Valoir Report: Third-Party Support Goes Mainstream

Adoption of third-party support for enterprise software is now mainstream. In a report sponsored by Rimini Street, industry research firm Valoir analyzed the growing acceptance of third-party support, finding that demand is widespread — from cost-cutters to innovators to a variety of companies in-between. Valoir found that in some instances, even ERP vendors reluctantly acknowledge the utility of third-party support as they focus efforts on the cloud. Third-party support has evolved into a strategic portfolio management tool for enterprise applications, gaining broader strategic acceptance from its origins as a cost containment tactic. Valoir found that its versatility facilitates: Innovation around the edges of a mature, highly functional ERP system Maximizing value from existing investments Taking a measured approach to cloud evolution Digital transformation Tactically, independent, third-party software support helps CIOs save resources and keep IT teams engaged with new initiatives rather than routine support. Strategically, it helps CIOs meet business objectives, demonstrate value, and move to a Business-Driven Roadmap from one dictated by an ERP vendor. In its report, Valoir specifically recognized Rimini Street for its: Breadth of knowledge and depth of support, featuring a dedicated engineer model Pure focus on independent, third-party support versus other IT or consulting services Track record of strong client relationships Value, service, price

The CIO’s Guide to a Business-first ERP Cloud Strategy

IT teams are feeling the pressure to move everything to the cloud. IDC predicts that by 2023, digital transformation spending will account for half of IT budgets. The majority of that spend will go to cloud technologies. Cloud promises flexibility, elasticity, and cost savings — but only if you’re doing it for the right reasons guided by a business-first, not a cloud-for-cloud’s-sake, mentality. Before making the leap, especially with business-critical ERP systems, companies need a solid strategy. Rimini Street offers this ebook to look at the multiple elements of building a business-first cloud strategy that delivers maximum value and optimal performance. Topics covered include: Developing a Business-Driven IT Roadmap Avoiding common pitfalls of ERP in cloud Surviving the secondary effects of cloud moves Fast-tracking — without sabotaging — your cloud strategy

Adopting a “Shift Left” Strategy to Transform Technology Support Services

Thriving in a digital world means technology support providers and in-house IT teams need a collaborative service approach that integrates both technology and the human factor. “Shifting Left” addresses those needs by using software delivery practices to move knowledge closer to customers. Implementing this transformational approach will become critical as organizations turn to technology as a main conduit for meeting customer expectations…without losing the personal touch. But how do you make the shift? Helping you find balance between high-tech and high-touch, Rimini Street invites you to download this comprehensive guide to better understand the Shift Left method and lay the foundation for your transformation. In this ebook, you’ll learn: Three approaches to a Shift Left strategy What’s driving the Shift Left trend The benefits of shifting left and why it makes you more competitive How to embrace and implement your Shift Left strategy

The Real Costs and Risks of Oracle ERP and Oracle Cloud

The growing cost of yearly maintenance for Oracle ERP and Oracle Cloud systems drain enterprise innovation budgets and resources. NCH, a global leader in industrial, commercial, and institutional maintenance products and services, saves $2.5 million a year in maintenance costs with independent, third-party support. More than just savings, they are experiencing better response times, plus greater expertise and flexibility than traditional software vendor support. In the ebook, “The Real Costs and Risks of Oracle ERP and Oracle Cloud,” learn about Oracle support alternatives and why sticking with Oracle support might stunt enterprise growth and diminish ROI. Topics covered include: Walking away from costly annual maintenance fees, and reducing the need for the expertise and resources to keep pace with Oracle updates Understanding financially engineered deals that lead to vendor lock-in and long-term costs Comparing the true costs of staying with your vendor’s dictated roadmap versus the role of a hybrid approach Creating a Business-Driven Roadmap tailored to fit your business needs while reducing the  occurrences of overpaying for unnecessary features and modules Looking at client examples of savings and benefits gained from switching to independent, third-party support With Rimini Street independent, third-party support for Oracle ERP software, you can regain control of your IT roadmap and join the growing number of enterprises that have reallocated budget, time, and organizational talent toward growth and innovation.

How to Choose an Open-Source Database 

It might be time for a new database.  Growing data volumes, real-time analytics, and digital initiatives are driving the need for more modern data architectures and platforms.  As a result, many businesses are moving away from proprietary database software running on centralized servers in their own data centers and shifting to a newer generation of cloud databases that scale automatically and are much easier to deploy and manage.  These new databases are often based on open-source software, and in fact, as of January 2021, open-source databases surpassed commercial databases in popularity.1    So how should you choose your new open-source database? It pays to ask some critical questions such as:  what are my data characteristics?  how easy — or hard — will data migration be?  what capabilities do I need?  which database would fit well with my existing IT infrastructure?  For more insights, including benefits and potential risks of open-source databases, download the eBook.   1 DB-Engines  

3 Smart Paths to Innovation for Your SAP Roadmap

Getting the Most from Your Support for Oracle Siebel Software

Oracle Siebel software applications are robust and proven, yet can present several pain points for licensees, including: no full support for Siebel software releases earlier than 8.1/8.2 currently no new major Siebel release on Oracle’s roadmap plan uncertainty around future Siebel product roadmaps as Oracle encourages cloud solutions expensive to operate, maintain, and upgrade applications, with perceived new value from Oracle support decreasing as costs increase So how can Siebel licensees help maximize the total cost of their stable, customized systems? Minimize or eliminate upgrade/update costs and disruptions? Enable a strategic IT roadmap and fund digital transformation? Third-party support addresses these, and more. Read this white paper for valuable insights on optimizing support for Oracle Siebel software, including: a review of Siebel software releases a look at the financial and logistical realities of Oracle’s Continuous Innovation support model recommendations for regaining control of your IT roadmap and paying for innovation with newly available funds from your existing IT budget

How Organizations Can Minimize Risk by Reviewing Their SAP S/4HANA Migration Strategy

According to the global IDG survey of SAP licensees, nine out of 10 respondents reported being happy with their current releases.1 Yet, they’re facing SAP S/4HANA migration pressure combined with the pressure to innovate, recovery from a global pandemic, and tightening budgets. Given these challenges, IT leaders need to make strategic choices that drive competitiveness and value. If you’re debating a migration to S/4HANA or maintaining your current release, the white paper, “How Organizations Can Minimize Risk by Reviewing Their SAP S/4HANA Migration Strategy,” can help you sort through the decision. From evaluating risk through post-migration planning, this white paper covers the major considerations of making the move or staying put in four steps: Evaluating your current environment and whether making the move is financially and strategically sound Designing your ideal environment around SAP or choosing SaaS-based options to augment your existing release Preparing for an SAP S/4HANA migration and ensuring your environment is ready to take advantage of new capabilities Customizing the new environment to your business needs amid the post-migration budget challenges Download a complimentary copy of the full white paper to guide your SAP S/4HANA migration strategy. 1 IDG Communications, Inc., “Navigating the Future of SAP: How IT leaders are accelerating innovation while maximizing ERP investments,” 2021