Bouncing transition: SAP provides the ultimate transition period

SAP has introduced a final five‑month extension for the usage rights of its Compatibility Packs for SAP S/4HANA On‑Premise.
The new deadline moves the expiration from December 31, 2025, to the end of May 2026.
The company aims to give customers additional time to complete their transitions while preparing them for cloud‑based alternatives.

Extended Transition Period for On‑Premise Users

SAP announced that customers using Compatibility Packs for SAP S/4HANA On‑Premise will receive a final transition period lasting five months. These packs provide temporary usage rights that allow selected SAP ERP functionalities to continue operating within S/4HANA environments. Their purpose is to support organizations migrating from SAP ERP by maintaining operational continuity during the transition. Most Compatibility Pack usage rights were originally scheduled to expire on December 31, 2025, as documented in SAP Note 2269324.

Despite extensive communication, SAP found that many customers still require additional time to complete their migration activities. The extension to May 2026 is intended to offer greater flexibility for organizations still adapting their systems. SAP emphasized that this will be the final transition period for these usage rights. The company encourages customers to use the additional time to finalize their plans and ensure readiness for the post‑Compatibility Pack landscape.

Compatibility Packs have played a key role in easing the shift from legacy ERP systems to S/4HANA. They allow businesses to continue using familiar processes while preparing for long‑term modernization. The temporary nature of these packs has always been part of SAP’s strategy to guide customers toward fully supported S/4HANA functionalities. This final extension reinforces the expectation that organizations complete their transitions within the new timeframe.

SAP noted that the extension does not alter the long‑term direction of its product strategy. The company continues to encourage customers to adopt modernized processes and cloud‑based solutions. The additional months are meant to support smoother transitions rather than delay the broader shift. Customers are advised to coordinate closely with SAP representatives to plan their next steps.

Support Programs for Cloud Migration

Alongside the extension, SAP will introduce tailored programs for customers moving to cloud solutions that replace Compatibility Pack functionalities. These programs aim to help organizations adopt the appropriate SAP cloud offerings aligned with their operational needs. Many of the classical ERP functions covered by Compatibility Packs now have cloud‑native equivalents designed for long‑term support. SAP intends to guide customers toward these modern alternatives as part of its broader cloud strategy.

The company highlighted that cloud‑based solutions offer improved scalability, continuous updates and enhanced integration capabilities. Transitioning to these platforms can reduce reliance on temporary on‑premise components. SAP’s support programs are expected to include migration guidance, best practices and targeted resources. Customers are encouraged to engage early to take full advantage of these offerings.

Cloud migration remains a central pillar of SAP’s long‑term roadmap. The company has been steadily expanding its cloud portfolio to support diverse industry requirements. Compatibility Pack replacements are part of this evolution, ensuring that customers have access to fully supported and future‑ready functionalities. SAP’s approach aims to balance continuity with modernization.

Organizations that rely heavily on Compatibility Packs may face more complex transitions. SAP’s tailored programs are designed to address these challenges by providing structured pathways to cloud adoption. The company expects that the combination of extended timelines and dedicated support will help customers complete their migrations more efficiently. This strategy reflects SAP’s commitment to maintaining customer stability during major platform shifts.

Preparing for the Post‑Compatibility Pack Era

The final transition period signals SAP’s intention to phase out Compatibility Packs entirely by mid‑2026. Customers are encouraged to assess their current usage and identify which functionalities require replacement or redesign. Many organizations will need to evaluate process changes, system upgrades or cloud migrations to remain compliant after the expiration date. SAP’s guidance is expected to play a central role in helping customers navigate these decisions.

The company reiterated that Compatibility Packs were never intended as long‑term solutions. Their purpose was to provide temporary continuity while customers adapted to S/4HANA’s redesigned architecture. As the deadline approaches, SAP is urging organizations to accelerate their transition efforts. The extended timeline offers a final opportunity to complete necessary adjustments without disruption.

SAP’s communication emphasizes the importance of proactive planning. Customers who delay may face operational risks once the usage rights expire. Engaging with SAP representatives can help organizations understand their options and prepare for the transition. The company aims to ensure that customers move forward with clarity and confidence.

The broader shift reflects SAP’s ongoing modernization strategy. As cloud adoption increases across industries, the company is aligning its product offerings with long‑term technological trends. The end of Compatibility Packs marks a significant milestone in this evolution. Customers are encouraged to take full advantage of the remaining transition period to position their systems for future growth.