Anticipating Change

This format was the origin of the fascinating documentation of the founding and development of SAP AG, the essential milestones of the R/3 system, and the forward-thinking strategy of SAP The text describes the transition from the R/2 system to the R/3 system and the development of mySAPcom in a particularly impressive way. Although the first change in generations was more technically based and somewhat followed the trend from the central computer to the client/server architecture, the development of mySAPcom is associated with a new concept in business administration processes. As Plattner says in connection with this development, "SAP was founded anew."

Many of the statements are interesting far beyond the sphere of SAP They describe the atmosphere in the hightech world, the aggressive behavior of the market participants, and the enormous demands on mental flexibility and physical stamina.

This book thus provides an important picture of the thought processes of one of the most important creators of the software industry. We hope you will experience the openness, involvement, and mental power that we had as partners in the discussions with Hasso Plattner.

Table of contents

Preface

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1 The Luck of the Capable

Chapter 2 The Beginnings and Turning Points

Chapter 3 Challenges for Software Development

Chapter 4 To Travel New Paths: Software Engineering and
Management

Chapter 5 Seize the Initiative: mySAPcom

Chapter 6 Integration and Diversity

SAP Chronology

A Short SAP Glossary

Index