SAP Co-CEO Bill McDermott Discusses Company Outlook and Future Plans

Strategic Insights -

SAP's Co-CEO, Bill McDermott, appeared on Bloomberg TV on October 5, 2010, to discuss the company's outlook and future plans. McDermott, who took over as Co-CEO from Leo Apotheker in February, expressed his confidence in SAP's ability to adapt to the changing market landscape. He emphasized the importance of partnerships, innovation, and a mobile-first approach in driving the company's growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • McDermott believes that HP's decision to appoint Leo Apotheker as CEO was a strategic move to bring in expertise in software and services, which will help the company offer end-to-end business solutions.
  • McDermott defended Apotheker's tenure at SAP, citing his 20-year tenure and the company's generational changes, including a tough year in 2009.
  • SAP has a long-term partnership with HP, and McDermott expects to see more collaborations between the two companies, particularly in the areas of In-Memory technology and mobile business applications.
  • SAP's Sybase acquisition has positioned the company for success in the emerging markets, where mobile is becoming the new desktop.
  • McDermott, a frequent iPad user, believes that the device has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses operate.
  • SAP will continue to invest in research and development, partnerships, and share buybacks, with a focus on its In-Memory technology and mobile business applications.
  • McDermott expects the company's dividend to remain stable, with a potential increase in the future.

Statistics:

  • 750 million mobile users in China, with a growth rate of 10 million subscribers per month.
  • 440 million PCs in Brazil, Russia, India, and China combined.
  • 6.5 billion mobile business workers running applications on their devices by 2014.
  • SAP's Sybase acquisition has positioned the company for success in the emerging markets.

Sources:

  • Bloomberg TV, October 5, 2010, transcript of Bill McDermott's appearance.
  • SAP's official website, for information on In-Memory technology and mobile business applications.
  • Sybase's official website, for information on its mobile business applications.
  • Bloomberg's official website, for information on the global mobile market.