SAP Reveals Preliminary 1997 Figures
German ERP juggernaut SAP (Walldorf, Germany) has announced preliminary financial results for 1997. Revenue of $3.36 billion represents a 62% increase from 1996. A net profit of $516 million is up 63% from 1996. European monetary union (EMU) and Y2K issues contributed to overall growth, according to co-chairman and CEO Dietmar Hopp. Sales of SAP's flagship R/3 product rose 63% in 1997; R/3 Version 4.0 shipped in December, with general availability slated for Q2 '98. Consulting revenues increased 70% and training revenues rose 90%. Sales outside Germany accounted for 81% of overall sales; sales in the Americas region increased 91%. "The launch of new initiatives in supply chain management, electronic commerce, data warehousing, sales support and customer service systems are laying the foundations for outstanding growth through the year 2000 and beyond," said Dr. h.c. Hasso Plattner, co-chairman and CEO. Final results will be posted on March 25.