Further Growth Opportunities
In light of these immense innovations, you way wonder why SAP looked beyond its strategy of acquiring small, specialized software vendors and also carried out large acquisitions in 2007. The answer is simple: When there is a market segment with excellent potential for growth and which complements SAP’s portfolio, but where other vendors have already established their presence, it can make sense for SAP to increase its own growth in that area with one strategic move.
With the completed acquisition of Business Objects S.A., we leapt straight to the top of the business user market. This market covers personnel from all levels of a company – from employees to the executive board – who rely on business data and real-time analyses for their day-to-day jobs. As the market leader in its field, Business Objects offers an ideal addition to our own products. Because we can now offer all software for quickly and easily conducting analyses, supporting decision-makers, and adapting business processes, we have created competitive advantages for both our customers and for SAP.
Nevertheless, the markets have reacted hesitantly to the acquisition, much as they did to the new business model for SAP Business ByDesign. Indeed, we still have to prove that we will be successful in each of these new areas. However, SAP has often proved that it can turn ambitious plans into reality; establishing enterprise SOA is a recent example of such a success. I am therefore convinced that the share price will again come to reflect our continued success. Our operating income is in excellent condition and our ambitious growth strategy offers superb potential with promise of impressive increases in both the revenue and the margin.
As always, we will need outstanding employees in order to fulfill this promise. We strive to be an attractive employer worldwide and to be a magnet for the best talent. In 2007, we were able to secure the services of nearly 4,700 employees, all of whom will do their part to further enhance our company’s performance. We are pleased that SAP’s headquarters in Germany was once again acknowledged as Germany’s best employer and that our social commitment was applauded worldwide.
The story of SAP’s success owes not only to the ingeniousness of its founders and the performance of all its employees, but also to our business partners and customers. Their united efforts are the foundation for creating lasting value for our shareholders.
For this, I want to thank you all.
Sincerely,
Chairman and CEO, SAP AG
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