Infotech Lead India: SAP has launched new solutions aimed at the sports and entertainment industry.
This is the company’s 25th and newest vertical industry market.
Steve Peck, senior vice president of Global Strategic Industries at SAP, will lead the sports and entertainment industry globally.
The fans, athletes, performers and media, venues, teams, leagues and entertainment companies will benefit.
According to data from the U.S. Commerce Department, spending on the sports and entertainment industries — including facilities management, agents for artists, athletes and entertainers, and professional sports teams and clubs — topped $68 billion annually in the United States for the last five years.
SAP says sports franchises can enhance their talent selection process through innovative scouting solutions. Leagues can engage fan bases through statistical insights and fantasy initiatives. Fans can be immersed in the game-day experience and hold a two-way dialogue with their teams.
Players and teams can maximize their on-field performance by drawing on big data capabilities. Media can gain more access to information that will enrich storytelling, while major events, venues and concert promoters canbetter streamline their logistical and revenue operations.
“We expect that our 25th and newest industry vertical will touch literally billions of people who love concerts, entertainment and sports, and help give them an unprecedented level of enjoyment and attachment,” said SAP co-CEO Bill McDermott.
Kevin Plank of Under Armour has worked with SAP for more than a decade to research, develop, manufacture and distribute Under Armour products:
“The ability to help brands capture a multitude of real-time data and expedite communication is exactly how SAP can elevate the sports and entertainment industries and enable all of us to best utilize the most advanced technologies,” said Kevin Plank, founder and CEO of Under Armour.
In addition to sports, SAP counts numerous entertainment organizations as customers, including Cirque du Soleil, Lionsgate and Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment.
This year, SAP acquired Ticket-Web GMBH & Co. KG, a provider of ticketing solutions and niche CRM tools for concerts and sports events.
Pix source: espn.go.com