SAP History
The SAP R/2 era
1981 – 1990
Real-time touches more of the business: The SAP R/2 packaged mainframe software application processes data when customers need it and integrates all of an enterprise’s business functions.
1981
Next generation launches
SAP R/2 launches and quickly achieves the same high levels of stability as its predecessor.
Debut
SAP makes its first appearance at the “SYSTEMS” IT trade show in Munich, Germany.
Joint development
SAP works with customers to add a production planning and control module to its portfolio.
1982
Reason to celebrate: SAP turns 10
10th anniversary
More than 250 companies in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland now deploy SAP software. Having outgrown its office space – again – the company constructs an extension in record time.
Revenues increase, workforce grows
SAP generates DM24 million in revenue and hires its 100th employee. Some 96% of its customers use SAP software to manage their business processes.
1983
Much-needed office space
SAP embarks on a third office extension project to accommodate its constant and growing stream of new recruits.
Key metrics
Employees number 125 by midyear; revenues jump to DM41 million by the end of the year.
Trendsetter
German technology company Heraeus becomes the first customer to install SAP's new module for production planning and control (RM-PPS).
1984
From Switzerland to the world
The Swiss town of Biel becomes home to SAP’s first international subsidiary, SAP (Schweiz AG), and to SAP (International) AG, the hub from which SAP conducts its international business.
Human resources
SAP hires 48 new employees, largely to meet its huge demand for development resources for the new modules RK (cost accounting), PPS (production planning and control), and RP (human resources).
In numbers
SAP’s 163 employees generate revenues approaching DM48 million.
1985
Tools for the job
SAP's data center is now equipped with four servers: three from IBM and one from Siemens. Employees developing and enhancing the company’s software have access to a total of 64MB of main memory.
International operations
Five employees from Walldorf move to the new office in Switzerland and begin supporting the company's international business. By the end of 1985, more than 250 people work at SAP, and revenues hit DM61 million.
Focus on quality
A quality assurance committee is set up to bolster the stability of SAP software.
1986
In the limelight
SAP – and its software – exhibit at CeBIT, the world’s largest computer trade show, for the first time.
Revenue landmark
SAP hits the DM100 million revenue mark sooner than expected, as the introduction of new financial reporting standards brings in around 100 new orders for its asset accounting software.
Local presence increases
This year sees the opening of SAP’s second international subsidiary, in Austria, and of its first local office, in Ratingen, near Düsseldorf, to serve customers in Germany’s Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region.
HR software
After three years in the making, SAP’s software for human resources management is released to customers.
Organizational changes
SAP raises its capital stock significantly, to DM5 million – an increase of DM4.5 million. With its workforce at 300, it introduces a new structure of organizational units led by department managers.
1987
Under construction
SAP breaks ground on its new training center in Walldorf. Meanwhile, construction continues at the company’s main offices – now in the fifth phase of expansion.
Growing the customer base
IBM’s latest generation of servers makes SAP’s software available to SME customers. SAP establishes SAP Consulting to support new customers.
More international business
SAP makes its first forays into non-German-speaking markets, setting up subsidiaries in France, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Two new local offices open: one in Hamburg to support customers in northern Germany; and the second in Munich to serve those in the south of the country. By the end of the year, SAP has more than 500 employees and is generating DM152 million in revenue.
User conference
SAP holds its first software conference in Karlsruhe, Germany, providing a platform for current and potential users to share insight and experiences.
R/3 on the horizon
The drive for standardization in software production and the launch of the IBM Systems Application Architecture (SAA) provide the impetus for SAP to begin developing a new multiplatform-enabled generation of software: SAP R/3.
1988
Transformation, going public
SAP becomes SAP AG, a publicly-traded company. In two increments, it increases its capital stock from DM5 million to DM60 million. In October 1988, it lists on the Frankfurt and Stuttgart exchanges, issuing 1.2 million bearer shares at DM750.
Image: SAP's first day at the German Stock Exchange: Hasso Plattner, co-Founder of SAP
Ongoing expansion
SAP opens subsidiaries in Denmark, Italy, Sweden, and the United States. Entering the U.S. market will prove pivotal to the company’s long-term success.
Training center
Back in Walldorf, the company opens its International Training Center, which also houses a gym for employees – now numbering 940 and generating annual revenue of DM245 million.
Customer milestone
Dow Chemicals becomes SAP’s 1,000th customer. Meanwhile, SAP begins developing RIVA – a billing and administration system for utility companies.
1989
Yet more computing power
SAP’s data center now houses servers from IBM, Siemens, DEC, and Hewlett-Packard, and provides 1,224MB of memory.
Easier to use
SAP launches a new, more user-friendly interface for SAP R/2, and new tools, such as the ABAP/4 programming environment.
International business
SAP (International) AG in Switzerland is now responsible for 12 international subsidiaries, including those in Asia (Singapore), Australia, and Canada. There are 1,400 employees operating in 15 countries and generating close to DM370 million in revenue.
Financial markets
In its first full year on the stock exchange, SAP is named “Company of the Year” by Germany’s manager magazin.
Investing in growth
SAP R/3 begins to take shape. It is designed to run on four UNIX systems from different vendors. SAP is now investing around DM85 million – some 33% of its revenue – in research and development alone.
SAP goes industry
The first SAP industry solution – for utilities – goes live at a pilot customer in Germany.
1990
The next building goes up
Desperately short of office space, SAP invests DM135 million in the construction of a sales and development center, known initially as the “Entwicklungs- und Vertriebszentrum” (EVZ) – and now as “WDF01”. Its 1,700 employees generate revenues in excess of DM500 million.
Image: Groundbreaking ceremony: Albert Altenbach (building contractor), Willi Vorfelder (architect), Dietmar Hopp, A. Gruninger (structural engineer, from left)
Research and development
SAP AG increases its capital stock to DM85 million by issuing preferred shares. It plows DM110 million of these additional funds into advancing SAP R/2 and the new SAP R/3 System. Prototypes of the R/3 financial accounting (FI) and materials management (MM) modules are already complete.
M&A
SAP sharpens its focus on SMEs by taking a 50% stake in German software company Steeb and acquiring CAS.
Reunification and expansion
East and West Germany unite; their economies and currencies merge; and SAP expands eastward. Teaming up with Siemens Nixdorf and Robotron, it establishes a joint venture, SRS, in Dresden, and opens a local office in Berlin.