Salesforce and SAP: Each Offering Has Its Place

Mark J

Updated · Dec 14, 2010

Salesforce (NYSE: CRM ) and SAP: its an obvious comparison. As noted in this ZDNet report many people like to think that SAP represents the old, legacy way of the world while Salesforce is often portrayed as the face of the new world: brash, confident, fun loving.


“The best way to think about the contrasts can be summed up this way: Salesforce throws a memorable frat party, SAP offers fine dining. Each has its place but in the enterprise world one has to wonder which represents the ultimate preference of those who sign checks for IT vendors.

“Salesforce is in a place where it seems able to do no wrong. The list for Fortune 500 companies quoted on the many overhead cloud shaped banners bears testament to a company that has figured out what matters: delighting users. As its CFO said during the first day analyst lunch: ‘Being CFO of Salesforce is often an easy job.’ The contrast at SAP could not be more stark.

“SAP is going through one of those periods where change comes at a price. Battered but not cowed by the decision in its lawsuit with Oracle, re-examining its place in the world, figuring out where it wants to be and what it represents all take their toll. The revolving executive suite door has been spinning at noticeable velocity this last year as the company attempts a feat few IT vendors successfully pull off: responding to a new reality.”

Read the Full Story at ZDNet

More Posts By Mark J