Day One opened with a simulcast between both Orlando (Orange County Center) and Frankfurt ( ) with anchors Matt Fri (in Orlando) and Conny Czymoch (in Frankfurt). I should say that this was one of the best Sapphire from a standpoint of 
event management, precise display of technological prowess and finesse.
Interaction between both Orlando and Frankfurt teams were seamless and well chorographed. Seemed like SAP with steriod shot of yester years.
Bill McDermott opened the key note address with a ‘RUN BETTER’ caption and open arms. Incidentally, it marks the 100th day where both Jim Hagemann Snabbe and Bill have been the co-CEOs at SAP. My take after speaking to few of my SAP contacts is that SAP was never so energized than when it was under the prime of Hasso and Henning. Kudos to teamwork between Jim and Bill. Leo Apotheker’s interim regin is long forgotten!
A few things which excited me were:
a) Bill’s key note specch which clearly explained SAP’s vision of being omnipresent in the business eco-system. On-premise, On-demand and On-device. Looks like SAP tactics to achieve one billion users by 2014 (timeline could vary) through analytics (BusinessObjects) and mobile devise play (Sybase) seem a possibility.
b) Vishal Sikka was able to explain SAP’s timeless software vision and explain why Sybase NOW. He sounded confident and pounced on opportunities to speak his mind.
c) SAP is going ahead with Business ByDesign release. So much so for commitment (let’s be reminded that SAP has ploughed hundreds of million dollar on this). Only time will tell if this will help SAP realize SaaS strategy leadership.
d) In line with the social media theme, hoards of bloggers like Ray Wang tweeting from every corner of the massive event, Dennis Howlett taking timely videos everywhere, Larry Dignan summarizing key trends, James Governor regaling crowds. And as at every Sapphire, the chance to meet an ever new group of bloggers.
Looks like SAP is re-inventing itself as ‘Suite play’ against a bunch of ‘Stack play’ competitors just waiting at the fence. More about this in the next blog…
