The end of official support for SAP ECC in 2027 marks a turning point in global business management. What has long seemed like a distant date now looms as a real threat for thousands of companies still relying on this historic platform. And, as warns analysts and consulting firms, the window to migrate safely is closing faster than many realize.
SAP has set a definitive date: December 31, 2027 for the end of mainstream maintenance for ECC in its latest versions (EHP 6-8). The company will offer extended support until 2030, but with an estimated additional cost of about 2% in the maintenance fee, and without access to new innovations. This extension, in the view of experts, should not be seen as a lifesaver, but as a last resort.
A delay that could be costly
The transition to SAP S/4HANA is not progressing at the expected pace. Data from Gartner and other sources indicate that by the end of 2024, only 39% of ECC companies will have completed the migration. Other estimates place the percentage of companies that haven’t even licensed S/4HANA at between 69% and 70%. This leaves a backlog of projects for the next two years, with the risk of resource bottlenecks and shortages of specialized consultants.
“Companies that start late will not only pay more for support but also face rushed migrations, increasing the risk of failures and critical outages,” warns an independent industry consultant.
From technical upgrade to strategic transformation
S/4HANA is not merely a technical evolution of ECC. It represents a profound redesign that introduces real-time analytics, native integration with artificial intelligence, process automation, and simplified data models. Additionally, it offers deployment flexibility in both the cloud and on-premises environments, accommodating hybrid strategies or data sovereignty requirements.
The migration involves reviewing the entire SAP ecosystem: from functional modules and custom Z programs to interfaces, add-ons, and critical processes. The decision on the route — greenfield (new implementation), brownfield (direct conversion), or hybrid — depends on each company’s modernization level and change tolerance.
Unchangeable timeline
- 2025: End of mainstream support for ECC EHP 0-5.
- 2027: End of support for ECC EHP 6-8.
- 2030: End of extended support for those who opt in with an additional fee.
The risk is not only technical: outdated systems may violate legal or security standards, jeopardizing operations and reputation.
An opportunity to innovate… if you act in time
Those who take the plunge now can enjoy the benefits of S/4HANA with less pressure and better planning:
- Higher performance thanks to the SAP HANA in-memory database.
- Modern, responsive interface with SAP Fiori.
- Faster, more traceable processes.
- Guaranteed updates until 2040.
In a landscape where digital resilience and adaptability are key, migrating to S/4HANA is less of an obligation and more of a strategic investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t migrate before 2027?
Your system will no longer receive security patches or official support, increasing operational and legal risks.
How long does a typical S/4HANA migration take?
Complex projects may take between 18 and 36 months, depending on system size and customization.
Is it safer to migrate now rather than wait for extended support?
Yes. Early migration allows for careful planning, reduces costs, and minimizes technical risks.
Which migration route is best?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer: greenfield offers a complete reinvention, brownfield provides agility, and hybrid options strike a balance between the two.