SAP ECC Expiration: The Time to Transition to S/4HANA Is Now

Migrating to SAP S/4HANA is no longer a long-term strategic decision — it’s an immediate operational necessity. Here’s why it’s essential to take action now, how to approach the transition, and what benefits a well-executed migration can bring.

The End of Support for SAP ECC Is Approaching

SAP will end mainstream maintenance for ECC versions with EHP 0 to 5 by the end of 2025, and for EHP 6, 7, and 8 by the end of 2027. After those dates, companies will only have access to Customer Specific Maintenance, which does not include legal updates, security patches, or full support. In short, continuing under that model means accepting operational and compliance risks.

There is a temporary option available — Extended Maintenance, valid until 2030 — but it's limited to EHP 6–8 and comes with an additional cost.

RISE with SAP: A Streamlined Path to Migration

To simplify the transition, SAP developed RISE with SAP, a comprehensive package that includes migration tools, technical support, a free readiness assessment, and cloud-based services. In fact, the cloud plays a central role in this solution: it enables scalability, cost reduction, and improved system security at every stage.

How to Migrate: Three Main Approaches

Every company starts from a different place. SAP offers three main migration paths to suit different needs:

System Conversion (Brownfield)

Recommended for companies that want to maintain their existing processes. This approach upgrades the current ECC system to SAP S/4HANA without starting from scratch, minimizing operational disruption. However, it may require data cleansing and adjustments to previous customizations.

New Implementation (Greenfield)

Ideal for those aiming for complete transformation. SAP S/4HANA is implemented from the ground up, allowing businesses to redesign their processes and adopt modern best practices. While this option delivers greater agility, it demands more effort in terms of setup and change management.

Selective Data Transition (SDT)

Designed for organizations seeking flexibility. This approach allows businesses to migrate only the essential data and processes, combining elements of the other two methods. With strategies like Mix & Match or Shell Conversion, companies can tailor the migration to their specific needs.

The Cloud as a Key Enabler

RISE with SAP places cloud technology at the heart of the transition. This brings several advantages:

• Flexibility and scalability: with options for public, private, or hybrid cloud environments.
• Better decision-making: thanks to SAP Business Data Cloud and AI-powered analytics.
• Enhanced security: through cybersecurity services, data backup, and business continuity solutions.

What If You Don’t Migrate?

Companies that continue using ECC beyond 2027 will be operating without complete support, exposing themselves to legal, technical, and security risks. Technological modernization is no longer just a competitive advantage — it's a requirement for sustainable operations.

Conclusion

The time to act is now. Migrating to SAP S/4HANA not only ensures business continuity but also unlocks new technological capabilities that boost efficiency, enhance security, and support smarter decision-making. With SAP's deadlines already in place, planning ahead is crucial to minimize risk and guarantee a smooth transition.