Germany’s SAP, which makes ERP (enterprise resource planning) software, has bought US-based database maker Sybase in a $US5.8 billion deal.

Sybase competes head-to-head with Oracle.

SAP said that Sybase would for the time being continue to operate as a standalone company (billed as Sybase, an SAP company) and maintain its existing management.

AUT University has become the third tertiary university in New Zealand to join an international business programme.

The programme is supported by SAP, a global business solutions provider of enterprise resource planning software (ERP), and will provide students with access to such technology and other business information systems.

The programme will be offered as a new major within the Bachelor of Business Programme from 2010.

Microsoft shares are up, and SAP’s down, after Steve Ballmer seemingly dissmissed takeover talk fuelled by his company’s first ever bond issue.

"That is just market rumour and market talk, and I will leave it at that,” Mr Ballmer told a press conference, before adding, “I have nothing to say of rumours of acquisitions, positively or negatively”.

Yesterday Microsoft - one of a literal handful of US companies to enjoy a AAA rating from both Standard & Poors and Moody’s - successfully placed a $US3.75 billion bond issue.

Microsoft's Kiwi expatriate chief financial officer, Chris Liddell has led his company's first-ever foray into the debt market – sparking speculation that his company has a big takeover target in its sights.

Mr Liddell successfully placed a US$3.75 billion bond issue yesterday, despite his company already having $US25 billion in cash. The company has filed to raise as much as $US6 billion.

Europe’s largest software company feels the squeeze, and cuts 2200 jobs.

German enterprise software maker SAP has joined the ranks of tech companies coming under profit pressure, and culling staff.

Announcing a 16% fall in profit and 3% fall in revenue today, SAP blamed a "difficult operating environment worldwide due to the economic downturn" and a €212 million restructuring charge associated with the elimination of around 2200 jobs.