SAP EHP5 End of Support: What’s Next?

As the 31 December 2025 deadline for SAP ECC 6.0 EHP0-5 end-of-mainstream support approaches, organisations are confronting a decision point sooner than the anticipated 2027 EHP6 deadline. For many, this is more than a technical issue—it’s a business decision that impacts operations, security, and financial planning.

The Reality of the 2025 Deadline

What’s happening?

End of mainstream support: SAP will cease to provide security patches, technical support, and Tax, Legal, and Regulatory (TLR) updates for ECC 6.0 EHP0-5 after 31 December 2025

No extended maintenance: Unlike EHP6 and later versions, there is no option for extended support for EHP0-5; customers will be automatically moved to customer-specific maintenance—a limited arrangement that does not include new TLR updates.

Customer-specific maintenance: This option may come with new, negotiated fees and does not guarantee access to new TLR updates, features, or fixes for emerging issues

Who’s affected?

Half of SAP ECC Users: SAP’s data shows that 50% of ECC customers are on EHP0-5, meaning thousands of organisations are impacted globally

Awareness Gap: Shockingly, 40% of these customers are unaware of the looming deadline, often confused by the broader 2027 end-of-support for EHP6 and above

Why Are So Many Still on EHP5?

You, like others, may have chosen to stay on EHP5 for one or more of the following reasons:

Stability and functionality: ECC is robust, reliable, and meets most business needs; the adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” applies here

Customisation complexity: Highly customised SAP environments make upgrades and especially migrations risky and expensive

Perceived value: You don’t see compelling new features in later EHPs or S/4HANA that justify the cost and effort of migration

The Risks of Inaction

Remaining on EHP5 after support ends exposes businesses to significant risks:

Security vulnerabilities: Without patches, systems are more susceptible to cyber threats

Compliance issues: Tax, Legal, and Regulatory changes will require updates that SAP will no longer provide

Operational risk: Unsupported software can lead to system failures, data loss, and systems downtime

Costly workarounds: Customer-specific maintenance can be expensive and limited in scope

A Strategic View of Your Options

1. Upgrade to EHP6 or later

Timeline extension: Upgrading to EHP6 or higher extends mainstream support to 2027, with the option for paid extended maintenance through 2030; you “kick the can down the road”

Challenges: Upgrades require significant time, resources, and risk management, especially for customised environments; you may find it’s already too late to start, given the typical project duration of two years or more

2. Migrate to SAP S/4HANA

Expensive longer-term solution: S/4HANA is SAP’s next ERP platform, supported until at least 2040

Complexity: Migration is a major project, often requiring a “greenfield” reimplementation (10–15 months) or a complex conversion of existing data and processes

Cost: The investment is substantial, diverting funds that could be used for strategic projects

3. Self-support

High risk and cost: IT teams must handle all issues, security, and complex regulatory updates, increasing risk and workload

Lack of expertise: Most organisations lack the resources and expertise to manage unsupported SAP ERP software effectively

4. Third-party support (e.g., Support Revolution)

Extended lifespan: Third-party providers like Support Revolution offer outstanding break/fix support, plus comprehensive security, and TLR updates for legacy SAP systems

Cost savings: Support Revolution clients see an average saving of 65% compared to SAP support fees, freeing up budget for digital transformation and innovation

Flexibility: Maintain your current system while you plan your next move, without being forced into vendor-imposed deadlines

Why Support Revolution Is the Smart Choice

The move to S/4HANA or an upgrade to EHP6 (or higher) is a strategic business decision that requires careful planning and investment. Support Revolution provides a powerful alternative:

Ultra-responsive support: Keep your EHP0-EHP5 system running smoothly with fast, expert support, including support for customisations and interoperability

Security and compliance: Receive regular TLR updates and security solutions to maintain regulatory compliance and protect against vulnerabilities

Innovation funding: Redirect support savings to strategic initiatives like AI, data analysis, and digital transformation

Control over your roadmap: Make any transition to a new ERP platform on your own timeline, not SAP’s

The Bottom Line

The SAP EHP0-5 end-of-support deadline is a wake-up call for thousands of organisations. While SAP is pushing customers towards S/4HANA, the reality is that you may not be ready or willing to make the leap just yet. Support Revolution offers a practical, cost-effective solution that keeps your operation running securely and compliantly while you plan your next steps.

Don’t let vendor deadlines dictate your strategy. With Support Revolution, you can take control of your SAP future on your terms. Book a meeting with us today to start the conversation for your support future.

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