SAP HANA
SAP HANA, an in-memory database and application development platform for processing high volumes of data in real time, is SAP's highest profile product. Read the latest news and expert advice about the SAP HANA platform as the architecture evolves. Also, independent case studies detail lessons learned from peers about their implementation of the SAP HANA architecture.
Top Stories
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Conference Coverage
29 May 2025
SAP Sapphire 2025 news, trends and analysis
SAP showcased new business AI applications and continued to make the case for S/4HANA Cloud as the future of SaaS-based ERP innovation and digital transformation. Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2025
SAP sits Joule at the helm of apps, data 'flywheel'
The vendor also made its Sapphire 2025 conference a showcase for solving AI data challenges with Business Data Cloud and integrated 'suites' of cloud applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Feb 2025
What is SAP S/4HANA?
SAP S/4HANA is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) business suite based on the SAP HANA in-memory database that allows companies to perform transactions and analyze business data in real time. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Feb 2025
What is SAP ERP Central Component (SAP ECC)?
SAP ERP Central Component (SAP ECC) is an on-premises enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Feb 2025
What is SAP S/4HANA Cloud?
SAP S/4HANA Cloud is a software as a service (SaaS) version of SAP S/4HANA enterprise resource planning (ERP), a suite of integrated business applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Feb 2025
What is SAP S/4HANA Finance?
SAP S/4HANA Finance is a financial application that's part of the SAP S/4HANA enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jan 2025
SAP S/4HANA migration: A definitive guide
Moving a business to S/4HANA comes with major risks, yet it is also a real opportunity for digital transformation. Here's the information and best practices to ensure success. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2025
A short guide to primary SAP S/4HANA modules and LOBs
SAP organizes S/4HANA modules around lines of business. Here's a look at the modules and features, including important tools like analytics and technical modules. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jan 2025
A buyer's guide to S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition
S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition is likely best for new SAP users who need more flexibility and functionality than Public Edition can provide. Learn more about the software. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jan 2025
SAP S/4HANA on-premises vs. cloud: Learn the differences
Differences between the S/4HANA on-premises and cloud software products include flexibility, costs, scalability, security and timing of software updates. Learn about each. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jan 2025
Top SAP S/4HANA alternatives to add to your ERP shortlist
SAP S/4HANA alternatives from Microsoft, Oracle and QAD have much of the capability and scalability you need and are likely more flexible than S/4HANA. Here's how they compare. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jan 2025
A buyer's guide to SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition
SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition could be a good fit for companies that can accept some degree of standardization in exchange for a lower price. Learn more. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jan 2025
5 SAP S/4HANA certification and training courses to consider
Companies like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy and SAP itself all offer courses to help users get up to speed on S/4HANA topics. Learn about some of the top-rated certification classes. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Dec 2024
SAP S/4HANA vs. Oracle Cloud ERP: Which is best for you?
IT leaders must learn the differences between SAP S/4HANA and Oracle Cloud ERP to ensure they make the right choice for their organization and avoid an expensive mistake. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Dec 2024
Understand your S/4HANA deployment options
As SAP S/4HANA has matured, the vendor's ERP deployment options have narrowed. Here's a look at the main two offerings -- a public cloud option and a private cloud option. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Mar 2023
Move to S/4HANA or not? Some real-world experiences
With end of support looming for ECC, the race to S/4HANA is on -- for some. Learn some pros and cons of S/4HANA and why some companies are taking a 'just say no' approach. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2023
SAP looks to grow S/4HANA Cloud presence in midmarket
Grow with SAP is a new program targeted at driving SAP S/4HANA Cloud sales in the midmarket, but can it address the perception that S/4HANA Cloud is too complex for those companies? Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Sep 2022
What are some SAP HANA backup options available today?
When backing up SAP HANA databases, having the right tools for the organization is critical. Data snapshots are one option, but not the only one available. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2022
SAP exec talks new opportunities S/4HANA Cloud provides
In this Q&A, Thomas Saueressig, SAP's head of product engineering, discusses the advantages of S/4HANA Cloud, along with the complexities that customers face in making the move. Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2022
SAP's S/4HANA Cloud goal is outcomes, not deployment model
In this Q&A, Sven Denecken of SAP discusses deployment options for S/4HANA Cloud and how the cloud offers more flexibility for changing conditions. Continue Reading
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News
23 May 2022
Faced with growing demand, 3 companies turn to S/4HANA Cloud
Three companies explain why they selected S/4HANA Cloud as a core system for digital transformation. One key takeaway: Good change management is required. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2022
Compare SAP greenfield vs. brownfield approach for S/4HANA
Here's an explanation of the key differences between SAP greenfield vs. brownfield, what a third, hybrid approach can do for an S/4HANA migration and questions to help you decide. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Mar 2022
SAP Business ByDesign vs. SAP S/4HANA: A comparison
After years of evolution, Business ByDesign has found a sweet spot in SaaS ERP for SMBs and the public sector compared with S/4HANA's strengths in larger enterprise deployments. Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2022
Benefits of ERP cloud migration need reality check
In this Q&A, Roan Low of Syntax explains why organizations should consider a system transformation, not a lift-and-shift upgrade, to take full advantage of an ERP cloud migration. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Mar 2022
9 top SAP S/4HANA benefits for businesses
For today's highly nimble business models, SAP S/4HANA can provide speed, flexibility, simplicity, faster analytics, lower costs and the strength of HANA's in-memory database. Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2022
IBM Breakthrough targets Rise with SAP, deepening ties
IBM's new Breakthrough, a bundle of IaaS and consulting services, is aimed at giving SAP customers one-stop shopping for S/4HANA cloud transformations. v Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jan 2022
Rise with SAP will continue to evolve in 2022
Experts see Rise with SAP as a mixed bag. The program has the tools to provide a path to S/4HANA, but SAP still needs to show the value of an S/4HANA cloud migration. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Jan 2022
How can SAP IBP help address supply chain challenges?
As supply chain issues continue to affect companies, SAP's Integrated Business Planning could help improve users' supply chain management. Learn how. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Dec 2021
Should SAP users move from APO to IBP?
SAP is emphasizing its Integrated Business Planning product and moving its Advanced Planning and Optimization tools out of the spotlight. Learn whether users should transition to IBP. Continue Reading
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News
16 Dec 2021
Security initiatives can accelerate an S/4HANA migration
In this Q&A, Juan Pablo Perez-Etchegoyen, CTO at Onapsis, discusses why it's important for companies to include security measures at the beginning of an S/4HANA migration project. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2021
A year in, Rise with SAP sees traction, but messaging still muddy
After a year, the returns on Rise with SAP are mixed. For some, it's just the right package to spur a move to S/4HANA, while for others, the simplified cloud model is not needed. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Dec 2021
Is Rise with SAP a good fit for you?
The service Rise with SAP is likely a good fit for some organizations but not for others. Learn how to decide if SAP's new offering is right for your company. Continue Reading
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News
17 Nov 2021
SAP TechEd sets sights on hyperscalers with developer tools
SAP launched a series of developer products at SAP TechEd, including free tier access for the SAP Business Technology Platform and the low-code/no-code platform SAP AppGyver. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Nov 2021
Rise with SAP vs. S/4HANA Cloud: What are the differences?
Learn more about Rise with SAP vs. S/4HANA Cloud and SAP's vision for Rise with SAP. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
21 Sep 2021
What's next for SAP HANA 1.0 users
SAP HANA 1.0 is now out of mainstream maintenance. Here's how that pertains to an SAP HANA 2.0 upgrade and what happens if users don't make the move. Continue Reading
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News
01 Sep 2021
Google Cloud and SAP forge ahead with Rise offerings
As SAP moves away from Microsoft Azure as its preferred public cloud provider, Google looks to fill the void. Customers should benefit from the competition. Continue Reading
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News
20 Aug 2021
IBM touts hybrid cloud for S/4HANA transformations
IBM's hybrid cloud presents a strong alternative to the public cloud hyperscalers for S/4HANA deployments, but many don't see the legacy vendor as an innovation leader. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2021
Signavio aims to transform SAP software development model
In this Q&A, Signavio CEO Gero Decker discusses the process mining software vendor's role in Rise with SAP and its criticality to business transformation. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jul 2021
IT complexity slows S/4HANA migration pace
Most S/4HANA projects are being held up by the complexity of SAP system environments, and organizations need to fully understand the systems and align IT and business to succeed. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jul 2021
Rise with SAP won't move S/4HANA needle for large customers
Rise with SAP is good for smaller companies, but if Rise is going to be a success, SAP will need to figure out how to attract its largest customers, according to two experts. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jun 2021
A buyer's guide to S/4HANA Any Premise on HEC
S/4HANA Any Premise on HEC is best for companies with a complex environment that are upgrading from an existing SAP system. Learn whether it's the best choice for your company. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jun 2021
SAP makes play to be core of corporate sustainability efforts
SAP debuted sustainability products so that companies can measure and manage carbon emissions and participate in the circular economy. But are customers ready? Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jun 2021
A buyer's guide to customer-managed S/4HANA Any Premise
Customer-managed S/4HANA Any Premise is best for users who prefer to use a different set of tools and processes than HEC and have more control over the environment. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jun 2021
SAP wants to own intelligent enterprise, but firms have options
SAP customers Paragon 28 and Merit Energy extoll the value of an S/4HANA-based intelligent enterprise, but an S/4HANA migration might not be needed to achieve the same benefits. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2021
SAP Business Network major focus at Sapphire Now 2021
SAP announced new initiatives such as the SAP Business Network to help companies become intelligent enterprises. Experts described the messaging as impressive but lacking in detail. Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2021
Sapphire Now should elicit more details on Rise with SAP
At Sapphire Now, the SAP community is hoping for clarity on Rise with SAP and an honest look at the challenges facing SAP customers. Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2021
SAP partners get new revenue-sharing model for cloud
SAP rolled out a revenue-sharing model that aims to support cloud economics. The software company also encouraged IP development among its partners. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2021
Celonis process mining aids Hager's S/4HANA journey
A successful SAP S/4HANA migration depends on companies fully understanding business processes. Here's how the Hager Group uses Celonis process mining to analyze and optimize processes. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Apr 2021
A buyer's guide to S/4HANA Cloud extended edition (EX)
S/4HANA Cloud EX offers much of the multi-tenant version's simplicity and standardization but with much greater environment control. Learn more to see if it's a good fit for your company. Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2021
SAP forms financial services partnership with Dediq
SAP and financial industry investment firm Dediq are forming a new business unit to develop applications that help banks and insurance firms with changing processes. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Mar 2021
MSC Industrial Supply transforms to SAP S/4HANA private cloud
MSC Industrial Supply needed to cut costs and modernize its ERP system, so it first moved to S/4HANA on a hybrid cloud and has recently completed a transformation to a SaaS model. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2021
SAP tools analyze usage, help ease S/4HANA migration
ODTH First Class Logistics and TGS lean on SAP tools to analyze SAP remote access and user experience and speed up an S/4HANA migration project. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Mar 2021
SAP partners sound off on Rise with SAP program
SAP customers considering a move to S/4HANA may be attracted to the simplicity of Rise with SAP, a recently launched program that may also be a boon for SAP partners. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
05 Mar 2021
Consider moving from ECC to S/4HANA sooner rather than later
Reinventing your business processes and revamping your ERP system is not as simple as pushing a button, but an S/4HANA conversion may not be as risky as you think. Here's why. Continue Reading
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News
23 Feb 2021
Security top of mind for digital transformation projects
Like the transformation of their IT systems, SAP customers will need to modernize their security strategies as they move to the cloud, according to a new ASUG and Onapsis survey. Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2021
SAP earnings strong in Q4, but cloud growth questionable
SAP had a strong Q4 in 2020, but long-term growth prospects are unclear as they depend on SAP's transition to a true cloud-first company. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2021
SAP acquires process mining software vendor Signavio
Process mining and business process intelligence capabilities are a core part of SAP's new Rise with SAP subscription services and will be delivered through SAP's acquisition of Signavio. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2021
Rise with SAP streamlines business transformation
SAP debuted Rise with SAP, a new offering designed to help customers transform business models and processes so that they can become more flexible, resilient, data-driven enterprises. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jan 2021
Google's SAP on GCP investments may pay off
Investing in data centers and bringing on former SAP executives, Google is hoping to turn its cloud platform into a public cloud destination for SAP customers. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
25 Jan 2021
Compare SAP S/4HANA vs. SAP ECC: Five main differences
As ECC users consider their options for the future, understanding how their current SAP ERP system compares to S/4HANA is critical. Here are some important differences. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jan 2021
Fivetran data connectors boost enterprise data integration
An enterprise data integration vendor is building out its suite of data connectors with updates for organizations to create data pipelines for business processes and analytics. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jan 2021
SAP Business Network, S/4HANA critical for SAP in 2021
SAP's 2021 will be a mix of familiar challenges such as moving customers off legacy systems to S/4HANA and new opportunities such as its SAP Business Network, according to experts. Continue Reading
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News
29 Dec 2020
SAP in 2020: COVID-19, Klein takes command and Qualtrics IPO
From leadership changes to the massive disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a year like no other for SAP. Here are some of the most important SAP 2020 stories. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Dec 2020
Why are some SAP customers resisting S/4HANA?
SAP has touted S/4HANA as the natural successor to ECC, but many customers are resisting the move. Here are some of the reasons why. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Dec 2020
SAP systems integrators' strengths align with project success
Accenture, Deloitte and IBM approach SAP implementation projects differently. Knowing those differences could help companies save on costs and time. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Nov 2020
Customer input drives S/4HANA Cloud development
In this Q&A, SAP executive Jan Gilg discusses how customer feedback played a role in the development of new features in S/4HANA Cloud 2011. Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2020
Syniti platform helps enable better data quality management
FrieslandCampina uses Syniti Knowledge Platform for data governance and data quality to improve its SAP ERP and other enterprise systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Oct 2020
Decide on SAP S/4HANA Cloud: Single-tenant vs. multi-tenant edition
Understanding the benefits and limitations of S/4HANA Cloud versions is essential to making the right choice. Here are some factors for consideration. Continue Reading
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News
09 Oct 2020
How 2 S/4HANA projects wrapped up remotely due to COVID-19
Here's how two SAP S/4HANA migration projects by De Nora Group and Vistaprint were completed on time after the COVID-19 crisis forced the implementation teams to work remotely. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Sep 2020
In a time of crisis, S/4HANA implementation strategies shift
During a pandemic, organizations may consider pausing a major project like an S/4HANA migration, but experts believe they can use the disruption to their advantage. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Sep 2020
AWS: Cloud migration doesn't require a move to S/4HANA
The AWS approach for migrating SAP systems to the public cloud doesn't emphasize a move to S/4HANA but enables customers to go at their own pace. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2020
S/4HANA helps Queen of Raw improve textile sustainability
Queen of Raw's S/4HANA-based textile marketplace app is helping suppliers of the fashion industry reduce waste by keeping unused inventory out of landfills. Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2020
SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud, HPE to provide SaaS-like option
A new partnership between SAP and HPE enables SAP systems to run on HPE GreenLake, providing a way for customers to have public, cloud-like deployments in their own data centers. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Aug 2020
SAP S/4HANA Cloud interest increasing
In this Q&A, Jan Gilg, president of SAP S/4HANA, discusses the current state of S/4HANA Cloud and how interest in the SaaS version of SAP's ERP has grown during the pandemic. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Aug 2020
Penn State graduates from legacy ERP to SAP S/4HANA
Penn State University recently completed a greenfield SAP S/4HANA implementation to replace an old COBOL-based system with a modern, transformative ERP. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jul 2020
ASUG/DSAG members like S/4HANA, but implementations still lag
S/4HANA is viewed positively by most SAP customers, according to a new survey of ASUG and DSAG members, but complexity of an S/4HANA move may be delaying implementation projects. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jun 2020
Current crisis clarifies value of SAP intelligent enterprise
In this Q&A, ASUG CEO Geoff Scott discusses what SAP customers say about the intelligent enterprise and how companies that are moving to it have an advantage in uncertain times. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jun 2020
Despite glitches, SAP shines light on intelligent enterprise at Sapphire
Technical troubles marred the start of SAP Sapphire Now Reimagined, but CEO Christian Klein was largely successful in defining the SAP intelligent enterprise, according to experts. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Jun 2020
What do SAP leadership changes signify for company strategy?
SAP recently announced that Jennifer Morgan was no longer co-CEO and that Christian Klein would take the helm. Learn what that means for the company's strategy. Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2020
SAP S/4HANA Cloud 2005 focuses on supply chain
The latest version of S/4HANA Cloud has functions for supply chain, finance and SuccessFactors integration that will likely appeal to companies dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 May 2020
SAP HANA database turns 10
In this Q&A, SAP's Gerrit Kazmaier discusses how the SAP HANA database has become the platform to enable the intelligent enterprise by combining transactional and analytical data. Continue Reading
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News
04 May 2020
SAP S/4 Hana projects seem set to repeat security missteps
Management consultancy Turnkey’s managing director, Richard Hunt, cautions SAP customers not to repeat errors of the past by making security an expensive afterthought Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2020
SAP Q1 earnings solid, but long-term danger lurks
SAP reports first-quarter growth in cloud revenue but a drop in license revenue as the COVID-19 crisis threatens to delay IT infrastructure projects; analysts warn about overly rosy projections. Continue Reading
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News
21 Apr 2020
SAP co-CEO Morgan departs, leaving Klein to fly solo
Jennifer Morgan will step down as SAP co-CEO after six months in the position. Christian Klein will become sole CEO as the ERP vendor continues to face an uncertain time. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2020
How Concur AP automation streamlines accounts payable
Some finance departments are turning to SAP Concur for accounts payable automation to manage processes and increase accuracy. Here's what the automated process looks like. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Mar 2020
Floating the possibilities of SAP S/4HANA Cloud migration
When weighing the advantages of abandoning legacy ERP systems for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, factors include implementation and support costs, functionality, flexibility and security. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2020
SAP S/4HANA migration: Critical advice for moving off ECC
With the end of SAP ECC support looming in 2027, organizations must make some tough decisions. Here's a look at your choices. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Mar 2020
6 critical steps of a successful SAP S/4HANA migration
A successful S/4HANA project starts with knowing why your organization should even make the move, then nailing down whether S/4 will do what you need. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Feb 2020
Understand SAP ECC vs. HANA vs. S/4HANA vs. R/3
SAP ECC, HANA, S/4HANA and R/3 are all valuable tools in the IT world, but it's easy to get them confused. Learn about their similarities and differences. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Feb 2020
5 tips for a successful S/4HANA Cloud implementation
Moving to S/4HANA public cloud can help you save on IT maintenance and simplify real-time analysis. Here's a look at what you can do to make the migration as successful as possible. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Feb 2020
Take care of data before SAP S/4HANA migration
In this Q&A, Rajesh Rengarethinam of ERP security vendor Appsian discusses why reviewing data security and business processes are important when planning a move to SAP S/4HANA. Continue Reading
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News
04 Feb 2020
Deadline extended for SAP Business Suite 7
Business Suite 7 will receive mainstream maintenance until 2027, a decision industry observers say reflects the difficulty of an S/4HANA migration. Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2020
SAP cloud revenue up, S/4HANA adoption still slow
Although SAP reported impressive revenue and cloud growth for 2019, it remains challenged to get the majority of its installed customer base onto S/4HANA. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jan 2020
SAP ECC to S/4HANA migration: 4 essential issues
The ERP landscape is transforming and SAP customers in particular are dealing with decision overload related to ECC to S/4HANA migration. Here's some top advice. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jan 2020
SAP S/4HANA migration should be business-driven
In this Q&A, Ekrem Hatip of Syntax Systems discusses what SAP customers need to consider as they embark on an SAP S/4HANA migration. It should be driven by business, not IT needs. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2020
SAP competitors see openings with S/4HANA qualms
SAP customers may consider other ERP vendors as the clock speeds up for the 2025 support end for ECC, but some observers believe a move to another vendor may be just as difficult. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Dec 2019
SAP leadership changes and S/4HANA were top 2019 SAP stories
The resignation of CEO Bill McDermott and veteran executives was the top SAP story of 2019, along with the company's push for S/4HANA migrations, intelligent enterprise adoption and Qualtrics integration. Continue Reading
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Guide
02 Dec 2019
The technological evolution of IT industry leaders: 2000 - 2020
As technology has shifted since 2000, so have IT leaders. This guide looks at how Oracle, Cisco, Dell and SAP have adapted to emerging technologies and are preparing for 2020. Continue Reading
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News
27 Nov 2019
Partners need to target SAP SMB market for cloud transition
In this Q&A, SAP executive Claus Gruenewald discusses how SAP partners are instrumental in servicing the SMB market and how they can help sell customers on moving to the cloud. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Nov 2019
What should CIOs do with SAP ECC support ending in 2025?
SAP customers are faced with a tough decision: Move to S/4HANA or figure out how to extend support. Here's some expert advice on how to determine the right path forward. Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2019
S/4HANA Cloud integrates Qualtrics for continuous improvement
The latest version of SAP S/4HANA Cloud embeds Qualtrics XM capabilities that provide a way for users to give direct feedback about the product. Analysts say it could be a differentiator but may take time. Continue Reading
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News
13 Nov 2019
HYCU backup for Google Cloud adds SAP HANA support
HYCU dives deeper into the Google Cloud Platform with backup for SAP HANA. The backup vendor aims to keep costs down and provide a fully managed service. Continue Reading