In a software industry filled with big egos, Henning Kagermann, CEO of SAP stands out as a humble, open minded executive. So his candor in his speech and in his conversation with Dennis Howlett
is not surprising. He worries about "over-dependence" on his software. He does not mention it, but being good with numbers, knows well about the "crowding out" effect of his software. The annual amortization of capex spend around SAP (the accountant's revenge for the SAP project spending orgy) and the annual maintenance SAP expects sucks out most IT budget oxygen for future years at its customers. One reason his own new products find little enthusiastic adoption in his customer base while his folks hype up innovation.
But while reading my Irregulars reporting from Sapphire in Atlanta and the AMR summary, I did not see much indication of how things will be different. Last Sapphire in Orlando I was told pricing was being revisited. That SAP would get tougher with its services ecosystem. I asked when a TomorrowNow like reduced maintenance would be offered to its own customers. No answers yet. This year A1S was supposed to be the new way of delivering software and support - at exciting new price points. But as Dennis complains little was formally showcased.
If anything, I see Thomas Otter invoke "L'Oreal" - buy our stuff because we want YOU to kick ass! A version of YOU are worth it! I see Dennis Moore talk about "co-innovation" - which is code for while the ecosystem, partner members through SDN, and customers like Colgate deliver innovation, SAP continues to deserve full maintenance rates.
I have been kindly invited to Sapphire Vienna next month. While grateful to SAP hosts Mike Prosceno and Stacey Fish for their generosity, I am not sure I want to spend a week to go listen to "more of the same". Besides, I am staring at a 30,000 air mile month in June which will make April look like a picnic. What I really need is a massage to soothe my jet lagged bones and nerves.
Because I am worth it!
