Embracing the Power of SAP Cloud ALM

12.10.2023
Niina Simoska & Sini Kutila

In the realm of enterprise solutions, a key question stands before us: To be or not to be Cloud ALM, that is the question? The evolving landscape of SAP Solution Manager encourages us to think about this crucial decision. As SAP moves towards the end of Solution Manager support by 2027, a transition to SAP Cloud ALM becomes not just an option but a necessity.

At the ALM Roadshow on September 15, 2023, SAP communicated that while the support for Solution Manager will extend till the end of 2030, the future lies in SAP Cloud ALM and SAP Focused Run. Moving to cloud-based solutions might be overwhelming for organizations used to Solution Manager they’re familiar with. However, change is inevitable, and SAP is investing considerable effort in the development and enhancement of SAP Cloud ALM.

Why the rush? Why now?

As we stand at this crossroads, the question arises: Why should one start using Cloud ALM today and not postpone it to an uncertain tomorrow? SAP’s vision is clear—they are steering towards making SAP Cloud ALM the tool of choice not only for cloud-related products but for all deployment options. Moreover, the accessibility of Cloud ALM is made affordable through simple request procedures, especially for those with SAP Enterprise Support maintenance contracts or SAP Enterprise Support Cloud Editions.

Cloud ALM is really user friendly with its Fiori based apps. The onboarding, creation of teams and inviting people to join can be done within 15 minutes and you already have a project base where to continue. There’s multiple SAP Activate roadmaps to consume and with that, the predefined tasks guide you through your project. Cloud ALM has excellent Task management properties, which we have been missing from SAP Solution Manager and Focused Build.

How to begin?

It’s time to embrace this transition and take the first steps towards SAP Cloud ALM.

The transition to Cloud ALM may initially pose a learning curve, but starting with a manageable project allows for a smooth transition. Whether it’s a small upgrade or a non-SAP IT project, Cloud ALM can efficiently manage and streamline the process. Leverage SAP’s guidance to utilize your existing tools for ongoing projects, gradually transitioning to Cloud ALM once projects are finished.

There are three pathways we recommend:

1. Mini project

Begin your journey with a mini project—a small-scale initiative like an SP upgrade or a non-SAP IT project. This approach allows you to dip your toes into the water, understanding the tool’s potential and familiarizing your team to the new concepts of Cloud ALM with minimal risk and effort.

2. Full Blown

For those ready to dive headfirst into the realm of Cloud ALM, undertaking a comprehensive project is the way to go. Implement the tool in a larger, more complex project, capitalizing on its capabilities to the fullest.

3. Operations / Service

You can start by incorporating the tool into monitoring and service operations, paving the way for a smooth shift in your organization’s ALM approach, while managing your landscape with your current tool until you’re ready to shift to Cloud ALM gradually.

Embrace the future today

To summarize, Switching to Cloud ALM might be a bit challenging at first and so you should consider the best way for your organization to make the transition easier. There is no right or wrong way to transition to Cloud ALM.

To those venturing into uncharted waters, we urge you to go ahead and invest effort in exploring SAP Cloud ALM firsthand. Request a Cloud ALM tenant and allocate some time to explore its capabilities. Attend webinars and events to deepen your understanding and hear success stories from companies that have embraced Cloud ALM. Engage with consultants to tailor the best approach for your business.

We are more than happy to support you in finding the best approach for utilizing and planning your transition path to SAP Cloud ALM. Be brave and seize the future by contacting us.