What’s Next for ECC Customers?
SAP’s recent announcement extending support for ECC 6.0 to 2033 for select customers has sparked questions across the enterprise landscape. What does this really mean for businesses still relying on legacy SAP systems? Should organizations adjust their plans, or is now the time to take action?
In our recent Lemongrass Live webinar, experts Ian Graham (Lemongrass Solutions Architect), Andrew Juric (SVP Solution Advisory, Lemongrass), and Chris Beard (Lemongrass Solutions Architect) delved into SAP’s latest update—breaking down its key implications and offering strategic insights to help SAP customers navigate the changes with confidence.
SAP’s Support Extension: A Safety Net, Not a Strategy
SAP has extended standard support for ECC 6.0 until 2027, with an extended maintenance option available until 2030. Now, for a select group of large, complex customers, SAP is offering the SAP ERP Private Edition Transition Option, extending limited support to 2033.
However, this is not a blanket extension for all ECC customers.
Who Qualifies?
SAP has indicated that only large enterprises with complex SAP landscapes, including multiple ECC systems, may be eligible. These customers must also have already started their RISE with SAP journey.
As Andrew Juric pointed out: “SAP isn’t giving a free pass to delay migration. They’re acting as a backstop for customers already transitioning to S/4HANA on RISE, not offering an excuse to procrastinate.”
For companies still running ECC, waiting in the hope of eligibility is a high-risk strategy.
The Risks of Waiting Until 2028 to Decide
One of the biggest risks discussed in the webinar is that the full details, including pricing and conditions, won’t be available until 2028.
As Chris notes: “If your plan is to wait until 2028 in the hopes of qualifying, you might wake up on January 1, 2028, to find out you don’t. At that point, you’ll only have two years to move off ECC before extended maintenance ends in 2030—putting enormous pressure on your business.”
Waiting until the last minute is not only risky but could also lead to significant cost increases and business disruption.
Why Businesses Need to Start Planning Now
SAP’s innovation efforts are focused on S/4HANA, Business Technology Platform (BTP), and RISE with SAP, making it essential for businesses to assess their future ERP strategy. Even if a full migration is not immediate, companies can begin preparing by:
- Assessing Cloud Readiness: Understanding the operational and financial impact of transitioning to SAP’s cloud-first model.
- Leveraging RISE with SAP: Gaining flexibility through a managed cloud transformation, tailored to business needs.
- Modernizing integrations: Using SAP BTP to enable interoperability and reduce legacy system dependencies.
- Ensuring long-term compliance and security: Legacy systems will become harder to maintain, increasing regulatory and security risks.
As Ian Graham put it: “Every ERP system has a finite lifespan. The sooner businesses start evaluating their options, the better they can mitigate risks and take advantage of SAP’s latest innovations.”
What Should ECC Customers Do Next?
For businesses still on ECC, the priority should be to assess and define a transition strategy, rather than waiting until the last moment. Key steps include:
- Evaluate Your Readiness for RISE with SAP
- Assess eligibility and benefits of RISE with SAP as a pathway to modernization.
- Determine whether a private or public cloud approach aligns with business needs.
- Develop a Strategic Roadmap
- Identify key business processes that will be impacted.
- Plan for clean core principles to avoid excessive customization.
- Leverage SAP BTP Today
- Even if a full migration is not immediate, adopting BTP-based solutions can modernize operations incrementally.
- Seek Expert Guidance
- Engaging with Lemongrass’ RISE with SAP Advisory Services helps organizations assess their cloud strategy, navigate risks, and maximize value from their SAP investments.
Final Thoughts: Take control of your SAP future
SAP’s ECC support extension should be seen as a safety net for a select few, not a reason to delay decision-making. The best course of action is to assess your options, define a strategy, and take proactive steps toward modernization.
Lemongrass specializes in RISE with SAP Advisory Services, helping businesses evaluate their transition path, mitigate risks, and unlock the full potential of SAP in the cloud. Whether you need support in building a roadmap, optimizing costs, or leveraging SAP BTP for incremental transformation, our experts are here to help.
To discuss your SAP strategy and how RISE with SAP can support your long-term goals, contact our team today.
Watch the full Lemongrass Live here: Navigating SAP’s Legacy System Support and the Road Ahead
