For organizations running SAP, major identity management changes are on the horizon. SAP is retiring SAP Identity Management (IdM), prompting businesses to find a new way to manage authentication and access across their critical systems.
Of course, companies need a secure, scalable, and future-ready identity management tool that can evolve with their needs. Microsoft Entra ID, formerly Azure Active Directory, provides that solution. It's a powerful platform that unifies and streamlines identity management across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.
At Protera, we specialize in helping businesses navigate this transition. With significant SAP expertise and proven cloud migration strategies, Protera moves you forward with confidence, securing your SAP landscape for the future. This article explores why moving to Microsoft Entra ID is a smart move for enterprises.
Quick Takeaways:
- SAP is retiring its SSO and IDM solutions by the end of 2027, making it critical for businesses to migrate to a new identity platform.
- Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) offers seamless compatibility with SAP environments across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid setups.
- Entra ID enhances security and simplifies management with features like MFA, Conditional Access, and automated user lifecycle processes.
- Protera specializes in SAP identity migrations, helping businesses transition smoothly to Entra ID with minimal disruption and full support.
Why Identity Management Matters for SAP
Identity management secures SAP environments by making it so that only authorized users have access to your sensitive systems and data. In large organizations, where SAP often supports finance, HR, and supply chain operations, controlling who gets access and at what level is a necessary part of security and compliance.
Without a strong identity management solution, businesses often face major challenges:
- Fragmented access control, where different systems require different logins, creates confusion and increases security risks.
- Manually managing user accounts leads to errors, delays in onboarding and off boarding employees, and inconsistent application of security policies.
- Meeting regulatory compliance requirements also becomes more difficult when there's no centralized visibility into who has access to what.
SAP landscapes are more complex than ever, often including on-premises data centers, private clouds, and public cloud platforms. In these hybrid and multi-vendor environments, centralized authentication is incredibly important. A unified identity solution helps provide consistent access policies, simplifies user management, and strengthens security across all platforms.
As SAP environments continue to evolve, a reliable, scalable identity management strategy is necessary to protect your business and prepare for the future.
SAP Deprecates Its SSO Solution: What You Need to Know
SAP is making a significant shift by exiting the identity management space, including phasing out its Single Sign-On (SSO) and Identity Management (IDM) solutions. As part of this change, SAP has announced that mainstream support for SSO and IDM will end at the close of 2027. After that point, the company will no longer provide new updates, bug fixes, or security patches.
For organizations currently relying on SAP IdM to manage user authentication, time is running out. Without a supported solution, businesses risk security vulnerabilities, compliance challenges, and potential disruptions to operations.
Companies need to plan and execute a transition to a new identity platform well before the 2027 deadline to avoid rushed migrations and minimize risks. Solutions like Microsoft Entra ID offer a future-ready path forward so SAP systems remain secure, compliant, and resilient for years to come.
Why Microsoft Entra ID Is the Ideal Replacement
Microsoft Entra ID, formerly Azure Active Directory, is a modern and effective identity and access management solution built for a cloud-first world. As SAP moves away from its internal SSO and identity management tools, Entra ID stands out as the ideal replacement for SAP customers.
First, it's fully compatible with SAP environments. Whether you're running SAP on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid setup, Microsoft Entra ID provides unified identity management across all your systems. The solution makes it possible for users to access SAP applications alongside other business tools with a single login.
It also strengthens security with features like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Conditional Access, guaranteeing that only the right people can access sensitive SAP data. Streamlined user provisioning and lifecycle management automate the onboarding and offboarding process, reducing manual errors and improving efficiency.
With built-in compliance and governance capabilities, Entra ID helps organizations meet strict regulatory requirements with ease, as well.
Notably, SAP recommends Microsoft Entra ID as the go-to solution for customers needing a future-proof identity management system. Migrating now sets you up with a secure, scalable foundation ready to support your SAP landscape moving forward.
Extending Microsoft Entra ID Across Your SAP Landscape
One of the biggest strengths of Microsoft Entra ID is its flexibility beyond just Microsoft platforms. Whether your SAP workloads are running on-premises, public cloud, , or across a hybrid environment, Entra ID can unify identity management across it all.
Microsoft has designed Entra ID to integrate seamlessly with SAP applications like SAP S/4HANA and SAP SuccessFactors and third-party tools and services you may already be using. This compatibility allows businesses to create a consistent, secure authentication experience across their entire IT landscape.
Microsoft's own guidance on Entra ID for SAP applications highlights how businesses can modernize identity management across complex, multi-cloud environments, making it easier to stay secure and future-ready.
How Protera Simplifies Your Migration to Microsoft Entra ID
When it comes to SAP and cloud identity management, Protera is a trusted expert with decades of experience helping organizations modernize their IT environments. We make migrating to Microsoft Entra ID smooth, secure, and stress-free.
Protera starts by assessing your current SAP identity setup and identifying potential risks and opportunities for improvement. From there, we plan and execute a phased migration to Entra ID, carefully mapping out each step to minimize disruption to your daily operations.
Our proven approach guarantees full compatibility across SAP applications and any third-party systems you rely on, whether on-premises, in the cloud, or running cross-platform deployments.
Protera doesn't just leave you after migration, either. We offer ongoing support and governance services so your identity management remains secure, compliant, and optimized for future growth.
With Protera by your side, transitioning to Microsoft Entra ID becomes a smart, seamless move for your SAP landscape.
Secure the Future of Your SAP Identity Management
With SAP IdM set to end maintenance by the end of 2030, the time to act is now. Waiting too long could expose your SAP landscape to security risks, compliance issues, and costly downtime.
Microsoft Entra ID offers a future-ready, secure, and flexible replacement, providing unified identity management across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments. Its proven compatibility with SAP applications makes it the smart choice for businesses looking to modernize while maintaining strong security and governance.
However, a smooth transition requires careful planning and cross-platform expertise. Continuing support also helps. That's where Protera comes in. With significant experience in SAP migrations and cloud identity management, we can craft a custom migration strategy that minimizes disruption and maximizes long-term success.
Talk to a Protera expert today to get started on your Entra ID migration journey.