In the past decade, the absolute difference between the preliminary and final benchmark revision has averaged 37, 000 jobs.

WHITEHOUSE: Today��s Economic Data

The absolute difference in revenues is not the most important comparison, however, nor even is the way Oracle has grown while SAP stumbled.

FORBES: SAP's Big Problem

Yet the overall cost premium, based on the difference in absolute wages between the U.S. and China, is actually expanding, so labor arbitrage involving China and other low labor cost markets will likely persist.

FORBES: Manufacturing May Be Coming Back to the U.S., Long-Term

"Jens is someone at the very highest level who knows the difference in standard between mediocrity and the absolute top in the world, " says Maes.

BBC: Carl Maes