The future of SAP Business ByDesign & Business One Public Cloud
In the world of enterprise software, technological advancements are key to competitiveness. For many small and medium-sized businesses, SAP Business ByDesign® (ByD) or SAP Business One® have long been the heart of their ERP landscape. But the signs of the times point to change: SAP® is strategically focusing on modern cloud platforms with S/4HANA® at their core and the Business Technology Platform (BTP) as the new foundation.
Maintenance instead of further development
SAP Business ByDesign
SAP Business ByDesign® will no longer be actively developed by SAP®. Initially marketed by SAP® as the first Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution for companies with 20 to 500 employees, it was announced at the end of 2022 that future updates would be limited to regulatory adjustments and security patches—real innovations or new features are no longer planned. The official roadmap clearly confirms this direction: SAP Business ByDesign Roadmap
With SAP Business ByDesign®, SAP® pursued its global strategy of operating all products in the cloud. However, the solution is not built on the BTP. This means customers using SAP Business ByDesign® continue to rely on the outdated NetWeaver stack and can only connect to the BTP via a side-by-side integration. Customers who prioritize future security and innovation should consider migrating to the SAP S/4HANA® Public Cloud. Partner-Story: Von ByDesign zu S/4HANA Public Cloud
The SME Solution
SAP Business One
SAP Business One® is also an ERP solution aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This product can be operated both on-premise and in the cloud and is suitable for companies with 10 to 250 employees. However, in April 2023, SAP announced the discontinuation of the Business One Cloud variant for new customers. While the on-premise variant of Business One continues to receive support, it comes with clear limitations:
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Standard maintenance for version 10.0 ends in 2026.
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Currently, there is no official roadmap or planned innovations for version 11.0 →Business One Roadmap & Features
For several years, SAP® has been strongly focusing on cloud solutions. Therefore, it remains uncertain how long the on-premise version 11.0 of Business One will continue to be supported. For customers looking for a future-proof solution within the SAP ecosystem, exploring GROW with SAP® becomes essential.
The path to the modern cloud world
GROW with SAP
GROW with SAP® is SAP’s strategic response to the needs of growing mid-sized companies. Based on SAP S/4HANA® Cloud Public Edition, this solution combines modern ERP capabilities with a fast, structured implementation approach and a clear cloud roadmap.
Here’s what’s behind GROW with SAP®:
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Cloud-native ERP with pre-configured best practices
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Rapid implementation and short time-to-value
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Regular innovations through biannual updates
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Scalability & flexibility for international and growing businesses
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Full integration into SAP BTP – for extensibility, automation, and AI
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Ideal for companies with 50 or more employees
For a future-proof ERP strategy
Conclusion: act now
The discontinuation of SAP Business One® Public Cloud and the limited updates to SAP Business ByDesign® do not signify the end, but rather the beginning of a new era within the SAP landscape. With GROW with SAP®, SAP has laid out a clear vision for the midmarket: modern, scalable, cloud-based—and fully integrated into the SAP ecosystem.
For companies currently using SAP® (or planning to adopt it), now is the time to not only modernize technologically, but also to rethink processes, drive automation, and position themselves for a secure global future.
How we can support you
- Roadmap Check: Review how long your current solution will continue to be supported
- Evaluate GROW with SAP®: Identify opportunities and added value for your business
- Start migration planning: The earlier the transition is planned, the smoother and more cost-efficient the transformation will be
We support your transition
As an experienced SAP partner, we guide you through the planning and implementation of your move to S/4HANA® Public Cloud with GROW with SAP®. Whether it’s analyzing your current system landscape, conducting process optimization workshops, or executing the actual technical migration — we provide expertise, tools, and best practices every step of the way.
