What Does This Mean for Your Business?
The end of mainstream maintenance doesn't mean your ECC system stops working. It means SAP will no longer provide regular updates, security patches, or new functionality under your existing support agreement.
Security Risk
Without regular security patches, your ECC system becomes increasingly vulnerable to emerging threats and compliance issues.
Rising Costs
Extended maintenance comes at a premium (typically 2% additional). Third-party support may offer savings but with trade-offs.
Innovation Freeze
No new features or enhancements. While your competitors modernize, your capabilities remain static.
Your Four Options
There is no single "right" answer. The best path depends on your business context, budget, risk tolerance, and strategic priorities.
Option 1: Stay on ECC
Lower RiskContinue running ECC with extended maintenance or third-party support while planning a future transition.
Option 2: S/4HANA Conversion
BalancedConvert your existing ECC system to S/4HANA, preserving customizations and historical data.
Option 3: S/4HANA Greenfield
TransformativeStart fresh with a new S/4HANA implementation, redesigning processes from the ground up.
Option 4: RISE with SAP
Cloud-FirstSAP's bundled cloud offering including S/4HANA Cloud, infrastructure, and business transformation services.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does SAP ECC support end?
SAP ECC mainstream maintenance ends December 31, 2027. Extended maintenance is available until 2030 for an additional fee (typically 2% on top of your existing support costs). Third-party support options can extend support beyond 2030.
What happens after SAP ECC end of support?
Your system continues to work - it doesn't shut down. However, you'll no longer receive security patches, legal updates, or bug fixes under mainstream support. Your options are: extended SAP maintenance, third-party support, S/4HANA migration, or moving to a different ERP system entirely.
How long does S/4HANA migration take?
Typical timelines: Brownfield (system conversion): 12-24 months.Greenfield (new implementation): 18-36 months. Complex, global deployments can take longer. Factor in 3-6 months for planning and vendor selection before the project even starts.
Can I stay on SAP ECC after 2027?
Yes, absolutely. Many organizations are choosing to stay on ECC while they plan a more strategic transition. Extended maintenance keeps you covered until 2030, and third-party providers like Rimini Street offer support beyond that. The key is having a clear plan.
What is the cost of S/4HANA migration?
Costs vary dramatically based on scope. Rough ranges: Small/Mid-market: $2-10M. Enterprise: $10-50M+. Global: $50-200M+. These include software, implementation services, change management, and internal costs. RISE with SAP shifts more to OpEx but can have similar total cost of ownership.
Critical Timeline
If you're planning to migrate before the deadline, here's the math.
Decision Window
Ideal time to assess options, run discovery, and make strategic decisions. Most flexibility and lowest pressure.
Project Kickoff
For 2027 deadline completion, projects should be well underway by mid-2025. SI capacity starts to tighten.
Crunch Time
Peak demand for SAP implementation resources. Premium pricing, limited availability. Rushed projects risk failure.
Deadline Year
December 31: Mainstream support ends. Organizations still on ECC move to extended maintenance or third-party support.