SAP Hires Software-As-A-Service ExecSAP Hires Software-As-A-Service Exec

SAP announced this week that it hired Peter Dunning, who was president of field operations at RightNow Technologies, for the job of executive VP of strategic industries. Dunning's hire fits right into SAP's plans to expand its software-as-a-service options this year.

RightNow offers customer-relationship management software using a software-as-a-service model, similar to Salesforce.com. Dunning's experience is a boon to SAP, which plans to roll out a software-as-a-service offering designed for small and midsize businesses later this year. In his position, Dunning will oversee the public services, retail, and financial services industries, all considered among the best vertical markets for software-as-a-service. RightNow and Salesforce.com have hordes of customers in these markets, both big and small.

"Peter was the perfect choice for this role, given his vast industry experience and laser-sharp focus on the customer," said Bill McDermott, president of SAP Americas, in a prepared statement. Dunning previously worked for SAP from 1991 to 1998.