German software giant SAP AG has reported that, upon review of preliminary first-quarter results, revenue rose 62% year-over- year to about DM 1.67bn ($918m). The surge was fueled by demand for the company’s R/3 business management software, which accounts for roughly 60% of its sales. Year 2000 and Euro currency compliance has led to the escalated appeal of the product. The relative weakness of the Deutsche Mark also boosted the top line. About 35% of SAP’s sales come from the US, where the dollar gained more than 15% against the mark last year. On the other hand, SAP says that costs also rose about 62%, more than its expected. Reasons for the cost increase weren’t made clear. The company expects to report full results for the first quarter on April 21.
