Upgrading ERP systems can be expensive, time-consuming and frustrating, leading some enterprises to jump vendors when the time comes. To ease the burden for its customers, SAP has been peddling "enhancement packs," which allow users to add functionality incrementally to an existing system rather than perform a full-fledged upgrade, Chris Kanaracus reports in CIO.

For some organizations, including Northern Kentucky University and the natural gas company SourceGas, the enhancement packs seem to be working out so far. The university has used them to add a web registration service for students with iPhones. SourceGas has run into some configuration difficulties installing the packs but remains interested in them as an alternative to a complete upgrade.

Meanwhile, third party vendors continue trying to simplify the ERP upgrade process. A tool from Panaya, for example, scans an SAP system to detect what has to be changed to prevent problems following an upgrade. Other companies, including Rimini Street, offer maintenance support for the systems, but there are outstanding legal questions regarding such third-party maintenance. 

As Tony Kontzer wrote recently in CIOInsight, the legal battle between Rimini Street and Oracle could determine the fate of third-party enterprise software support. The two companies have accused each other of anti-competitive behavior. Kontzer suggests that a victory for Oracle in this particular fight could mean higher costs for enterprises IT departments because Rimini's services are priced much lower than Oracle's maintenance fees.

For more:
- read Chris Kanaracus' article at CIO
- read Tony Kontzer's post at CIOInsight

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