Enterprise-Grade SAP Guidance

SAP Release & Maintenance Strategy

Clear timelines, support phases, and product roadmap insights —essential reference for enterprises, consultants, and learners
navigating SAP's evolving landscape.

Critical Deadlines

Migration Planning

Compliance Ready

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Key SAP Release & Maintenance Milestone

( 2021 - 2040 )

Jul 1, 2021

HANA 1.0 CSM Begins

HANA 1.0 mainstream support ends; customers must upgrade or accept CSM

Dec 31, 2025

Compatibility Packs Expire

Compatibility packs for Business Suite scenarios expire

Get Deadlines Timeline

Coming in 2025

Product Renaming & Portfolio Simplification

SAP introduces a unified product naming strategy to prepare enterprises for cloud-first adoption and clearer transformation paths.

SAP Cloud ERP

50+ successful implementations

Becomes the unified brand for cloud ERP solutions, simplifying the product portfolio and messaging for customers.

Consolidated branding

Clear positioning

Enhanced messaging

SAP Finance Premium

Function-Specific Focus

Renamed packages reflect function-specific focus, making it easier for enterprises to understand capabilities and scope.

Targeted functionality

Clearer value prop

Better alignment

SAP BTP

Foundation Platform

Business Technology Platform remains the foundation for integration, analytics, and AI across the entire SAP ecosystem.

Integration hub

Analytics foundation

AI enablement

This simplification highlights SAP's transition toward a clearer product landscape

Deployment Models

Cloud ERP vs On-Premise ERP

SAP ERP solutions are delivered across three distinct models, each carrying unique release cadences and maintenance implications for your enterprise.

Most Popular

Public Cloud

SAP Cloud ERP, S/4HANA Cloud

Key Features

Quarterly releases

Continuous delivery model

Harmonized release calendars

Automatic updates

Subscription-based pricing

Benefits

Latest features always available

Reduced IT maintenance

Predictable costs

High scalability

Hybrid Approach

Private Cloud

ERP PCE, RISE with SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition

Key Features

Subscription services

Aligned with on-premise cycles

Private cloud benefits

Managed infrastructure

Customization flexibility

Benefits

Best of both worlds

Enhanced security

Flexible deployment

Managed updates

Traditional

On-Premise

Traditional deployments

Key Features

Defined maintenance timelines

Full control over updates

Traditional deployment model

Customer-managed infrastructure

Extended customization

Benefits

Complete control

Legacy integration

Established processes

Proven stability

Each deployment model carries distinct release cadences and maintenance implications that impact your long-term strategy

Support Framework

SAP Maintenance Phases

Understanding SAP's four distinct maintenance phases is crucial for long-term planning, compliance, and cost optimization.

Mainstream Maintenance

Active for current releases

Full scope of support including security patches, corrections, and legal updates

What's Included

Security patches & corrections

Legal & regulatory updates

Support packages

Technical assistance

Bug fixes & improvements

Extended Maintenance

2028-2030 for Business Suite 7

Paid extension offered only for select releases with limited scope

What's Included

Security patches only

Critical corrections

Limited support scope

No new functionality

Premium pricing

Customer-Specific Maintenance

Post-2030 transition option

Highly limited scope with no support packages or legal updates

What's Included

No new support packages

No legal updates

Limited corrections

Case-by-case basis

High costs

Priority-One Support

BusinessObjects legacy products

Restricted to critical issues only, mainly for SAP BusinessObjects

What's Included

Critical issues only

No enhancements

Minimal support

Legacy products

End-of-life preparation

Critical Planning Consideration

Transitioning ahead of maintenance deadlines ensures compliance, security, and cost efficiency. Each phase carries distinct implications for your enterprise architecture and budget planning.

Strategic Planning

Key Milestones to Track

Critical dates every enterprise must monitor for compliance, security, and transformation planning.

2025

WARNING

Compatibility Pack Licenses End

Final deadline for compatibility pack licenses, marking the transition to newer SAP solutions

Key Implications

No more compatibility pack renewals

Must upgrade or transition systems

Legacy integration impacts

2027

CRITICAL

Business Suite 7 Mainstream Maintenance Ends

Critical cutoff for SAP ECC 6.0 and Business Suite 7 core applications mainstream support

Key Implications

ECC 6.0 mainstream support ends

Business Suite 7 cutoff

S/4HANA migration urgency increases

2028-2030

WARNING

Optional Extended Maintenance Phase

Paid extended maintenance available for Business Suite 7 with limited scope and premium pricing

Key Implications

Premium pricing model

Limited support scope

Bridge to full transition

2040

ACTIVE

S/4HANA Long-term Maintenance Horizon

SAP S/4HANA maintenance commitment extends until December 31, 2040, providing long-term certainty

Key Implications

Long-term maintenance certainty

Continued feature deliveries

Enterprise planning stability

Plan your transition ahead of these critical deadlines

Get Your Complete SAP Timeline

Download the comprehensive HQ SAP Support Phases & Deadlines timeline plus actionable checklist for complete visual reference and planning guidance.

Visual timeline of all critical deadlines

Maintenance phase breakdown

Migration planning checklist

Product roadmap insights

Get Deadlines Timeline

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