Through the 90s, when Gartner analysts did our frequent pilgrimage to SAP in Walldorf, you could see Peter Zencke's and Claus Heinrich's fingerprints on much of SAP's product line. Claus announced today he is leaving next year. Peter is leaving later this year.
And of course Shai Agassi who was very influential in product direction, left last March.
To me, this is more of a sign SAP has been tilting for years towards its SG&A side of the organization. That's not great news for its customers. Or indeed the industry.
Update: I believe I have been unfair to the next generation of technologists in the company - Vishal, Herve and others. That was not my intention - just pointing out where the Executive Board composition has veered.
