More than two thirds of UK SAP users now using ERP 6.0

However, nearly a quarter (22%) are still using the older R3 4.7 platform and only 7% of SAP users said they were currently using SAP BusinessObjects business intelligence software, suggesting that SAP still has work to do in convincing users to adopt what it claims is now its flagship BI software product. "It is encouraging to see that so many SAP users are moving to ERP 6.0," comments Alan Bowling, chairman of the UK & Ireland SAP User Group. "We have highlighted the potential benefits of upgrading to ERP 6.0, such as enhanced levels of functionality and support. Indeed, we have seen many users come to us who see the need to upgrade but require advice and support on the best way to migrate," he adds. However, Bowling believes the figures also show that there is still a lot of work to be done by both SAP and the User Group to demonstrate to users the potential value of adding in SAP BusinessObjects. Interestingly, the study also looks at SAP User Group members' usage of SAP's current support offerings. Two-thirds (67%) are now on the Enterprise Support offering, compared to 11% on the recently re-introduced Standard Support. Also, while the cost of Enterprise Support will rise this year, increasing the gap between the two support options, these figures seem to show that it is currently the favoured option for most organisations. And the research also reveals that SAP has a lot of progress to make in encouraging organisations to create customer centres of expertise (Customer CoE). Only 14% of respondents say they have had certification granted by SA,P recognising their organisations' commitment to continuous improvement of SAP operations. "It will certainly be interesting to see how many customers stay on Enterprise Support when the next set of price rises comes into effect in the next year," comments Bowling. "We will be making sure our members are provided with all the information they need to make an informed decision about their support requirements. As such we have just run a dedicated support event to help address this," he adds.