Fund to Stimulate Further Development of Next-Generation Applications Built on SAP NetWeaver® Platform
ORLANDO, Fla. - May 17, 2006 - SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced the launch of a $125 million global fund to accelerate the ecosystem of independent software vendors (ISVs) building next-generation composite applications on the SAP NetWeaver® platform. With more than 1,500 “Powered by SAP NetWeaver®” solutions and more than 1,000 ISVs actively developing on the SAP NetWeaver platform, the SAP NetWeaver Fund will focus on strategic investments in select companies committed to becoming part of the SAP ecosystem and building innovative solutions based on enterprise service-oriented architecture (enterprise SOA). The announcement was made at SAPPHIRE® ’06, SAP’s international customer conference, being held in Orlando, Florida, May 16-18.
SAP cited the rapid progression of ISV innovation building on SAP NetWeaver had inspired the company to leverage its financial resources to further stimulate a market which had already indicated strong endorsement of the SAP ecosystem strategy and of SAP NetWeaver as the market-leading innovation platform. At the same time, the SAP NetWeaver Fund provides a new opportunity for SAP to focus its investments into taking a funding leadership position with up-and-coming companies that have committed to building their products on the SAP NetWeaver platform.
“SAP firmly believes in the power of co-innovation and, today—with the formation of the SAP NetWeaver Fund—we have taken another step forward to extend our lead in cultivating a world-class ecosystem and, ultimately, expanding the options available to customers,” said Shai Agassi, president of the Product & Technology Group and executive board member at SAP.
Financed out of SAP’s corporate development funds, the SAP NetWeaver Fund will be managed jointly by Zia Yusuf, executive vice president of platform ecosystem at SAP, and Jim Mackey, senior vice president of corporate finance at SAP.
“The formation of the SAP NetWeaver Fund further expands the SAP investment toolkit and complements the efforts of SAP Ventures,” said Werner Brandt, chief financial officer and executive board member, SAP AG. “Building on the widespread adoption of the SAP NetWeaver platform, the establishment of the SAP NetWeaver Fund further underscores our dedication to co-innovation and driving real customer value.”
SAP will continue to leverage its venture arm, SAP Ventures, which primarily invests in emerging technology that combines large market potential with high growth opportunity. These investments are designed to create positive financial returns to SAP, while, at the same time, creating seed innovation that supports SAP and the needs of customers and the marketplace.
About SAP
SAP is the world’s leading provider of business software*. Today, more than 33,200 customers in more than 120 countries run SAP® applications—from distinct solutions addressing the needs of small and midsize enterprises to suite offerings for global organizations. Powered by the SAP NetWeaver® platform to drive innovation and enable business change, SAP software helps enterprises of all sizes around the world improve customer relationships, enhance partner collaboration and create efficiencies across their supply chains and business operations. SAP solution portfolios support the unique business processes of more than 25 industries, including high tech, retail, financial services, healthcare and the public sector. 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.”
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