SAP Solution: Voice

The next level in SAP logistics presents both challenges and opportunities. What needs to be considered when integrating Voice?

The new SAP licensing policy around indirect use is also causing trouble in purchasing. Those who do not want to switch to S/4, but replace the classic SAP SRM with an external solution, are confronted with rising, often uncontrollable costs.

With regard to indirect use, Voice e. V. is trying to bring about a concession for all existing customers throughout Europe by means of an antitrust complaint. The DSAG association is in discussion with SAP on behalf of its members in order to bring about rules and a better position in the DACH region. But everything will be different in 2019!

The topic of "indirect use" has been occupying the SAP community for three years. In April of this year, SAP presented an alternative licensing model. Guido Schneider from Aspera has conducted an investigation into this, and attorney Jürgen Beckers comments on the circumstances.

On October 2, 2018, the German Association of IT Users (Voice) published a press release on its website voice-ev.org. In it, the association states that, based on two legal opinions from the law firm Osborne Clarke, it is of the opinion that SAP's licensing policy on indirect use is unlawful.

The SAP community needs a harmonious and functioning customer-vendor relationship. But existing customers also need universally applicable conditions and transparency in license prices. Only an antitrust suit can restore the level playing field, right?