SAP could be described as the quiet, less flashy little brother of the big software giants. Although currently ranked No. 4 among business software companies, few people have heard of the brand (unless you’re a computer geek ofc) and that despite the fact that most of us have used their products before. Almost xx% of all business transactions run through a SAP system and most offices use CONCUR to file their business and travel expenses. SAP offers products that are the basic fabric most other softwares build on – in cloud data bases, real-time data processing tools and data analysis software, that breaks huge chunks of data into small workable pieces and information
The way the software works often remains invisible to the eye, but the end user will benefit from the outcome. This philosophy of working in quiet, simple and reliable ways reflects in the PR efforts of the German company – which is as minimal as possible. Despite being one of the greatest innovators in the industry, the company chooses to let its products and clients do the talking instead of reaching to the megaphone. SAP’s slogan, to “Run Simple” is reiterating what employees are trained from top-level management to software developers. It is okay to show up to work at noon and in Birkenstocks, as long as you put in the amount of work that is required and beyond. Interestingly enough, the company seems to be successful with its concept. Most employees don’t mind working overtime or on the weekends, because the loose structure doesn’t feel like they’re forced to work at all.
The success also shows in its upwards trend towards its competitors: Microsoft, IBM and Oracle are still the top 3 on the market, but if SAP keeps up its vision and sticks to what’s best for its employees, it might be able to close the gap any time soon.
