SAP

SAP

SAP is a big software company from Germany. It helps companies organize their money, workers, and supplies using computers. SAP started in Walldorf, Baden-Württemberg and now works in over 180 countries.

SAP makes special software that big companies use to work better. It is one of the largest companies in the world for this type of software. People can buy parts of SAP to help their companies run more smoothly.

In June 2025, SAP became the biggest European company by value. It has many employees and helps companies all around the world keep their important information organized.

A Short History

SAP began in 1972 when five engineers left IBM to start their own company. They were Dietmar Hopp, Klaus Tschira, Hans-Werner Hector, Hasso Plattner, and Claus Wellenreuther. They were all from Mannheim. Their first customer was the German branch of Imperial Chemical Industries in Östringen. They created programs for payroll and accounting, storing data electronically instead of on old punch cards.

In 1988, SAP began trading shares on the Frankfurt and Stuttgart stock exchanges. By 1995, SAP was in the German stock index DAX. SAP has grown a lot and now works with many companies around the world.

Helping Companies

SAP makes software to help big companies run better. It also makes special software for databases, called SAP HANA, and systems for the internet. SAP sells tools to help companies manage workers, keep track of customers, plan products, and work with suppliers.

Many large companies use SAP. SAP also has a special area for creating programs called SAP AppGyver. It offers a cloud service named SAP Cloud Infrastructure that helps companies run their software online.

Where SAP Works

SAP has offices in many countries. Most of its workers are in Germany and the United States. SAP has research and development centers in more than 20 countries, with big centers in India, the USA, and China. They are also growing in East Asia, Eastern Europe, Canada, and Latin America.