IT directors must have systems that enable clarity, urges SAP

In his keynote address to nearly 10,000 CEOs, IT executives and users at this week's Sapphire event in Orlando, Florida, he urged them "to open silos of information and processes for evaluation and transformation". He also stressed that emerging technologies will facilitate this process and change the way companies operate in the coming months and years, as the world becomes even more connected. "What we are seeing is a growing and lasting need for clarity and insight," said Apotheker. "Doing business in global networks has brought greater complexity and risk into the game… Executives must have visibility into every aspect of their business and network to act effectively and decisively." Apotheker believes that IT will provide executives with the clear view and business insight they need. He cited in-memory databases and analytical applications that will help manufacturers "to navigate mountains of data, giving them insight into businesses and networks to make more informed business decisions". He also talked of smart devices and services that can access and share information in real time – fundamentally changing decision-making processes and changing the 'I think this is a good idea' approach to 'I know this is a good idea'. "SAP sees the value of greater transparency and accountability to our stakeholders and to our organisation," insisted Apotheker. "The recent SAP Enterprise Support announcement signalled a move unheard of in the software industry. By setting up a formal benchmarking programme, we are providing customers with a baseline against which to appraise and compare the value delivered by SAP Enterprise Support. We believe [that] embracing this level of transparency and accountability is critical to becoming a favoured partner in an increasingly connected business network."