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ISG Provider Lens® “SAP Ecosystem 2026”

The ISG Provider Lens™ “SAP Ecosystem 2026” examines current trends in the SAP market and evaluates the performance of service providers in key areas such as SAP S/4HANA transformation, application management services, SAP Business AI, and the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP). The study offers companies sound guidance in selecting suitable partners and highlights the requirements that successful SAP transformations must meet today.

DATAGROUP is featured in all four categories of the study. Of particular note is its positioning as a leader in the “SAP S/4HANA Transformation – Midmarket” category. In addition, DATAGROUP is listed as a Product Challenger in the categories SAP S/4HANA System Transformation and SAP Application Managed Services, as well as a Contender in the area of SAP Business AI and Business Technology Platform Services.

The study’s findings make it clear that companies are increasingly adopting holistic approaches when modernizing their SAP landscapes. In addition to the actual transformation, topics such as cloud strategies, digital sovereignty, the long-term operation of business-critical applications, and the use of artificial intelligence are continuously gaining importance. The following insights provide an overview of the most important trends and developments in the SAP environment.

Key findings of the study

  • SAP S/4HANA transformation remains a key modernization priority
  • Holistic transformation and operating models are gaining importance
  • Companies are increasingly opting for phased, selective migrations with a focus on stability and control
  • Sovereignty, security, and compliance influence architectural decisions
  • SAP Business AI and SAP BTP are emerging as key areas of innovation
  • Companies prefer standardized and low-risk transformation approaches

Download the study results for free now!

ISG

SAP S/4HANA Transformation for Mid-Sized Businesses: Focus on Speed and Practicality

For mid-sized companies, a successful transition to SAP S/4HANA remains the focus of many digitalization initiatives. In the “SAP S/4HANA Transformation – Midmarket” category, the study examines which providers are particularly effective in helping companies modernize their SAP landscapes.

ISG highlights:
  • The need for standardized yet flexible transformation methods
  • Shortening project timelines through predefined templates and best practices
  • Support in selecting suitable cloud and operating models
  • Close integration of transformation and subsequent operations

DATAGROUP was positioned as a leader in this category. Particular emphasis is placed on the modular transformation paths, the ValueCheck as a structured entry point into SAP S/4HANA projects, and the integration of transformation, hosting, and operations via CORBOX Services. In addition, ISG recognizes DATAGROUP’s cloud and sovereignty strategy, including its partnership with STACKIT.

SAP S4HANA System Transformation — Midmarket_Leader

SAP S/4HANA Transformation: Transformations Across All Company Sizes

The "SAP S/4HANA System Transformation" category evaluates providers that support companies in complex transformation projects from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA. In addition to technical migration, the focus is on process modernization, cloud strategies, and long-term sustainability.

ISG identifies the following key areas:
  • Greenfield, brownfield, and hybrid transformation approaches
  • Use of RISE with SAP and GROW with SAP
  • Integration of automation, analytics, and AI
  • Consideration of regulatory requirements and security standards

DATAGROUP was rated as a Product Challenger in this category.

SAP Application Managed Services: Reliable operation of business-critical applications

As modern SAP landscapes grow increasingly complex, application managed services are becoming more and more important. Companies need partners who can ensure the stable and efficient operation of their SAP applications while enabling continuous optimization.

The study specifically mentions:
  • Proactive operations and support models
  • AI-driven automation of service processes
  • Integration of DevOps and lifecycle management approaches
  • Support for hybrid and cloud-based SAP environments

DATAGROUP was classified as a “Product Challenger” in the “SAP Application Managed Services” category. This positioning demonstrates that DATAGROUP is recognized as a relevant SAP partner even in the direct competitive environment of major international providers.

SAP Business AI and SAP BTP: Innovation for the Next Generation of Business Processes

Artificial intelligence and the SAP Business Technology Platform are becoming central components of modern SAP strategies. Companies are increasingly relying on data-driven processes, automation, and intelligent applications.

ISG highlights the following:
  • Use of generative AI within SAP processes
  • Extension of SAP systems via the SAP Business Technology Platform
  • Data integration and process automation
  • Low-code and no-code approaches for faster innovation

DATAGROUP was named a contender in the “SAP Business AI and Business Technology Platform Services” category. This recognition underscores the growing importance of this area within the company’s service portfolio and the ongoing development of related services.


What to look out for:

1
Choosing the Right Transformation Strategy
Not every company needs to follow the same path to SAP S/4HANA. Greenfield, brownfield, or hybrid approaches should be tailored to business processes, risks, and resources.
2
Considering Transformation and Operations Together
Long-term success does not depend solely on migration. The operating model, support, and future development should be taken into account as early as the planning phase.
3
Take cloud strategy and regulatory requirements into account
Data protection, compliance requirements, and digital sovereignty requirements influence the selection of appropriate platforms and operating models.
4
Combining SAP expertise with cutting-edge technologies
Artificial intelligence, automation, and modern platform approaches such as SAP BTP are becoming increasingly important. Companies should explore how these technologies can be integrated into their existing SAP strategy.

Download the ISG study

Would you like to view the full results of the ISG Provider Lens™ “SAP Ecosystem 2026”? Download the report for free now and gain valuable insights into current developments, vendor evaluations, and future trends in the SAP ecosystem.