SAPソフトウェア契約の秘密解明による支出の最適化とコンプライアンスリスクの低減

SAPのライセンスについて理解するのは、新たな言語を習得するのと同じくらい困難な作業です。同社のライセンス契約は、内容が極めて複雑で、料金が高いうえに、契約内容に不明確な部分もあり、SAPによるライセンス監査や最適とは言えない値引き水準とも相俟って、多くの組織が多額の支出を迫られています。また、契約内容やライセンスの条件／基準は個々の組織ごとに異なっているため、ライセンス交渉過程を比較検討するための取り組みもほとんど行われません。一方のSAPは、サポートの責任範囲を縮小することで経費節減に努めながら、クラウドサービスなどを通じてユーザー組織に絶えず圧力をかけ、収益拡大を図っています。

当レポートの目的は、SAPのライセンスやサポート、管理についての基本的な知識を提供することにあります。また、SAPライセンスの要約と分析を行うためのExcelベースのツールも提供します。このツールの目的は、契約に含まれているライセンス料やメンテナンス料と、現在保有しているライセンスを調整するための作業を支援することにあり、Info-TechのストーリーボードExplore the Secrets of SAP Software Contracts to Optimize Spend and Reduce Compliance Riskと組み合わせて使用します。

本調査レポートの対象

• SAPライセンス契約の要件とコンプライアンス状況について調査を行っているITマネジャー
• 経費節減のためライセンス契約の交渉を行っているCIO、CTO、CPO、IT担当ディレクター
• SAPライセンス契約の追跡と管理を担当しているIT資産管理とソフトウェア資産管理の責任者
• SAPのライセンス契約について理解を深めるとともに、クラウドサービス (HANA) の評価を行いたいと考えているIT部門と事業部門の責任者
• 契約更新手続きを進めているベンダーマネジメントオフィスの責任者

本調査レポートの利点

• 個々の製品のライセンス契約について理解し、簡素化することで支出の適正化に役立てることができます。
• 自分たちのニーズに合った契約のタイプを選ぶことができます。
• 購入プロセスでの的確な舵取りにより、強い立場で交渉を行うことができます。
• ライセンス管理を効果的に行うことで、SAPによる監査や間接アクセスの問題、不必要なライセンスの購入を回避することができます。

Understanding SAP licensing is similar to learning a new language. The high degree of licensing complexity combined with a high price tag and contractual ambiguity have set many organizations back millions of dollars through audits and sub-optimal discount levels. Organizations all have a unique contract and license terms/metrics, which stifles most efforts to benchmark the license negotiation process. SAP constantly pressures the organization to increase revenue, often through its cloud offerings, while remaining stingy with reductions in support liability.

With attention around indirect access at an all-time high, many organizations are feeling uncomfortable. A high risk of noncompliance coupled with an aggressive audit approach from SAP can be an overwhelming experience.

SAP's push to the cloud with S/4 HANA also has organizations wondering if this is the right time to make the move. Considering the cloud solution is a redeployment of the entire system - does the cost justify the possible benefits?

This research is designed for:

• IT managers scoping their SAP licensing requirements and compliance position.

• CIOs, CTOs, CPOs, and IT directors negotiating licensing agreements in search of cost savings.

• ITAM/Software asset managers responsible for tracking and managing SAP licensing.

• IT and business leaders seeking to better understand SAP licensing and evaluate cloud options (HANA).

• Vendor management office in the process of a contract renewal

This research will help you:

• Understand and simplify licensing per product to help optimize spend.

• Ensure agreement type is aligned to needs.

• Navigate the purchase process to negotiate from a position of strength.

• Manage licenses more effectively to avoid audits, indirect access scenarios, and unnecessary purchases.

The aim of this blueprint is to provide a foundational understanding of SAP licensing, support, and management.

The blueprint also includes an Excel SAP License Summary and Analysis Tool. The purpose of this tool is to help you reconcile the SAP licenses you own with license and maintenance fees included. This tool is used in combination with Info-Tech's storyboard, Explore the Secrets of SAP Software Contracts to Optimize Spend and Reduce Compliance Risk.

Executive Summary

Situation:

• SAP's definitions and licensing rules are vague, making it extremely difficult to purchase with confidence while remaining compliant. The risk of noncompliance coupled with an aggressive audit team can become an overwhelming experience.

• Mapping and matching SAP products to the environment can be highly complex, leading to overspending and inability to reduce spend later.

Complication:

• With over 50 license types to choose from, assigning user licenses is a tricky area of SAP licensing.

With the relatively slow uptake of the S/4 HANA Cloud - Platform, the pressure is immense for SAP to maintain revenue growth. Auditing the customer base for indirect access usage, especially those with static or declining revenues, has become an easy way to boost the bottom line.

Resolution:

• Conduct an analysis to remove inactive and duplicate users as multiple logins may exist and could end up costing the organization license fees when audited.

• Adopt a cyclical approach to reviewing your SAP licensing and create a reference document to track your software needs, planned licensing, and purchase negotiation points.

• Learn the "SAP way" of conducting business, which includes a best-in-class sales structure, unique contracts and license use policies, combined with a hyper-aggressive compliance function. Conducting business with SAP is not typical compared to other vendors, and you will need different tools to emerge successfully from a commercial transaction.

• Manage SAP support and maintenance spend and policies. Once an agreement has been signed, it can be very difficult to decrease spend, as SAP will reprice products if support is dropped.