SAP Influencer Summit #1 - thanks!

Quite a conference title for a mere blogger to be invited to, humbling kind of. Two days for SAP to show in all their depth and width to a group of 300 analysts, journalists and bloggers what they're up to. (Disclosure: SAP kindly paid for my travel and accommodation.)

I have one word for my takeaway - I'm impressed. A complete walk through of all their products, technologies and plans.
From earlier encounters I have a soft sport for their holistic approach which again was strengthened. This is solid engineering, German engineering attitude seeps through in every other conversation, the good kind of solid engineering that. Not to forget the cooler stuff happening in Palo Alto, a great mix.

That said, I have a few thoughts that require separate posts:

• One is about the message as I saw it, the take away and ultimately SAP's focus which I'd like to debate (humbly of course), and
• the other is about what I would term as a (glaring?) gap in their strategy (if you're a reader of my other posts I think you will know what).

In the meantime while the travel related cobweb is clearing I'd like again to extend my heartfelt thanks to all (and I mean every one!) SAPpies for their time and friendliness. As I always say, the individuals are the organisation and this one have self confidence enough to be friendly, open, curious and transparent beyond expectation.

In particular, heartfelt thanks goes out to Stacey Fish and Mike Prosceno that made it possible, nay, a complete pleasure as always. And to Henning Kagermann, Peter Zencke, Bob Stutz and Doug Merritt that took the time to answer our questions. Mark Yolton, James Farrar, Christoph Liedtke, Saswato Das, Rob Moore and many, many more - some new, some old friends, thank you all for your time and excellent discussions!

When I use "we" I mean the bloggers, more specifically the Enterprise Irregulars - the benchmark of a rag-tag group, a smarter group than you could ever ask for and plain good company in all senses. It was great to meet some of the faces I've been communicating with for a long time - Vinnie, Zoli, Brian, Jerry and Josh - what a pleasure to meet you at last! And James, Michael, Prashant and Maggie - as always, pure fun!
(Go read their blogs!)

Zoli posted a picture of the group here and here.

Comments

[Mike Prosceno]

Sig, thanks for the kind words. Looking forward to reading the posts although I suspect they will follow along the lines of our discussions. Already working on getting the word out.

[maggie fox]

Hey Sig - it was so nice to see you again, as well (however briefly!). Looking forward to our next meeting - have a wonderful holiday!

[Mark Yolton]

Great to see you again, Sig. Always interesting to read your insights and perspectives. I suspect I'll next see you at SAPPHIRE in Orlando or Berlin later this year. You're always welcome to get in touch if you have questions or comments.

Regards,

Mark Yolton