If your S/4HANA system is running on 1709, 1809 or 1909, here’s the reality: you’re already in extended maintenance. In just nine months, every S/4HANA release prior to 2021 will be completely out of support.
Like Jordan Wylie’s Antarctic Odyssey, this is a journey that demands preparation, clarity and bold steps forward.
This isn’t just another deadline. It’s a signal that action needs to happen and soon.
Extended maintenance for SAP S/4HANA 1709, 1809 and 1909 releases:
What this means for your journey:
SAP’s official timeline is clear. By the end of 2025, 1709, 1809 and 1909 will exit their extended maintenance windows. These versions are already on life support. Once the plug is pulled, it’s not just new features you’ll miss; it’s fixes, security updates and compliance support too.
Even more critical: any S/4HANA release older than 2021 will be out of support by early 2026.
Like an expedition into the unknown the risks are real and you may face:
- No innovation (you’re missing what’s next)
- No stability (rising risks, especially with integrations and compliance)
- No safety net (extended maintenance isn’t a long term strategy)
But here’s the good news: you have time and you have options but they require planning, not panic. Whether you move to a newer on-prem release or consider cloud migration, it’s about understanding your goals and mapping the right route.
Here’s how we break it down:
- Upgrade to 2021 or later: The newer releases bring longer support timelines and a sharper focus on business innovation.
- Explore RISE with SAP: If cloud flexibility is on your radar, RISE could be your catalyst.
Stay on-prem with eyes wide open: If cloud isn’t viable, there are still ways to modernise and prepare for future moves.
Whatever your path, we’ll make sure it aligns with your business objectives and we’ll translate the SAP roadmap into something that works for your people, processes and budget.
We’ve been here before (and we’ll be here after)
This isn’t our first time helping clients navigate the end of a release’s lifecycle. We bring real world experience and technical clarity to the table, no fluff, no acronyms without explanation, no vague “strategic” talk.
What we offer is simple:
- Practical roadmaps
- Experienced delivery
- Ongoing support
And crucially: a focus on outcomes, not just upgrades.
Now is the moment to take the next step.
With nine months left on the clock for support on pre-2021 S/4HANA releases, now’s the time to take a confident next step. There’s still time to plan, prioritise and move with purpose but that window is closing fast.
If you’re unsure where to start, we can help you cut through the complexity. Whether it’s a lightweight readiness assessment or a full roadmap to upgrade or transform, we’ll help you build a clear plan based on your goals, not just SAP’s timelines.
We’re here to guide, advise and support you through it all. Because good decisions start with the right conversations. We’ll help you move forward, not just move.
FAQs
Question #1: What does “future-ready” mean in the context of an Cloud ERP (S/4HANA) strategy?
Ans: Future-ready” means designing your SAP Cloud ERP (S/4HANA) roadmap not just for today’s needs but to support long term transformation, scalability, agility and operational efficiency.
Question #2: How should organisations build flexibility and scalability into their Cloud ERP (S/4HANA) strategy?
Ans: By choosing modular architectures, leveraging cloud services or public cloud editions (if suitable), designing for change (rather than static designs), and embedding continuous improvement.
Question #3: What are typical risks or pitfalls when implementing Cloud ERP (S/4HANA) and how can they be mitigated?
Ans: Risks: underestimating change impact, data issues, process redesign complexity, cost overruns, staff resistance. Mitigations include strong governance, phased approach, realistic planning, stakeholder engagement, and ongoing support.
Question #4: What pre conditions or foundations should an organisation establish before a Cloud ERP (S/4HANA) transformation?
Ans: Some foundational elements: clean master data, defined process ownership, governance structure, IT/architecture aligned to future state, and clarity on business strategy and outcomes.
Question #5: How is value achieved from Cloud ERP (S/4HANA) beyond the golive?
Ans: Value comes from process optimisation, real time data/analytics, simplified architecture, reduced IT maintenance burden, improved user experience, and ability to innovate on top of the ERP core.
