Generational Change at IG SAP Switzerland
If the German ERP giant had had its way, all Swiss companies would have had to switch to the expensive Enterprise Support. The standard support offered until then was to be abolished. Swiss users did not want to put up with this. Without further ado, 21 participants in a CIO Circle founded the SAP Switzerland Interest Group (IG SAP CH). Thanks to their joint efforts and the involvement of the Competition Commission COMCO, they were able to convince the ERP provider to continue standard support after 2008.
Action was also taken after the "franc shock" at the beginning of 2015. Among other things, the price watchdog helped to keep maintenance costs stable. According to IG SAP's calculations, the lower maintenance percentage saves Swiss IG SAP members around CHF 16 million per year.
After 15 years of leading IG SAP, Peter Hartmann (68 years old) hands over the IG SAP hat to Remo Schneider, who, as a 50-year-old, can secure the next 15 years. Remo Schneider has already warmed up in 2023, having prepared and presented the evaluations of the customer survey. He is ready for the lead. This will ensure a smooth transition. During the transition period until around 2026, Peter Hartmann will be available as deputy.
What began as an interest group for the maintenance model is now dedicated to bundling the commercial and legal interests of SAP users in Switzerland. IG SAP does not see itself as an alternative to DSAG. Rather, its activities here are coordinated with and complement those of the German-speaking SAP user group. IG SAP is enjoying remarkable popularity. Over the years, many new companies have joined the interest group, which has now grown to around 130 members. The growth in membership is largely due to word of mouth.