SAP is the world leader in ERP software packages and has helped customers across every industry to optimize their business. As the industry evolved to meet changing demands, SAP enhanced its product line to support digital transformation, cloud adoption, industry-specific needs, and modern technologies like AI, automation, and sustainability.

When SAP released its two-tier architecture in 1979 and later introduced the three-tier architecture SAP R/3 in 1992, it marked a significant advancement in enterprise technology. With the launch of SAP ECC in 2004, they continued to lead the industry in functionality, customization, and performance.

However, in 2012, with the invention of the SAP HANA in-memory database, SAP elevated the ERP journey to the next level, enhancing performance, optimization, and integration.

In the late 20th century, the business world began focusing on cloud adoption and the digital journey. Now in 2025, everyone is talking about AI, ML, LLM, etc. In this blog post, we'll explore the potential future path for existing SAP ECC customers to transition to S/4HANA, unlocking opportunities for AI-driven transformation.

Product	End of Mainstream Maintenance	End of Extended Maintenance
SAP ECC 6.0 and up to EHP5	31-DEC-2025	Not Available
SAP ECC 6.0 EHP 6-8	31-DEC-2027	31-DEC-2030

As shown in the table above, mainstream maintenance for customers running ECC 6.0 up to EHP5 ends this year. It is crucial for these customers to either upgrade their systems using one of the strategies outlined below or adopt the Rise with SAP program.

For customers running on SAP ECC 6.0, EHP5 or lower, the recommendation is to update to the latest version of S/4HANA. However, if the customer needs additional time due to the complexity of their existing system, they can follow a two-step approach.

Mainstream maintenance for SAP ECC 6.0 EHP 6-8 will end on 31-DEC-2027. After this date, SAP will offer extended maintenance for an additional three years, available for an extra fee. This roadmap provides the customer with additional time for adapting to the next-generation SAP solution.

For customers interested in cloud adoption for their digital and AI journey, the recommendation is to upgrade their SAP ERP software directly to S/4HANA. Alternatively, they can follow the two-step upgrade process mentioned above and migrate to a public cloud supported by SAP, such as Microsoft Azure, GCP, AWS, IBM Cloud, and others.

The single-step upgrade and cloud migration using SUM with the System Move option offer several advantages:

For customers upgrading to EHP6-8 and Cloud, a single downtime can still be achieved to obtain the above advantages.

SAP has announced a new Rise with SAP-ERP Private Edition Transition Option, offering extended support for customers running large, complex ECC systems beyond the 2027 deadline.

This optional plan requires a Rise with SAP cloud subscription and includes support services, security patches, and help transitioning to S/4HANA Cloud. It will be available to purchase in 2028 and active from 2031 to 2033.

To qualify, customers must migrate to the SAP HANA database by 2030 and discontinue unsupported tools like Java. The offer applies specifically to ECC systems, not the full SAP Business Suite 7.

SAP is sharing details early to give customers time to plan for the transition.

Kochasoft is a global IT consulting company with deep expertise in SAP upgrades and cloud migrations. Our team has successfully executed numerous in-place upgrades, as well as upgrade and migration projects to public cloud platforms; all delivered in shorter timeframes with reduced total cost of ownership (TCO) and minimized risk.

We can assess your current SAP landscape and provide strategic guidance on the optimal path forward, helping your business unlock high performance and drive digital and AI transformation Learn more