Implementing SAP can be a daunting challenge for an organization. The financial commitment, a shortage of SAP skills and the complexity of SAP systems are all reasons companies are turning to managed hosting. In this model, a managed hosting provider takes care of all aspects of the SAP implementation -- hosting the implementation on its hardware, assisting with installation and managing ongoing maintenance. In a well-planned hosting relationship, companies report lowered TCO and a high ROI -- but there can be major challenges to navigate. Choosing the wrong provider can result in high costs, longer installation times and a lack of control. Determining whether it's right for your business in the first place and what to look for in a hosting provider require asking some critical questions. The decision revolves around more than just the money.

In this 15-minute podcast, appropriate for business and IT professionals, Jim Shepherd, senior vice president of research with AMR and an expert on SAP, helps listeners understand:

• Critical steps for determining whether to host your SAP implementation.
• Key factors to consider when selecting a hosting provider.
• Where others have gone wrong with managed SAP hosting -- and how you can avoid these pitfalls.
• What to include in an SLA and how to negotiate.

Jim Shepherd
Senior Vice President of Research, AMR
Jim Shepherd brings more than 30 years of manufacturing, operations, and software industry experience to his role as Senior Vice President of Research for AMR Research. His coverage area includes ERP systems, supply chain management, and the governance of global IT operations. Jim also leads AMR Research's team of analysts covering enterprise applications.