Third-Party Support for SAP ECC After End of Support

2027SAP ECC 6.0 standard support end date

~50%typical savings on annual maintenance fees with third-party support

~50%of SAP customers estimated still running ECC by 2027

2030+third-party providers pledge ECC support well into the 2030s

SAP ECC End-of-Support: A Looming Deadline

SAP ECC, the core of SAP's older Business Suite, has an official support deadline approaching. Standard support for ECC 6.0 is scheduled to end in 2027 (with SAP offering costly extended support until 2030). After these dates, SAP will no longer provide patches, legal/regulatory updates, or fixes for ECC.

For ITAM professionals, this deadline is critical. Analysts estimate nearly half of SAP's customers will still be running ECC by 2027. Many large enterprises have not fully migrated to S/4HANA due to the high cost, complexity, and risk associated with such projects. Meanwhile, SAP has increased its annual maintenance fees in recent years (e.g., +5% in 2024), adding pressure to IT budgets.

The three options: Enterprises essentially face three choices: (1) migrate to S/4HANA before support ends, (2) pay SAP for extended ECC support until 2030 with a ~2% fee premium, or (3) run ECC past 2027 without SAP support — which is risky unless a third-party support provider steps in. End-of-support for ECC is a major inflection point that forces ITAM and procurement teams to evaluate support strategies balancing cost, risk, and flexibility.

Third-Party Support for SAP: What Is It?

Third-party support for SAP refers to outsourcing your SAP software maintenance to an independent provider, rather than relying on SAP itself. These firms (e.g., Rimini Street, Spinnaker Support, Support Revolution, and others) offer maintenance services for SAP ECC and other SAP products once you leave SAP's official support.

In practice, third-party support typically includes:

What's Covered

✅ Third-Party Support Services

Break-Fix Issue Resolution: Diagnosing and fixing software bugs or performance issues even after SAP support has lapsed
Regulatory Updates: Tax, legal, and regulatory changes (e.g., payroll tax tables, VAT changes) to keep your ECC system compliant
Customisation Support: Troubleshooting and fixing custom code and integration issues — something SAP's standard support does not cover
Security and Patches: Monitoring for vulnerabilities and developing necessary patches or workarounds
Ongoing Helpdesk: 24/7 support with defined SLAs and often a dedicated team familiar with your environment

Key Distinction

🔑 How It Works

You continue to own and use your SAP licences (ECC is typically perpetual)
You cease paying SAP's annual maintenance
You pay the third-party provider for support services instead
Providers employ former SAP engineers and product experts
Some providers pledge to support SAP ECC well into the 2030s (and possibly even 2040)
Used by many Fortune 500 firms — a legitimate, well-established industry

Who are these providers? Rimini Street is the most well-known, boasting thousands of clients for SAP and Oracle globally. Others include Spinnaker Support, Support Revolution, and smaller regional players. They employ former SAP engineers who can support older versions (ECC 6.0 and earlier) long after SAP's timeline.

Why Enterprises Are Embracing Third-Party Support

Third-party support for SAP has gained momentum as the end-of-support for ECC nears. ITAM and sourcing teams are drawn to several clear benefits:

Significant Cost Savings

SAP annual support fees are typically ~20–22% of initial licence cost. Third-party providers generally charge around 50% of SAP's fee for comparable coverage. Enterprises often achieve maintenance savings of $1 million or more per year depending on their SAP spend. Moreover, third-party contracts often lock prices for multiple years, avoiding inflation-based hikes.

Extended System Life (No Forced Upgrade)

With third-party support, there is no hard end date for using ECC. You can run your stable SAP ERP system for as long as it continues to deliver value. Third-party providers will continue to support ECC well past 2027, helping you avoid a rushed, high-risk upgrade or the steep fees of SAP's extended support.

Focus on Stability and Essentials

Many enterprises on ECC have mature, heavily customised systems that already meet business needs. They aren't looking for new features from SAP; they value stability. Third-party support keeps what you have running smoothly and in compliance without introducing new software changes.

Better Support Experience

Customers often report better support quality from third-party vendors than from SAP. As a direct-paying client, the provider assigns a dedicated engineer or small team to your account, offering faster response times (e.g., 15-minute response for critical issues) and deeper understanding of your environment. They also troubleshoot customisation and integration issues — a "one-stop" support that SAP never provided without extra consulting fees.

Predictability and Flexibility

Third-party contracts can be tailored to your specific needs and allow flexibility as your system footprint changes. You can target a 3–5 year stable period on third-party support, then switch to S/4HANA when it truly makes sense for the business — not due to vendor pressure.

Real-world example: One global manufacturer saved over 50% on support costs (around $1.1M annually) by moving their SAP ECC and BusinessObjects systems to a third-party provider. The savings funded new digital initiatives in e-commerce and analytics while avoiding an expensive premature ERP upgrade. They also saw improved support for custom shop-floor integrations that SAP's support had struggled to handle.

Need Help Navigating SAP ECC End-of-Support?

Redress Compliance provides completely vendor-independent SAP advisory services. We help enterprises evaluate third-party support options, negotiate with SAP, and build a support strategy that balances cost, risk, and flexibility.

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Comparing SAP vs. Third-Party Support

Aspect	SAP Official Support	Third-Party Support
Annual Cost	~20–22% of licence value (rising). Extra +2% premium for extended support after 2027.	~50% of SAP's fee (~10–15% of licence value). Multi-year fixed pricing common.
Support Coverage	Standard SAP software issues and security patches. Does not include custom code fixes. Ends after support period.	Covers current software version indefinitely. Includes bug fixes, regulatory updates, and customisation support. No hard end date.
Upgrades & New Features	Entitles you to version upgrades and enhancement packs while under support. New features only in S/4HANA.	No new software or version upgrades from SAP. You remain on ECC 6.0 — but avoid forced upgrades and choose your own timing.
Service Level & Response	Standard SLA; custom code issues out of scope. Enhanced support (MaxAttention) costs extra.	Personalised 24/7 support with dedicated engineers. 15-min P1 response. Covers custom code and performance issues holistically.
Cost of Staying vs Leaving	Continuous fees and eventual costly migration. Extended support adds further expense.	Greatly reduces run-rate costs and allows deferring migration expense. Returning to SAP later may require back-maintenance or new licences.
Vendor Relationship	Direct relationship with SAP. Access to support portal, updates, and vendor backing.	Relationship with SAP may become strained. Must rely on third-party for all support. Expect SAP pushback and retention offers.

Risks and Trade-Offs to Consider

Third-party support is not a silver bullet. ITAM professionals must weigh several trade-offs and risks before making the switch:

No New SAP Releases

You will not receive new versions, enhancement packs, or innovations from SAP for ECC. If your business requires new ERP functionality, you'll need to build it in-house, purchase add-ons, or wait until a future S/4HANA upgrade. You're in "maintenance mode" — great for stability, but not for getting new features.

Security & Compliance Concerns

Once off SAP support, you won't get official SAP security patches. A third-party provider will create fixes or mitigations for critical vulnerabilities, but this requires trust in their expertise. Apply all final SAP patches before leaving, and ensure the provider has a strong track record with compliance updates.

Rejoining SAP or Migrating Later

If you leave SAP support and later decide to implement S/4HANA, there may be financial implications. SAP historically doesn't allow a "holiday" on maintenance without penalty — you might have to pay a reinstatement fee or lose credit for old licences. Model this scenario: even factoring in such costs, many find third-party support still saves money in the interim.

Vendor Lock-In (New Kind)

While you escape SAP's timeline pressure, you become reliant on the third-party vendor. Choose a reputable provider and negotiate escape clauses or short-term contracts. Consider the provider's long-term viability — you'll be running ECC potentially for many years.

Internal Skills and System Age

Running ECC for an extended period means ensuring you have the necessary internal knowledge to maintain an ageing system. Over time, finding talent familiar with older ECC versions may become challenging. Mitigate by capturing knowledge and using the provider's consulting services for system health checks.

SAP Relationship Management: Prepare for pushback from SAP. Account executives may attempt retention offers — from small discounts, to bundling deals (e.g., RISE incentives), to reminders that future re-licensing will be costly. Communicate at a high level about your decision and evaluate any counter-offer objectively. Aim to leave on good terms — you may still use SAP in the future.

Planning Your Support Strategy

Navigating the end of ECC support is not just a technical decision but a strategic one spanning IT, finance, and procurement:

Assess Your Current State

Begin with an internal audit of your SAP landscape. What ECC version and enhancement pack are you on? Identify unused components (shelfware) that could be retired. Assess critical customisations. This baseline informs whether third-party support is feasible and attractive.

Map Out Future Roadmap

Align with business leadership on the long-term ERP strategy. If a migration is on the horizon but not immediate, third-party support can be a bridge strategy — saving money now and funding the eventual project. Clarity on this vision helps in vendor negotiations on both sides.

Engage SAP in Negotiations

Before leaping, give SAP a chance to sharpen its pencil. Leverage third-party quotes to negotiate concessions — reduced support fees, ability to drop unused licences from your maintenance base, or other incentives. Even if SAP's offer isn't enough, you've ensured no option was left unexplored.

Evaluate Third-Party Providers Thoroughly

Treat the move like any critical outsourcing. Compare pricing, scope of services, SLAs, client references, and expertise in your industry or modules. Check how they handle regulatory updates, security patching, and indemnification clauses.

Plan the Transition Meticulously

Align the move with your SAP maintenance renewal cycle. Provide SAP with required notice of termination (typically 90 days). Download all relevant support materials from SAP while you still have access. Apply any final patches. Communicate the change to internal teams.

Governance and Licence Compliance

Even off SAP support, maintain good licence hygiene. Keep records of your entitlements and how they are used. An audit is less likely when not engaging with SAP, but still possible should you re-engage later.

Recommendations (Practical Tips)

✅ 10 Expert Recommendations

Build a Business Case Grounded in Data: Gather hard numbers on current SAP maintenance costs, potential third-party fees, and migration expenses. A solid cost-benefit analysis is essential for leadership buy-in.
Negotiate "Stay or Go" Options with SAP: Ask about partial termination of support on unused licences, or explore SAP's Product Support for Large Enterprises (PSLE). If SAP knows you're considering leaving, they may present creative solutions.
Leverage Timing to Your Advantage: Evaluate third-party support 12–18 months before your ECC support deadline or contract renewal. Don't wait until the last moment — start planning early.
Ensure Licence Continuity: Double-check that you have perpetual rights to use the software versions you run. Confirm with SAP in writing that discontinuing maintenance does not forfeit your right to use the software.
Maximise Value Before You Switch: Download latest support packs, documentation, and tools. Implement any last high-value notes or minor enhancements. This "last refresh" gives your system a clean baseline.
Contractual Safeguards with Third-Party: Include SLAs and penalties for non-performance. Look for an indemnification clause where the provider takes on liability if their support actions trigger any IP claims from SAP.
Plan for an Eventual Transition (Exit Strategy): Maintain a clause allowing you to cancel after each contract year without steep penalties. Keep future S/4HANA migration flexibility.
Communicate with Stakeholders: Keep IT operations, security, procurement, and business units in the loop. Ensure everyone understands both the "why" and the "how" of the new support model.
Monitor SAP's Policy Changes: Keep an eye on SAP announcements regarding ECC and S/4HANA. If SAP extends deadlines or introduces new offerings, update your strategy accordingly.
Foster Peer Connections: Connect with other companies via user groups or industry forums that have chosen third-party support. Peer insights on providers, negotiation tactics, and lessons learned are invaluable.

Checklist: 5 Actions to Take

📋 SAP ECC Support Transition Checklist

Audit Your SAP Licences and Usage: Inventory all SAP ECC licences and usage. Identify shelfware to eliminate. Note contractual renewal dates and notice periods.
Explore Support Options (Internal Due Diligence): Form a cross-functional team (ITAM, SAP basis, procurement, finance) to evaluate post-2027 options. Discuss retention offers with SAP and reach out to third-party providers for proposals.
Develop a Transition Plan: Outline timing, knowledge transfer, downloading SAP support resources, scheduling final patch updates, and communicating the change to end-users and support staff.
Secure Approvals and Communicate Decision: Present findings and recommendations to senior management. Get formal approval. Inform SAP in writing as required. Communicate decision and rationale to all internal stakeholders.
Execute and Monitor: Manage the cutover on the agreed date. Regularly review support performance — are issues getting resolved promptly? Is the system stable? Use metrics to report on strategy success and adjust if needed.

FAQ

What exactly happens when SAP ECC support ends in 2027?

After Dec 31, 2027, SAP will no longer provide standard support for ECC 6.0 — no new patches, fixes, or legal updates. Those paying for extended maintenance get support until 2030 at a premium. Companies still on ECC at that point either run "at their own risk" or rely on alternatives such as third-party support to keep systems up-to-date and secure.

Is third-party SAP support legitimate and allowed?

Yes. If you own valid licences for your SAP software, you are allowed to choose who provides support. Third-party support is a legitimate industry with well-established providers serving hundreds of SAP clients. Many governments, large enterprises, and regulated industries use third-party support. SAP's terms do not prohibit you from ending maintenance and using an outside firm. Ensure your contract with the provider includes indemnification protections.

How much can we save by switching to third-party support?

Most organisations see immediate savings of 50% or more on annual support fees. For example, if you currently pay $2 million per year to SAP, a third-party provider might charge around $1 million — saving $1 million annually. Over several years, this is substantial. Factor in one-time transition costs and any potential future re-licensing costs, but even with those, the business case often remains very attractive.

What do we lose if we leave SAP support?

You lose access to SAP's updates and SAP's direct help — no new patches, no ability to upgrade to new versions without buying new licences, and no SAP support portal. However, a good third-party provider replaces much of this: they become your helpdesk, provide fixes, and offer regulatory update mechanisms. You do not lose the right to use your existing SAP software — your licences remain valid. Think of it like choosing a local mechanic instead of the dealer's service centre once the warranty expires.

Can we still migrate to S/4HANA later if we use third-party support now?

Absolutely. Using third-party support doesn't preclude future SAP projects. When you decide to migrate, you might have to negotiate a new licence or conversion deal since you won't have active SAP maintenance. SAP may require back-maintenance payment to reinstate support before a conversion. Many companies find the interim savings still make third-party support worthwhile. Save a portion of the fees you're not paying SAP and earmark that for your future S/4HANA project.

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Fredrik Filipsson

Co-Founder @ Redress Compliance

20+ years in enterprise software licensing. Former IBM, SAP, and Oracle. 11 years as an independent consultant advising hundreds of Fortune 500 companies on Oracle, Microsoft, SAP, IBM, Salesforce, and ServiceNow licensing, contract negotiations, and cost optimisation.

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