SAP joins Virtual Spectator for America’s Cup Campaign
Companies work together to provide live online access to race data
SAP AG (NYSE: SAP), the world’s leading provider of e-business software solutions has entered into a sponsorship
agreement with interactive sports entertainment company Virtual Spectator. SAP is a co-branding partner of Virtual
Spectator, which is providing the 3D premium service for the Louis Vuitton Cup and America’s Cup.
As the third largest software company in the world, SAP chose to sponsor Virtual Spectator’s high-tech race coverage,
which provides the only medium to watch all 120 races live and on demand.
The partnership further extends SAP’s support of the world’s most prestigious sailing event, the America’s Cup. Building
on the foundations of SAP’s technology partnership with the Cup holders -- Team New Zealand -- SAP is also set to become
the official technical supplier to the Louis Vuitton Media Centre in Auckland, where the world’s media will be based for
the duration of the Louis Vuitton and America’s Cup campaigns.
The new Virtual Spectator relationship is central to this, exposing not only the SAP brand, but also delivering live
access to 3D animations of each race to the world’s media and sailing fans from across the globe.
“The combination of our new relationship with Virtual Spectator and our existing partnership with Team New Zealand,
allows SAP to deliver unparalleled access to information through technology during America’s Cup racing events,” said
Marty Homlish, Chief Marketing Officer and member of the extended management board, SAP AG.
Virtual Spectator Chief Executive Greg Young says that the partnership with SAP demonstrates its business model.
“Virtual Spectator transforms events into major sporting spectacles. We offer major international brand partners, such
as SAP, the ability to maximise the brand visibility they gain from their investment and technology showcase within
sports sponsorships. By partnering with us, SAP ensures exposure and greater access to a global audience across the life
of the Louis Vuitton Cup and America’s Cup events.”
About SAP
SAP is the world’s leading provider of e-business software solutions. Through the mySAP.com® e-business platform, people
in businesses around the globe are improving relationships with customers and partners, streamlining operations, and
achieving significant efficiencies throughout their supply chains. Today, more than 18,000 companies in over 120
countries run more than 50,000 installations of SAP® software. With subsidiaries in over 50 countries, the company is
listed on several exchanges including the Frankfurt stock exchange and NYSE under the symbol “SAP.” (Additional
information at http://www.sap.com)
About Virtual Spectator International
Virtual Spectator International is the world’s leading sports animation company. The New Zealand owned company has
developed the world’s first 3D animation technology for live sports – perfect for all visual media. Consumers around the
world use Virtual Spectator International’s technology to watch and interact with their favourite sport, via the
Internet or television. Virtual Spectator International is also a vehicle for multinational businesses, internet
companies and sports sponsors to develop their brand presence and maximise their sports sponsorship investment. (Also
see www.virtualspectator.com)