Required SAP Ariba Updates with Expiring Support
There are a couple of crucial modules that SAP Ariba is upgrading to more cloud-based functionality. It's important to make a plan now before the standard support for these modules expires.
Editor's note: This post was updated in February 2023 to include information on the end of support for ITK, which was announced in January 2023.
Most of our clients know that, if they are an SAP ECC customer, they must migrate to S/4HANA prior to the end of the standard support contract in 2027. However, there are several other upcoming required SAP Ariba updates with more crucial expiring support deadlines.
Important upcoming deadlines.
1. Cloud Integration Gateway (CIG)
After Dec. 31, 2023, SAP will end support for CI9, requiring all customers to move to the Cloud Integration Gateway (CIG).
In addition, if you’ve already upgraded to CIG, SAP Ariba offers twice-yearly releases that include CIG Add-On Support Packs. These releases take place in May and November. You can learn more about SAP Ariba’s quarterly releases in our article series on Ariba’s 2022 Quarterly Updates.
Applying these updates on at least an annual basis means your CIG will remain on a supported version, as SAP supports both the current release and the one previous version.
2. SAP ITK
After December 31, 2023, SAP will no longer support SAP Ariba’s Integration Toolkit. That means there will be no new features or bug fixes provided, and there will be no enhancements for security or compliance to the latest standards. Maintenance support will be provided until the end of support date.
Here are your options for phasing out ITK:
- If you are an SAP ERP customer, you will move to SAP’s Ariba Cloud Integration Gateway (CIG) to integrate ERP with Ariba solutions.
- If you use a non-SAP ERP or ad-hoc integrations with SAP Ariba or Intelligent Spend and Business Network solutions, SAP offers three options:
- SAP Integration Suite on BTP.
- Integration toolkit on BTP for SAP Ariba applications.
- Any other 3rd party tool for File transfer between ERP and SAP Ariba applications.
3. Supply Chain Collaboration (SCC)
SAP is making its Supply Chain Collaboration (SCC) solution the future of supplier collaboration, replacing Supplier Network Collaboration (SNC). SNC will be supported through 2025, but there will be no new functionality after that time.
If you look at this from an S/4HANA perspective it makes sense because SNC is an on-premise solution and SCC is cloud-based. A we’ve seen in our coverage of Ariba’s quarterly updates, SAP is increasing its emphasis on cloud-based upgrades.
The Future of SAP Ariba
SAP is a powerful tool for your business, but it’s also complex and ever evolving. The most exciting evolution is the move to a cloud-based platform. This migration removes the infrastructure component that increases overhead costs and the possibility of human error.
At CCP Global we are dedicated to helping our clients make the right decisions about the future of their technology and software. With 25 years of experience, we also offer one of the most experienced and robust Ariba Managed Support programs in the industry.
