SAP AG, which reported strong first-quarter sales growth (see related story), attributes part of the success to the re- alignment of SAP’s vertical industry efforts into more customer- focused units aimed specifically at key global industries. To that end, SAP has announced a worldwide strategic alliance with Andersen Consulting that will concentrate on operational issues in the global utilities and energy services market. The two are hoping to capitalize on the general move toward deregulation and privatization in the industry, with Andersen ready to offer its management expertise and SAP already working on software specifically for the market.
