SAP Comments on Software Market Developments; Remains Committed to Leadership in Enterprise Software
WALLDORF, Germany - June 07, 2004 - SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) has cooperated fully with the U.S. Department of Justice's investigation of the Oracle/PeopleSoft transaction. SAP has supplied all of the requested information and documentation in preparation for the public trial commencing today.
Because of the possible disclosure of confidential and proprietary information during court proceedings, SAP prefers to make a statement on issues that under ordinary circumstances it has a policy not to discuss publicly.
During ongoing discussions with Microsoft Corp. regarding a joint development partnership around Web services, SAP confirmed that Microsoft Corp. approached SAP late last year to discuss the idea of a potential merger between the two companies. The preliminary talks were discontinued this spring, with no intention of resuming the discussions. However, the two parties entered a joint development partnership around Web services and a patent cross licensing agreement, which were announced on May 12, 2004 (http://www.sap.com/company/press/press.asp?pressID=2799).
“SAP, like all publicly held corporations, routinely evaluates potential opportunities to strengthen its leading position in the enterprise software market, and the disclosure made today should be interpreted this way,” said Henning Kagermann, Chief Executive Officer of SAP. “SAP is committed to continue working together with Microsoft to make effective use of Web services technology and to provide continued value to our customers.” He added, “SAP remains steadfast in delivering a host of enterprise software solutions and services that are open and flexible to satisfy the needs of its customers around the globe.”
About SAP
SAP is the world’s leading provider of business software solutions. SAP® solutions are designed to meet the demands of companies of all sizes -- from small and midsize businesses to global enterprises. Powered by the SAP NetWeaver™ open integration and application platform to reduce complexity and total cost of ownership and empower business change and innovation, mySAP™ Business Suite solutions are helping enterprises around the world improve customer relationships, enhance partner collaboration and create efficiencies across their supply chains and business operations. The unique core processes of various industries, from aerospace to utilities, are supported by SAP’s 27 industry-specific solution portfolios. Today, more than 22,600 customers in over 120 countries run more than 76,100 installations of SAP® software. With subsidiaries in more than 50 countries, the company is listed on several exchanges, including the Frankfurt stock exchange and NYSE under the symbol "SAP." (Additional information at http://www.sap.com)
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