Trusted Technology Advisor

And Leonardo is not a finished product, of course, but a framework for managing digital transformation. Thus, according to Bernd Leukert, it cannot be sold or licensed.

SAP wants to develop new and innovative solutions together with its existing customers. Leonardo is to provide the basic framework for this, and SAP is the trusted technology advisor. The aim is to get rich from the fact that a percentage of the revenue generated by these solutions flows to SAP.

The idea presented by Leukert has advantages and disadvantages, of course, but more seriously, this concept is directed against longtime friends and companions of SAP.

R/3 with Abap was not unlike a framework either. But while SAP programmed diligently and successfully, they left the customizing - finding optimal solutions based on R/3 - to the partners and consultants. Accenture & Co. grew big and rich by being the trusted advisors of the SAP community.

Now SAP itself wants to take over the very lucrative part of Leonardo's customizing. Perhaps a good idea - but in any case an idea with potential for conflict.

Read more about SAP's realignment in the area of Leonardo (IoT to machine learning) in the E-3 September from Monday, August 28.