Business software maker SAP, and the lagging web portal AOL both made some high-rank staffing changes today in an attempt to boost company strategy. SAP appointed Kevin Nix  as the new head of its OnDemand business, a tech industry veteran that brings over 25 years of experience to the company.

“Prior to joining SAP, Nix was CEO and co-founder of Skydata Systems, which built mobile business apps for smartphones and was acquired by SAP. Nix also spent 10 years as part of the founder’s circle at Siebel Systems where he ran customer relationship management products…”

Nix will be overseeing the development ravel expense and career management solutions that will be rolled out within a year, according to a press release, along with existing offerings that include the SAP Sourcing OnDemand and Sales OnDemand products.  He will report to Peter Lorenz, EVP of OnDemand and corporate officer.

Prior to his new position, Nix also contributed to SAP’s mobile strategy before the Sybase acquisition. Mobile is one of the key focuses of the company. Last week the software maker made its core Sybase offerings to resellers worldwide, a total of about 3,000, and co-CEO Bill McDermott discussed a part his company’s expansion efforts abroad.

AOL also made some significant changes to its leadership team. In a memo sent out to staffers today chief executive said three executive are leaving the company, along with some other staffing changes to get on the path of “returning AOL to growth.” Sales head Jeff Levick, head of corporate communications Sales chief Jeff Levick, and Sales chief Jeff Levick will be departing.

RIM also started layoff round this morning, but on a much wider scale than AOL. The phonemaker will fire 2,000 workers this week to refocus on its most profitable businesses, something Cisco has also been doing.