP Sapphire Now 2014 conference in Orlando. Continue Reading
Feature 08 May 2014

Beer maker dishes on challenges, advantages of SAP BW on HANA

Molson Coors' trek to running SAP BW on HANA began with a frustrated finance department. Continue Reading
News 05 May 2014

Vishal Sikka's exit at SAP stuns, but does it matter?

It seems few anticipated the departure of Vishal Sikka, the very public face of SAP's technical vision. But how much does it matter to SAP users? Continue Reading
Feature 11 Feb 2014

Five critical factors to integrating SAP SuccessFactors with SAP HCM

There are five critical aspects to integrating SAP SuccessFactors with SAP HCM software or other technologies, writes HCM expert Luke Marson. Continue Reading
Feature 21 Jan 2014

Book excerpt: Production Planning and Control with SAP ERP

Read a chapter from a book by Jawad Akhtar that provides a step-by-step approach to creating different production types in SAP ERP. Continue Reading
Tip 06 Dec 2013

Use SAP Backflush functionality to automate production processes

Companies save themselves headaches by automating production processes using SAP Backflush and Automatic Goods Receipt functions, writes Jawad Akhtar. Continue Reading
Feature 21 Oct 2013

SAP NLS app, new HANA updates changing the data management equation

Developments including an SAP Near Line Storage application and new SAP HANA features are helping solve big data bottlenecks, writes Ethan Jewett. Continue Reading
Tip 12 Aug 2013

Cut inspection costs with the SAP QM module's DMR functionality

Save time and money inspecting the quality of procured or produced materials with the SAP Dynamic Modification Rule (DMR), writes expert Jawad Akhtar. Continue Reading
Feature 20 Jun 2013

Integration between SAP Data Services, Business Warehouse on the rise

SAP Data Services plus SAP Business Warehouse and other ERP apps make a powerful combination but be aware of potential pitfalls, says Ethan Jewett. Continue Reading
Feature 25 Apr 2013

Tips for creating an SAP Business Blueprint for Solution Manager deployment

In this second part on building an SAP Solution Manager roadmap, expert Tony de Thomasis looks at creating a Business Blueprint. Continue Reading
Feature 08 Jan 2013

How SAP BW and HANA will merge over time -- and why it matters

The differences between SAP HANA and Business Warehouse will melt away, says expert Ethan Jewett in this second of a two-part series. Continue Reading
Feature 13 Dec 2012

HANA or Business Warehouse? Choice depends on SAP data management needs

Do companies need SAP Business Warehouse or HANA? It depends on SAP data management needs, says expert Ethan Jewett in this first of a two-part series. Continue Reading
News 15 Nov 2012

SAP announces CRM on HANA

SAP announced the SAP 360 Customer package, a hyped-up version of SAP CRM that runs on SAP HANA, at the combined TechEd/Sapphire Now conference in Madrid. Continue Reading
News 15 Oct 2012

SAP TechEd 2012 Conference Coverage

News and analysis from the SAP TechEd Conference in Las Vegas Continue Reading
News 27 Sep 2012

SAP opens a new front on mobility design, education

SAP has announced the opening of its new SAP Mobility Design Center, aimed at helping its customers build custom mobile applications. Continue Reading
Feature 23 Mar 2012

The importance of an enterprise analytics platform

This BeyeNETWORK spotlight features Ron Powell's interview with Dan Lahl, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Sybase. Ron and Dan discuss predictive analytics and why an enterprise analytics platform is crucial for analytics success. Continue Reading
News 24 Oct 2011

Gartner: HANA architecture is a work in progress

A recent Gartner report, “SAP Throws Down the Next-Generation Architecture Gauntlet With HANA,” gives SAP HANA high marks, but cautions it could be a challenge for SAP to convince “conservative” customers about the need for it. Continue Reading
News 28 Jun 2011

Sizing up SAP StreamWork: Users weigh in

I recently decided that SAP’s updated StreamWork app for the iPhone was just the kick I needed to try out SAP’s collaborative platform again. Continue Reading
News 29 Mar 2011

Sybase Afaria mobile device management finally needed, analysts say

Companies are increasingly looking to Sybase Afaria, SAP’s mobile device management system, to help manage the growing number of mobile platforms in the workplace. Continue Reading
News 25 Oct 2010

Oracle vs. SAP lawsuit: The trial begins

It’s been more than three years since Oracle filed a lawsuit against SAP alleging intellectual property theft. Read this special report for the history of the Oracle vs. SAP lawsuit. Continue Reading
News 25 Aug 2010

Bringing SAP's customer network down to earth

Nina Simosko, senior vice president for SAP’s Premier Customer Network, and her team are aiming to add some clarity to what it means to be a part of this group. Continue Reading
Report 12 May 2010

SAP Sapphire Now 2010 Orlando: SearchSAP.com Special Report

This SAP Sapphire 2010 special report features content from SAP's annual user conference in one convenient location. Continue Reading
Report 27 Apr 2010

Special Report: Choosing hardware for SAP environments

SAP application performance starts with smart hardware decisions. In this special report, find out how to choose hardware for SAP environments. Continue Reading
News 12 Nov 2009

SAP weighs in on Oracle-Sun, Wall Street Journal

SAP is striking back at Oracle, and the Wall Street Journal for "misleading speculation." Continue Reading
News 13 Oct 2009

SAP CTO expects today's SAP applications to be running in 2020

Even though the pace of change for software is accelerating, Vishal Sikka, CTO of SAP, expects many of the SAP software applications running today to still be running in the year 2020 -- if the software is developed properly. Continue Reading
Tutorial 21 Sep 2009

SAP ERP/ECC 6.0 upgrade planning and strategy

Designing an SAP upgrade stategy is critical to the success of your SAP ERP/ECC 6.0 upgrade project. Find out how to decide whether you want a technical upgrade, a functional upgrade or strategic upgrade, as well as how to measure the success of your upgrade project. Continue Reading
News 21 Mar 2007

Oracle puts pressure on SAP

After positive earnings news, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison said the company is a "strong number two" in ERP and is growing its business faster than SAP. Continue Reading
News 03 Jan 2006

Columnist: SAP has edge over Oracle

Oracle is acquiring vertical knowledge while SAP is building on its industry expertise, according to Joshua Greenbaum, a market research analyst and consultant at Enterprise Applications Consulting. Continue Reading
News 15 Nov 2005

SQL Server 2005 may call for a smarter DBA

Microsoft says its SQL Server 2005 can handle bigger and more complex problems. SAP recently certified a benchmark involving 93,000 concurrent users on the DBMS. Continue Reading
News 10 Oct 2005

CIO challenge: IT retention

When it comes to talented IT staffs, midmarket CIOs have to guard their flock against bigger game. Continue Reading
News 15 Aug 2005

SAP, Oracle see growing competition from smaller players

Smaller business software vendors like Lawson Software, Epicor Software and SSA Global are poised to outgrow Oracle, SAP and Microsoft over the next few years, according to financial analysts. Continue Reading
News 08 Aug 2005

SAP seen gaining in the small business market

An increase in partner resellers has helped boost SAP down market, according to an analyst at the Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services. Continue Reading
News 03 Aug 2005

Oracle-SAP battle helps Australian software vendor

Australian business software vendor Technology One is reporting its strongest year of sales. Executives cite fear, uncertainty and doubt in the software industry as the primary result of some new license sales. Continue Reading
News 01 Aug 2005

Delta CIO: Buckle up before turbulence strikes

Former Delta Air Lines CIO Curtis Robb kicked off the CIO Decisions conference by telling 200 conference attendees to run IT like there's no tomorrow. Continue Reading
News 01 Aug 2005

Customer management spending on the rise

A recent survey finds that customer management applications are grabbing a bigger piece of the technology budget. Continue Reading
News 25 Jul 2005

What CIOs should know about the open source revolution

CIOs can gain competitive advantages from the open source revolution, which will shake up the power structure of the IT world.. Scalix founder Julie Hanna Farris explains why. Continue Reading
News 20 Jul 2005

SAP may report gains, offers deep discounts

SAP is expected to report a surge in U.S. sales as the software maker lured customers with deep discounts to win business from Oracle Corp. Continue Reading
News 18 Jul 2005

SAP driving down market

SAP is focusing its sales force down market, looking to gain market share in small and medium sized businesses from its rivals Microsoft and Oracle. Continue Reading
News 13 Jul 2005

SAP to attend LinuxWorld for first time

Analysts say SAP may be trying to increase visibility among customers that use its ERP software on open source operating systems by attending LinuxWorld in San Francisco next month. Continue Reading
News 12 Jul 2005

Growing ERP complexity results in confusion for some

Users are showing reluctance in dealing with a proliferation of best of breed software vendors, according to one SAP executive. Continue Reading
News 11 Jul 2005

Microsoft to go vertical, build partner network

If Microsoft doesn't make strategic acquisitions of its various ISVs to become more vertical, SAP will make them, said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Continue Reading
News 07 Jul 2005

Sun may turn SOA against SAP and IBM

Sun's acquisition of SeeBeyond Technologies buys it an SOA sales force, putting it against SAP and IBM. Continue Reading
News 30 Jun 2005

Oracle hire fuels acquisition talk

Are there more acquisitions in Oracle's future? Analyst Noel Yuhanna sounds off on Oracle's hire of a former Microsoft honcho. Continue Reading
News 29 Jun 2005

Oracle reports rising database, application sales

Sales of applications such as financial and human resources software exceeded financial analysts' expectations, and the biggest gains came in North America. Continue Reading
News 28 Jun 2005

New executive to aid Oracle in SAP battle

A former Microsoft executive who steered that company's investment strategy and negotiated several large deals has joined the Oracle team. Continue Reading
News 27 Jun 2005

Norwegian firm drops SAP

Norwegian IT consultancy, EDB Business Partner ASA, is continuing its development of a new core banking system without SAP, according to a report. Continue Reading
News 22 Jun 2005

SAP expands Montreal research lab

SAP is hiring 40 new workers in an expansion of its Canadian research lab. Continue Reading
News 15 Jun 2005

ERP spending rises

Web services and a migration to service oriented architectures will transform the ERP software market, according to Boston-based AMR Research Inc. Continue Reading
News 14 Jun 2005

Opinion: SAP must put value in value-based pricing

Bruce McCabe, an independent technology analyst, says SAP must put skin in the software game. Continue Reading
News 14 Jun 2005

Oracle launches TV campaign

Oracle is touting its vision for grid computing in a series of television commercials over the next three months that take aim at rival database maker IBM. Continue Reading
News 09 Jun 2005

Hosted ERP on the rise

Two small vendors are entering the ERP software market with new hosted products and sales philosophies. Continue Reading
News 09 Jun 2005

Hosted ERP on the rise

Two small vendors are entering the ERP software market with new hosted products and sales philosophies. Continue Reading
News 08 Jun 2005

SAP to boost Bangalore staff

SAP plans to increase its head count in its India labs, boosting the number of developers and executives to nearly 3,000 by the end of the year. Continue Reading
News 07 Jun 2005

SAP invests in Black Duck

SAP joined Intel and Red Hat in doling out $12 million in funding to Black Duck Software. SAP said its customers could minimize risks by mixing open source and proprietary software. Continue Reading
News 06 Jun 2005

ERP shake up: Lawson to acquire Intentia

Lawson Software Inc. is acquiring Swedish ERP software developer Intentia International AB in a $480 million deal. Continue Reading
News 02 Jun 2005

SAP to expand services in restructuring plan

SAP will expand its role as a service provider for other software companies by restructuring its German services division. Continue Reading
News 02 Jun 2005

SAP sees demand in smaller businesses

SAP is bolstering its partner network, planning to expand its business to smaller firms over the next several years. Continue Reading
News 02 Jun 2005

Retailers worldwide accelerate IT spending

A new survey says retailers worldwide will spend $31 billion in new IT investments. Continue Reading
News 01 Jun 2005

Will Fusion satisfy JDE and PeopleSoft customers?

It's wait-and-see time for J.D. Edwards and PeopleSoft customers, and companies ranging from SAP to third-party maintenance consultants are hoping to cash in on the uncertainty. Continue Reading
News 01 Jun 2005

SAP to fill Israel lab

SAP plans to add new researchers and managers at its Israeli-based labs. The hiring program is expected to draw students to the positions. Continue Reading