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Software AG, Europe’s second largest software company, is reorganising its US operations, after experiencing a sharp fall in sales in the region in the fourth quarter.
The German maker of business software said it would create a new “federal” unit in the US, to go after more public sector contracts. Staff will be drawn mainly from Software AG’s existing employees, but boosted with a number of new appointments.

Karl-Heinz Streibich, chief executive, also told the Financial Times he plans to personally spend more time in the US and is looking for ways to improve Software AG’s image in the region, although it is not yet clear how he will promote the brand.

“The public sector is a traditional customer for us and accounts for 30 per cent of revenues in the US. But now we are going for additional projects and having to fight to win,” Mr Streibich said.

“The difficulties just create an incredible energy to look at what we need to improve and do.”

He promised a slow and gradual recovery for the US business, with more details to be unveiled at a press conference on Tuesday, at which Mr Streibich will provide forecasts for the coming year.

The company provides software to a number of US public sector organisations, such as the City of New York, but has struggled to win new work in this area. Competitors such as Tibco, meanwhile, have been aggressively winning such business.

Software AG shares fell by more than 20 per cent last week after it revealed fourth quarter sales and profits that missed estimates. The US division saw a 40 per cent decline in sales, offsetting strong growth in Europe.

Mr Streibich said he was also planning to expand Software AG’s presence in Silicon Valley in the US, where the company bought Terracotta, the maker of Java software, last May. Most of the German company’s business has been on the east Coast to date, leaving Software AG with few ties to booming Silicon Valley technology businesses.
Mr Streibich said that while management focus would be mainly on fixing US problems, the company has not stopped looking for potential acquisitions.

“It is clear that our priority is to further grow the organic business, but acquisitions are not on hold,” he said. “Wherever we see a good opportunity, we will go for it.” The company’s last large deal was the $680m purchase of IDS Scheer in 2009, and Mr Streibich has in the past said he aimed to do a large deal every two to four years.

Mr Streibich, who has been CEO of Software AG since 2003, also said that he had not come under any investor pressure to step down, despite the company’s recent underwhelming performance.

“It is my ninth year as CEO of Software AG, and we have had 34 quarters of achieving all our key parameters. 2010 was our best year ever and in 2011 we have achieved the same level of sales and profit,” he said. “You have to look at it in totality.”

Source:http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/4d266828-420e-11e1-9506-00144feab49a.html#axzz1juMcHLhu

Software AG has announced that it has been positioned in the Leaders Quadrant by Gartner, Inc., a leading industry analyst firm, in its recently released Magic Quadrant for Business Process Analysis (BPA) Tools[1]. Gartner defines BPA as the business modeling space in which business professionals and IT analysts collaborate on business architecture, transformation and improvement, including process analysis and design to support BP improvement initiatives.

With the ARIS platform, Software AG delivers a feature-rich tool set well known for its long-standing leadership in BPA, offering a toolset and diagrams to support strategists in defining and implementing their business strategy.

In reaching the Leader status, Gartner stated: “Leaders provide mature offerings that meet market demand, as well as demonstrate the vision necessary to sustain their market position as requirements evolve. The hallmark of Leaders is that they focus on and invest in their offerings to the point that they lead the market and can affect its overall direction. As a result, Leaders can become the vendors to watch as you try to determine how new offerings might evolve.”

“We take great pride in being recognised as a Leader,” said Dr. Wolfram Jost, Chief Technology Officer and member of the Executive Board, Software AG. “Once again we have proven that ARIS is the established standard for Business Process Analysis. With the combination of ARIS for business modeling and webMethods for BPM execution, Software AG closely aligns business and IT departments around a shared vision for process improvement.”

This year, Gartner stated that ”Process modeling as part of BPA is becoming a starting point for a growing number of business process management (BPM) and compliance projects, and helps avoid the rush to execution that often results in poor BPM ROI or failure. Conversely, most BPM projects start with tools that include process modeling in support of workflow, and add a BPA tool to better understand their processes and simulate possible changes.”

Software AG´s BPA solution ensures that Business Process Management objectives are aligned with and implemented appropriately across the underlying IT systems and applications that support the business processes. The high quality of the combined design work of business and IT departments using business processes as their common language is the key factor for successful projects.

ARIS not only aligns business and IT but it can deliver consistent business-driven processes that reduce costs, increase process performance, transparency and agility—within and beyond corporate boundaries.

Source:http://prwire.com.au/pr/26766/software-ag-positioned-in-the-leaders-quadrant-for-business-process-analysis-tools

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Shares in Software AG, Germany’s second largest software company, tumbled by more than 20 per cent after fourth quarter sales and profit missed estimates due to growing customer caution and weak US sales of its business process optimisation software.

The company said it expected quarterly net income to decline by up to 30 per cent to between €45m and €50m after customers withheld investment that traditionally boosted sales in the fourth quarter. Revenues are set to decline by around 10 per cent to between €290 and €295m.

Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg expected a profit of around €70.4m and €340 million in sales.

Software AG’s license revenues – a measure closely watched by analysts due to the opportunity for repeat service business – were as much as 27 per cent below the prior year, at constant currency rates.

Oracle’s slower than expected revenue growth and cautious forecast last month hit technology stocks amid fears that falling confidence is beginning to hold back corporate spending on business software.

In spite of financial market turmoil and fears of a slowdown in Europe, Oracle and rival SAP had previously been among the most resilient technology stocks.
Software AG is the latest in a series of European tech companies that have reported weaker demand. Logica, the IT services company, last month cut 1,300 jobs saying that its customers had never been so unsure of the future.

Investors had anticipated a decline in Software AG’s Brazil enterprise transaction revenues due to the prior year impact of transferring local customers to a new direct sale model. But Software AG was unable to make up this shortfall in Europe and the US as it had hoped. It is the second time in little more than six months that the company’s sales figures have precipitated a sharp share price fall.

“Presumably, the predicted economic slowdown meant that customers’ residual budget, in contrast to normal years, was not invested in capacity expansion,” Software AG said in a statement. For the full year the company expects to achieve turnover of nearly €1.1bn, the same as the previous year at constant currency rates. In October it had forecast an increase of up to 5 per cent.

Arndt Zinnhardt, chief financial officer, said Software AG “had to face a difficult business environment which has slowed down our revenue growth after a promising nine month performance in 2011”.

Analysts at Exane said they believed Software AG’s problems to be driven by macroeconomics and not company-specific.

Software AG’s shares tumbled by 20 per cent to €24.19 dragging down SAP’s stock, which fell 1.4 per cent to €42.07.

Source:http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/55a4b894-3b77-11e1-a09a-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1j7e90mDY

In the course of the transition of the business model to cloud computing, Mauro Marengo will resign by mutual agreement from the Executive Board of InVision Software AG (ISIN: DE0005859698) with effect from December 31st, 2011, and will leave the Company. His previous responsibilities in the Services division will be taken over by Peter Bollenbeck and Armand Zohari, both founding executives. The Supervisory Board as well as the Executive Board of InVision Software AG would like to thank Mauro Marengo for his contribution and wish him success for the future.

InVision Software is a leading international provider of cloud-based workforce management solutions which enable companies to optimise their staff planning and scheduling processes. InVision empowers customers to reduce personnel costs, increase productivity, improve employee satisfaction and to boost revenue by leveraging better customer service. Founded in 1995 and based in Ratingen (Germany), InVision currently employs about 170 WFM specialists and has offices across Europe, North America, and South Africa. InVision Software AG (IVX) is listed in the Prime Standard Segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Source:http://www.openpr.com/news/205105/InVision-Software-AG-Change-to-the-Executive-Board.html

Software AG’s new Technology Community provides a database of knowledge and experts for external use, connecting developers and other IT professionals via a professional network and accelerating development initiatives. The platform includes all Software AG product areas and gives developers and other IT experts access to the latest articles, code samples, webinars, forums, product videos, and wikis in the technical product environment. The new search functionality helps in the search for generic keywords across areas.

The new Community encompasses all of Software AG’s product areas, including the Adabas, ARIS, CentraSite, Natural, Terracotta, and webMethods product families. Along with providing opportunities for direct interaction–for example, via the chat function or with the help of ‘friends’–the Technology Community is the online venue for the latest information about product releases, downloads, and newsletters. Posts on the various discussion boards can be shared on other social networks, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

“Software AG’s new Technology Community is a one-stop shop to connect to all Software AG developer assets, channels, and community members,” says the Eaton Corporation’s Brian Johnson, the North American Representative of the Software AG User Group Executive Committee. “It offers many useful tools which enable you to interact with others and find answers that you can’t find anywhere else. I encourage everyone to use the Technology Community and contribute your insights to build on this intuitive and dynamic environment.”

The Technology Community has more than 16,000 members and contains over 50,000 posts on various discussion boards. In the last two years, the number of posts made to this knowledge base every day has doubled, and the Community is now accessed more than 14,000 times daily.

“The Technology Community is the single best source of getting the latest updates on our products and tap a huge knowledge base of demos, trial downloads, code examples, and expert know-how,” says Gerd Schneider, Vice President of Communities at Software AG. “It meets the needs of our stakeholders for sharing knowledge and gaining insight to simplify development and problem solving. With the new capabilities, it is now even easier to share information and collaborate on a day-to-day basis.”

Source:http://www.marketwatch.com/story/software-ags-new-technology-community-direct-access-to-expert-knowledge-2011-12-15

Process Forum Asia 2011, Mumbai is part of a multi-country event also being held in Singapore and Malaysia. The event provides an opportunity for organisations to get an in-depth view of the power of business process management (BPM) and learn how other leading organisations have delivered increased business value through process improvement.

Attendees will see evidence of Software AG’s increased commitment to the Indian market since its acquisition of IDS Scheer AG in January 2011.

“Software AG believes that an organisation’s competitive power is hidden within their processes. By better aligning IT to support business strategy, and improving business processes, organisations can transform to become more flexible, agile and competitive. Through this event we will share our experiences on how Continuous Process Improvement – supported by world class technology, services and expertise – can improve business performance in an evolving market place.” said Mehul Rajparia, Managing Director, IDS Scheer India Pvt Ltd (a Software AG company)

The event will see participation from Germany-based Joerg Klueckmann, Director – Enterprise BPM, Software AG HQ who will address the audience on how to “Unleash Process Power to Get There – Faster!”. Klueckmann will also discuss the value of an end-to-end approach to BPM across the enterprise. Errol Mascarenhas, Vice President – Asia, Software AG and Mehul Rajparia, Managing Director, IDS Scheer India Pvt. Ltd. will outline Software AG’s business focus and commitment in India.

The event will feature an afternoon track session on BPM solutions for the banking industry, with an opening address from Mridul Sharma, Solution Delivery Group, Consumer Banking, IndusInd Bank. Also included will be presentations from Tata Consulting Services and Wipro, and a live demonstration on how United Motors Group set up a sustainable Enterprise BPM program.

About Software AG

Software AG is the global leader in Business Process Excellence. Our more than 40 years of innovation include the invention of the first high-performance transactional database, Adabas; the first business process analysis platform, ARIS; and the first B2B server and SOA-based integration platform, webMethods. We offer our customers end-to-end business process management (BPM) solutions delivering low Total-Cost-of-Ownership and high ease of use. Our industry-leading brands, ARIS, webMethods, Adabas, Natural, CentraSite and IDS Scheer Consulting, represent a unique portfolio encompassing: process strategy, design, integration and control; SOA-based integration and data management; process-driven SAP implementation; and strategic process consulting and services.

Software AG had revenues of €1.1 billion in 2010 and has more than 5,400 employees serving 10,000 enterprise and public institution customers across 70 countries. Our comprehensive software and services solutions allow companies to continuously achieve their business results faster. The company is headquartered in Germany and listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (TecDAX, ISIN DE 0003304002 / SOW).

Source:http://www.businesswireindia.com/PressRelease.asp?b2mid=29060

Software AG today announced the publication of Process-Driven Master Data Management For Dummies(R), Software AG Special Edition. The book, written by Software AG executives, highlights a unique approach to MDM known as “Process-Driven MDM”. Designed by Software AG, “Process-Driven MDM” makes master data management a business priority and unites IT and business managers in realizing the goal of high quality master data in business processes. Process-Driven Master Data Management For Dummies(R) outlines traditional MDM techniques and shares a better solution for gaining true business value. It also details the three essential pillars of “Process-Driven MDM”.

“Businesses today realize the burning need for clean and consistent data. But they struggle to get MDM programs off the ground and to prove the value of MDM. The reason is that they approach MDM from a wholly IT perspective, focused on improving the quality of data,” said Jignesh Shah, co-author and Vice President of Business Infrastructure Products & Solutions, Software AG. “In Process-Driven Master Data Management For Dummies(R), we describe how MDM is about more than just cleaning up databases, it’s about making your business processes–and your overall business–run efficiently. The book debunks technical myths and covers new methodologies that link MDM directly to enhanced efficiency, profitability and increased customer satisfaction.”

Software AG’s “Process-Driven MDM” approach illustrates why MDM should be owned by business stakeholders and focus on business processes. Take for example a manufacturing company faced with a large number of incorrect product codes in its inventory. Process-Driven MDM looks at the order taking process and how MDM can reduce the number of incorrect orders instead of focusing on a data metric (number of incorrect codes). The objective of Process-Driven MDM is to improve business processes by pinpointing and improving the quality of data used in the process. Process-Driven MDM creates tangible ways to measure MDM ROI and guide MDM investment.

“Process-Driven Master Data Management For Dummies(R) takes the important step of embracing the fact that effective MDM programs need to address business processes as well as data,” said Andy Hayler, CEO of The Information Difference Ltd, a leading independent MDM analyst firm. “It contains much useful advice for those contemplating the MDM journey.”

Process-Driven Master Data Management For Dummies(R) is co-authored by three subject matter experts from Software AG: Jignesh Shah, Vice President of Business Infrastructure Products & Solutions, who is a frequent speaker and also the co-author of SOA Adoption For Dummies(R); Mathew Manathara, Vice President of Global MDM Solutions, who heads the MDM Competency Center at Software AG; and Alexander Hoeppe, Solution Owner for Product Lifecycle Management and MDM Software AG Consulting, who helped build the comprehensive process-driven MDM and PLM methodologies.

Complimentary copies of Process-Driven Master Data Management For Dummies(R), Software AG Special Edition, are available for download. Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., the book is available exclusively from Software AG. It is offered in traditional soft cover and convenient e-book formats. Process-Driven Master Data Management For Dummies(R) is available in English only.

Process-Driven Master Data Management For Dummies(R) is the fourth in a series of For Dummies books released by Software AG. The others include SOA Adoption For Dummies, BPM Basics For Dummies and Process Intelligence For Dummies.

About Software AG

With more than 1,000 U.S.-enterprise customers and 800 employees, Software AG’s U.S. operation contributes one third of the company’s total revenue and is Software AG’s largest market presence and R&D location. Software AG has operated nationwide in the U.S. since 1973 through a fully-owned subsidiary, Software AG USA Inc., which is headquartered in Reston, Virginia — also an R&D hub for the company’s core data management and integration technologies. R&D labs for the development of Software AG’s webMethods product suite — offering SOA integration and BPM solutions — include facilities in San Jose/Silicon Valley, Seattle and Denver. For more information, visit www.softwareag.com/us .

Software AG is the global leader in Business Process Excellence. Our 40 years of innovation include the invention of the first high-performance transactional database, Adabas; the first business process analysis platform, ARIS; and the first B2B server and SOA-based integration platform, webMethods. We offer our customers end-to-end business process management (BPM) solutions delivering low Total-Cost-of-Ownership and high ease of use. Our industry-leading brands, ARIS, webMethods, Adabas, Natural, CentraSite and IDS Scheer Consulting, represent a unique portfolio encompassing: process strategy, design, integration and control; SOA-based integration and data management; process-driven SAP implementation; and strategic process consulting and services.

Software AG had revenues of EUR1.1 billion in 2010 and has more than 5,400 employees serving 10,000 enterprise and public institution customers across 70 countries. Our comprehensive software and services solutions allow companies to continuously achieve their business results faster. The company is headquartered in Germany and listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (TecDAX, ISIN DE 0003304002 / SOW).

Source:http://www.marketwatch.com/story/software-ag-presents-process-driven-master-data-management-for-dummiesr-2011-11-14