Maximize Your Tech Trade Show ROI: An SAP Partner Selection Guide

Nov 6, 2024

Major SAP tech trade shows like Sapphire 2025 and SAPinsider represent critical opportunities for businesses seeking transformation partners. But with thousands of attendees and hundreds of potential partners, how do you determine who’s the ideal fit for your organization? The stakes couldn’t be higher, as your choice of partner will impact your organization’s success for years to come.

When Partner Selection Makes or Breaks Success

Take the example of Benjamin Moore. When facing an urgent deadline to migrate 100 SAP servers to RISE with SAP, the iconic New Jersey-based manufacturer needed the right partner — fast. Their successful migration hinged on knowing exactly what to evaluate during the partner selection process. Their experience highlights a crucial truth: the difference between transformation success and costly setbacks often comes down to partner selection.

Two Critical Technology Shifts Driving 2025 Decisions

As you prepare for SAP trade shows, understanding two key transformations will help you maximize your time on the show floor. These changes are reshaping how organizations operate, and your discussions with potential partners should focus heavily on their expertise in both areas.

RISE with SAP

While SAP handles core cloud infrastructure, your chosen partner must excel at:

System integration across complex landscapes
Security implementation and performance optimization
Multi-cloud expertise (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)
Seamless business process transformation
Migration methodologies that minimize disruption

The right partner enhances SAP’s baseline offering with industry-specific expertise and proven implementation frameworks that protect your business continuity.

The 2027 Migration Deadline

By 2027, organizations must migrate from traditional SAP integration tools (PI/PO), Solution Manager, and Business Objects to the cloud-based SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) as mainstream support is scheduled to end. This transition affects how your entire SAP landscape operates. It demands partners who can:

Navigate the complex transition from traditional solutions
Implement modern integration frameworks that connect your whole ecosystem
Manage security and compliance requirements across cloud and on-premise systems
Enable innovation through SAP Build and AI tools
Connect legacy systems with cloud applications while maintaining business continuity

Your chosen partner needs deep expertise in both current and future SAP technologies to ensure a smooth transition that protects your operations while unlocking new capabilities.

Want our detailed partner evaluation framework? Read our comprehensive guide to make your next tech trade show count.

Read Guide

Beyond Technical Expertise

The most successful partner relationships combine technical depth with service excellence. Your evaluation should focus on both aspects to ensure long-term success.

Technical Capabilities

Look for comprehensive abilities across SAP architecture, security implementation, and application lifecycle management. The right partner demonstrates clear methodologies for handling complex migrations while minimizing business disruption. They should show expertise in:

End-to-end SAP landscape management
Security framework implementation
Performance optimization strategies
Integration across diverse platforms
Cloud infrastructure management

Service Model Excellence

Top partners differentiate themselves through:

24/7 monitoring and remediation
Dedicated technical teams
Direct access to SAP experts
Clear escalation paths
Proactive system optimization
Regular performance reporting
Transparent communication protocols

Red Flags to Watch

Don’t ignore warning signs like:

Vague technical responses
Missing success metrics
Unclear pricing models
Limited industry experience
Poor understanding of security requirements
Lack of local support presence

The difference between success and frustration often comes down to preparation. While some organizations arrive seeking general “digital transformation” guidance, successful companies bring specific challenges:

“We need to migrate our SAP landscape to the cloud by Q4”
“We’re evaluating RISE with SAP and need enhanced capabilities”
“Our legacy systems need modernization before 2027”
“We require both migration expertise and ongoing optimization”

[Ready to transform your partner selection process? Download our comprehensive guide to learn:

Complete evaluation frameworks
Essential technical assessment questions
Service model analysis tools
Post-show follow-up strategies
Real success metrics from transformative projects]

Making Your SAP Partner Decision Count

While partner metrics can provide valuable benchmarks, they must be current and verifiable. For instance, oXya’s 99% customer satisfaction rating from their 2023 survey demonstrates their ongoing commitment to excellence. But metrics are just the beginning.

The right partner combines technical excellence with a service model that aligns perfectly with your needs. Success requires careful evaluation across multiple dimensions – from technical capabilities to cultural fit. This is where partners like oXya stand out, bringing 25+ years of SAP expertise and a proven track record of successful transformations, including Benjamin Moore’s complex 100-server migration to RISE with SAP.

Don’t leave your next tech trade show opportunity to chance. Read our complete guide today and ensure you’re fully prepared to make this critical decision for your organization’s future.

Read Guide

Do you have questions for us about managed cloud services, SAP services, or cybersecurity? We can’t wait to answer them. Contact us today for a consultation.