I have just 2 questions: Will SAP buy BEA? Will Microsoft buy SAP? Ellison is NOT a shoo-in to win this one. Enjoy your day!

Just finished reading a new book called Mobilizing SAP: Business Processes, ROI and Best Practices by two dudes -- Kalakota and Kurchina.

The book presents a fascinating view of how some leading edge companies are taking their SAP investments and mobilizing them (especially something that i never heard of before -- mobile asset management -- which seems to be a big deal). What is amazing is the incredible ROI that some of these firms are getting.

Looks like the next big untapped frontier for SAP is mobile solutions. With the infrastructure getting more standardized with the mega-mergers (cingular/att and sprint/nextel) I think the final barrier to mobile solutions is coming down.

No, web services will not render SAP obsolete - why?

1. Business Processes are just that, processes, people will still need ERP systems for data management. Web services does not replace your data repository.

2. SAP has enough money and customers that when the market makes a fundamental shift, they always catch up. True, SAP will never lead the way - but they will never be left behind either.

3. Web services - or BPM is a way to maximize technology investments, not replace them. Companies still need accrual based accounting systems, compliance, regulation, payroll services, customer relationship databases, etc.

4. Yes, SAP is a dinosaur. If they become obsolete, it will be their own arrogance and poor customer service that does them in - to date no competitor is stepping up to the plate. But, just ask Siebel - they never thought Salesforce would take so many of their customers away - there may be a salesforce type competitor who can give SAP a run for their money - it just won't be under the leadership of Ellison and his Posse.

Web services will render SAP obsolete. Web services is a disruptive technology. Large corporation are fed up with the complexities and headaches associated with ERP systems offered by companies like SAP. Web services offers a simplified and easily scaleable implementation of business process management. SAP will have to change their business model or be made extinct...it is only a matter of time.

Oracle's takeover of PeopleSoft was an act of desperation because their apps biz was a complete failure. Larry said as much himself. He said in order to survive in the apps biz we need PeopleSoft.

SAP did not have to steal a customer base. They have their own. Their products, although not the best, are good enough to win and sustain a customer base. There is no fear in SAP, they are gigantic.

SAP is by far a more expensive alternative, and that factor alone, will keep customers with Oracle.

I believe that Larry Ellison made a strategic error in dragging out the fight with PeopleSoft. During those 18 months (and maybe before), SAP were able to imagine all kinds of alternatives, select one, develop it, and move on it. I think the market will be stunned by how effective SAP will be in taking advantage of the Oracle created confusion with INFUSION over the next 2 years.

Hostile takeovers when used only to steal customers are theft. Plain and simple.

If Oracle fails then they have no one to blame but their lispy leader, larry.
Also, someone will buy the rights to PeopleSoft software and will re-release it.

Oracle will gain Marketshare on SAP, they will price as number two, and there is no other possibility. Sap is well known for EXPENSE.

Hey it worked for Attila the Hun and Genghis Khan, why not Larry Ellison...?