---
title: How to navigate the SAP HEC exit
description: Are you at the HEXIT crossroads? We summarise key SAP HEC exit considerations for businesses moving forward.
image: https://www.centiq.co.uk/hubfs/frank-busch-LpYcecGTifI-unsplash.jpg
---
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# How to navigate the SAP HEC exit
Dec 21, 2021 10:41:48 AM
Posted by [Rebecca Walmsley](https://www.centiq.co.uk/blog/author/rebecca-walmsley)
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Affectionately termed by us as 'HEXIT', the move from [HEC](https://searchsap.techtarget.com/definition/SAP-HANA-Enterprise-Cloud) is an inevitable transition for all businesses.
This is, in part, because SAP has decommissioned support for the HEC platform. But the desire for migration is also driven by the need for increased flexibility, operational excellence, and SAP optimisation.
In this blog post, we'll cover how businesses may choose to navigate 'HEXIT'.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19507240/ba963436-d8c9-4b65-b7c7-d7efc709e382)
## Fork in the road: flexibility vs convenience
Going forward, businesses have two options. They can either invest in 'cloud ERP' or 'ERP in the cloud'.
Your choice will depend on your unique business requirements, but here's a quick dissection of each method:
### **Cloud ERP**
This involves adopting a [RISE](https://www.sap.com/uk/products/rise.html) or SaaS approach. Typically, the key benefit here is convenience, particularly for businesses that want a consolidated package for all of their SAP-only applications.
If you're happy to run your environment and [migrate to S/4HANA](https://www.centiq.co.uk/sap-transformation#s4hana-migration) via SAP's route, this is the option for you.
### **ERP in the cloud**
If vendor lock-in is something you'd like to avoid, or you want to adopt the flexibility and agility of the cloud across *all* your business applications, ERP in the cloud may be a better option. You can either choose to adopt an SAP on Azure or IaaS approach.
ERP in the cloud will also give you control to migrate to S/4HANA via your own roadmap. This is ideal if you're looking to make the move in the medium to long term, allowing you to reap the benefits of the cloud whilst planning the move to the latest and greatest SAP functionality at a time that suits your business.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19507240/9d646bb0-3a0a-47ca-8f33-b0ab0df47817)
## SAP on Azure: the popular choice
In our experience, many businesses moving out of HEC opt for [SAP on Azure](https://www.centiq.co.uk/blog/sap-on-azure-transformation-why-the-perfect-partnership-is-key). This is because it offers:
- **Innovation**. Azure opens a whole new world of innovation. With its native tool set, SAP data can be leveraged in new ways whilst the option to introduce automation can make a huge impact on day-to-day processes and tasks.
- **Agility**. Azure's platform is built to run SAP workloads with high availability and disaster recovery built in as standard.
- **Automation**. You can adopt automation in instances such as system provisioning, patching and the autoscaling of resources.
- **Optimised TCO**. Businesses can also [improve costs](https://www.centiq.co.uk/blog/slash-sap-costs-in-the-cloud) through a shorter adoption time, as well as Azure's pay-as-you-go or reserved instance models. Our four-pillar model sets the [foundation for optimised TCO](https://www.centiq.co.uk/services#advisory-services).
To fully exploit these elements, you need to choose a technical partner with the necessary skills and experience. This is why those customers chose Centiq.
### **Migrating your environment**
When migrating, you have two choices: either move directly from ECC on-premise to S/4HANA, or follow a phased approach. In essence, this means migrating [ECC to Azure](https://www.centiq.co.uk/cloud-driven-transformation#ecc-to-azure) and then migrating to S/4HANA at a later date.
The way you choose to migrate out of HEC will depend on a number of factors, such as **downtime requirements and the number and size of systems you want to migrate**. You'll also have to choose between simply lifting and shifting your environment or migrating and transforming, by converting to HANA for example.
An important factor in any HEXIT is SAP themselves and the dependencies this involves. Some tasks and services you will be able to deliver yourself, but a high-level of pre-planning, defining clear responsibilities and rules of engaging must be outlined ahead of delivery to ensure success.
## Identify the best HEC exit strategy
We've only scratched the surface of HEXIT. When it comes to migrating your SAP estate, there's a lot more you'll have to think about, from migration and operational considerations to provisioning additional services.
So, if you'd like additional expert advice, we suggest watching our SAP HEC Exit 101 webinar. In this video, we discuss real-life customer experiences, as well as your responsibilities during a migration. Click the button below to watch.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19507240/ba963436-d8c9-4b65-b7c7-d7efc709e382)
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