Navigating your ITK Transition: FAQ
In February SAP announced that it was ending support for the Integration Toolkit (ITK) effective December 31, 2023. Here are all the details that are currently available about this change.
When is End of Support for ITK?
In February we wrote about SAP’s announcement that they were ending support for the SAP Ariba Integration Toolkit (ITK) on Dec. 31, 2023. At that time, we had limited information on what that transition would entail. Now we have more information on what navigating your ITK transition might look like.
Editor's note: This blog was updated on Nov. 1, 2023 to reflect a change in SAP's options for transition.
What does end of support mean?
End of support means SAP Ariba ITK will not be supported by SAP Support or SAP Services after December 31, 2023.
- Before December 31, 2023:
- Only critical security issues will be addressed between now and December 31
- ITK has been removed from all SAP official download sites
- There are no planned releases for SAP Ariba ITK
- Effective January 1, 2024:
- There will be no new features or bug fixes provided, and there will be no enhancements for security or compliance to the latest standards.
- ITK will not ‘stop’ working immediately, but if any issues arise with integrations which require any type of support from SAP resources, there will be no support provided and your integration capabilities may be lost at that time.
What are the migration options to replace the current ITK Tool?
If you run an SAP ERP:
1. Managed Gateway for Spend and Network
This is the simplest transition. You would use the Managed Gateway for Spend and Network (formerly known as the Cloud Integration Gateway or CIG).
2. SAP Integration Suite on the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP)
SAP Integration Suite is an integration platform-as-a-service (iPaaS) that helps you quickly integrate on-premise and cloud-based processes, services, applications, events, and data. You can read more about this option here.
If you run a non-SAP ERP:
SAP Provided Options:
SAP Integration Suite on the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP)
SAP Integration Suite is an integration platform as a service (IPaaS). With this single solution, you can connect applications from SAP and third parties, whether they run on premises or across clouds. You can use a combination of integration modes to address specific use cases and run your integrations on major public clouds for greater flexibility. Robust functionality in SAP Integration Suite means you can integrate and manage your processes across SAP and third-party applications in complex and distributed landscapes.
SAP offers three options which are the Basic, Standard and Premium options. Click here for more information regarding the three options, including features and pricing comparisons.
Other Non-SAP Options:
Third-Party Integration Tool ITK Replacement (Custom Build)
Customers have the option to replace the existing Ariba ITK tool with another tool that has similar functionality – either building in house or working with a third party integration provider.
For more detail, see the SAP provided documentation on replacing the SAP Ariba data transfer tool with your own tool from the SAP Help Portal
How will this affect existing integrations?
It depends.
The good news is that for most very little will change as the data integration in Ariba will generally remain the same.
Whether a request comes in via ITK or BTP Integration Suite makes no difference to Ariba. Ariba only needs the realm and authentication information to sign in and trigger the event. As a response, the generated output is shared with the same incoming request.
What is the cost structure for BTP Integration Suite?
Unfortunately, there is no longer a “free” option such as an ITK tool provided and supported by SAP.
We can’t give you an exact cost structure because there are many variables, but, as we noted above, the SAP BTP Integration Suite is offered in three plans, Basic, Standard and Premium. You can reach out to your SAP Account Executive to discuss your options.
How long will the upgrade take?
That depends on various factors, including the complexity and number of integrations. However, we estimate 8 – 16 weeks for implementation of the core SAP Integration Suite on the Business Technology Platform (BTP).
However, if your company is interested in enabling new integrations we are happy to help you build a plan customized to your business goals. As a trusted SAP Partner we can help you determine which option is best for you, both time and cost-wise.
Why is timing important?
It is crucial to make a transition plan to complete your migration before December 31, 2023, as not all SAP Ariba ITK integration issues can be resolved without SAP Support or Services.
Additionally, ITK may not adhere to the latest security requirements which can leave your organization open to risk. Beginning this project before December 31st will help you avoid any breakdowns in your ITK-based integrations.
Why CCP Global?
CCP Global has worked with many companies on ITK upgrades, from simple to complex. In addition to helping you navigate the options that make sense for your organization, both technical and financial, we are integration experts and will ensure that all integrations are tested and working as expected as part of the ITK upgrade process.
Need advice on your ITK transition?
We offer a free consult to evaluate your options.
