SAP

You get to work on one of the best software platforms in the world. You get to work with colleagues (especially German counterparts) who are plain brilliant and awesome. It's a great place to learn. Stagnation sets in quickly, and it is up to you to ensure this does not happen (change teams or initiate new projects). People tend to get lazy after spending a few years at SAP.

If you play your cards right, you can grow very quickly. You have the chance to build networks, and this will help accelerate your growth in the company. Some people I know have become directors/VPs in 10 years or so.

Other Pros:

• Some managers are really accomplished and are good leaders.
• The current MD is a proven leader.
• Scope for international mobility (if you build your networks).
• Free food.
• Free transport.
• Initiation of some employee-friendly HR policies (though implementation is still left to managers).

WHERE IS THE INNOVATION????

SAP Labs has changed a lot in the past 8 years. Once a breeding ground for technologists and geeks, it has now been reduced to a body shop for cheap labor. These days, not much innovation happens at SAP, and developers mostly work on unimportant projects which the 'real' German and American developers don't want to do. Some team managers 're-invent' stuff or start 'projects' just to prove they are doing something important.

SAP Labs in India is a manager's company, which means employees have no say in what goes around. Promotions and growth depend on shouting out loud, networking, and being close to managers and VPs, leaving real talent frustrated. Most managers are not competent or skilled, and they constantly deny employees benefits (like tele-commute, etc.) which are provided by the company.

Employees still love SAP, but are very frustrated due to the negative change in culture.

Make managers more accountable, retain good people, and let go of the free-riders.

But most importantly, "INNOVATE". Ideate and develop new products and technologies.

With work moving to the cheaper SAP Labs China, innovation is the only way SAP Labs India can survive.