Update: SAP module reorganization?

It all started with a quote from Ray Wang of Forrester Research, as he mentions that SAP might be “getting rid of terms like ERP, SCM, etc, and transforming it all into about seven sections.” A comment that suggests a loss of individual labels for software modules and a focus on suites.

This was too interesting to let go, so I dug a bit deeper and contacted SAP for a comment. The SAP spokesperson I contacted mentioned Jim Hagemann Snabe and his appointment to the executive board. This was beginning to make sense; Snabe is responsible for product development of SAP’s Business Suite family of applications. Now the question seems to be: Is there a direct relation between Ray Wang’s comment and Snabe’s executive board status?

I spoke with Saswato Das, Director of Global Communications for SAP, regarding Snabe’s interaction, and all he could tell me was: “typically when one person takes over there is some change.” He went on to say that he could neither confirm nor deny the comment… but I wonder what he meant by “some change.” Am I the only one that is confused by all this?

Eric Samuels, Assistant Editor