SAP Inside the Secret Software Power

If you own stock in SAP, perhaps the world's premier producer of the enterprise software that integrates such business functions as finance, distribution and human resources, this year's been a wild ride. But despite this patch of management problems, earnings pressure and roller-coaster stock price fluctuations, SAP remains one of the largest and most firmly entrenched software companies in the world. Gerd Meissner attributes much of this success to the corporate culture established at SAP's birth by its five German founders, and in more than 200 compelling pages, he proves his point by piercing the veil of this innovative and secretive organization. Meissner traces the history of the company back to its origins in the early 1970s, keeping his finger always on the thread of characteristics that set SAP apart from its competitors - for better or for worse. We at getAbstract.com strongly recommend this book both as a gripping biography of an industry giant and as an incisive study in employee empowerment, business alliances and corporate innovation. In other words, in reading this book, not only will you learn something about this thriving software company, you'll probably learn something about your own company as well.

Meissner presents an interesting and balanced history of SAP. While this book will teach you little about the R/3 software, it will provide great insight into the people and culture that created and support R/3.The history of the 5 co-founders and the interplay of the 5 throughout the initial stages of the company and the development of R/2 and R/3 are fascinating.Meissner provides insight into the ever-changing relationships of SAP with the press and the industry analysts. He also explains the role of major, influential customers in the ongoing development of SAP's products.My only disappointment with the book was the relatively little information about SAP developments since late 1996, early 1997 when the book was originally written.Otherwise, a smart investment for anyone involved with SAP R/3, contemplating an SAP implementation, and for anyone who simply likes a good story.

This is a terrific book. As an American who has worked for US high technology firms in the UK, Germany and here in California, I can say that this book gives a wonderful insight into Germany's most successful software firm. It also helps one to understand how things are done in Germany and what we can expect from other German startups. Gerd is, in my estimation, the best-informed German writer covering the American high technology business.Jim Heldman Berkeley, CA

How did Gerd Meissner manage to dig so very deep into the inner workings of this german software empire ? Most interesting history and a fascinating business case wrapped in a brilliantly written documentary.

I highly recommend this book as insightful, thought-provoking and very thorough. Actually, it is an excellent read for anyone in business, not just those in the software industry.