With the end of SAP Identity Management (IDM) maintenance set for 2027, organizations relying on this system must start planning their migration soon to avoid potential risks and take advantage of new opportunities. Below, we provide tips on how to prepare for SAP IDM End of life, addressing the key considerations and steps needed for a successful transition.
Why is SAP IDM Maintenance Ending and What are the Implications?
SAP has announced that maintenance for SAP IDM will conclude by 2027, with extended support available until 2030. However, there is no direct successor for SAP IDM, leading to concerns about increased maintenance and operating costs, potential security vulnerabilities, and integration challenges. The dwindling availability of consulting firms offering support for SAP IDM further underscores the importance of finding alternative solutions as soon as possible.
Without ongoing maintenance, organizations will face rising costs to keep the system operational. Security patches will no longer be provided, increasing the risk of vulnerabilities. To ensure business continuity and avoid potential bottlenecks as the deadline nears, it is essential to begin planning your migration to a new identity management system well in advance.
How to Prepare for SAP IDM End of Life and a Successful Transition
Preparing for the end of SAP IDM requires a strategic approach that includes evaluating your current systems, planning the migration, and selecting the right tools. Here are the essential steps to guide you through this process:
- Evaluate Current Systems and Processes:
- Conduct a thorough analysis of your current SAP IDM setup to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
- Clean up your database, synchronize systems, and remove outdated functions to facilitate a smoother transition.
- Plan and Prepare for Migration:
- Develop a detailed timeline and task list for the migration. Starting early is critical, as the process can take 18 months or longer, depending on the complexity of your system.
- Consider segmenting the migration into phases, transitioning gradually to the new interfaces while maintaining current operations.
- Evaluate potential cost savings during the migration, including reduced maintenance costs, improved operational efficiencies, and the long-term benefits of adopting more advanced solutions.
- Select the Right Tools:
- Conduct a comprehensive market analysis to identify a successor product that aligns with your business needs and future goals.
- When selecting new tools, focus on modern Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) solutions that offer advanced features such as risk scoring, segregation of duties, and comprehensive reporting. These solutions provide a unified overview of your IT landscape, integrating seamlessly with cloud-based systems and offering a broad range of connectors. Modern IGA can enhance security and compliance, simplify management, and reduce the need for multiple tools, further contributing to lower costs and higher efficiency.
- Engage with Experts:
- Partner with experienced Identity and Access Management (IAM) consultants like iC Consult to ensure a seamless transition. iC Consult offers advisory, architecture implementation, integration, support, and operation services, backed by over 25 years of expertise in the IAM field.
Key Takeaways
To successfully prepare for SAP IDM end of life, organizations should take proactive steps now to mitigate risks, optimize their identity management processes, and leverage new opportunities for improved governance and efficiency. Here are the key actions to focus on:
- Start Early: Begin planning your migration strategy now to avoid last-minute challenges and ensure a smooth transition.
- Optimize and Clarify: Use this opportunity to clean up and optimize your existing system, clarifying responsibilities and leveraging modern software capabilities.
- Select Wisely: Choose a new identity management solution based on thorough research and align it with your organization’s long-term goals.
- Partner with Experts: Work with IAM specialists to navigate the complexities of the migration process and achieve a seamless transition.
For more detailed guidance and support on how to prepare for SAP IDM End of Life, contact iC Consult, the leading independent consultancy, system integrator, and managed services provider for Identity-driven Cybersecurity. Our experts are on hand to assist you with your migration needs.