Concerns over new rules might stop customers from adopting innovations – including AI – that connect to SAP systems
An influential SAP user group has criticized the vendor's API policy update, saying it lacks clarity and potentially prevents users from starting new projects and innovating on their SAP platforms.
The new API policy [PDF], published by the ERP giant last week, states users can only build using its APIs "within the limits of SAP-endorsed architectures, data services, or service-specific pathways." It also refers to an API Hub of approved interfaces for developers to use. Critics have pointed out that the vendor’s approved list is not well-managed and up-to-date.
Jens Hungershausen, chairman of the German-speaking user group DSAG board, told The Register that every function module inside SAP is an API.
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"In the past, you had your own developments… your own programs, your writing: maybe you created your own solutions with SAP using these APIs. [Now] it's not clear which kind of APIs are allowed for use and which ones are not [allowed to be used]. SAP can publish API's in its API Hub, and they can also revoke the white listing of APIs there. It creates a huge amount of uncertainty for the customers, and their ... partners as well."
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DSAG is the German-speaking users group, representing customers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, including a significant portion of Europe's manufacturing base.
Hungershausen said the uncertainty around the API policy might deter customers from adopting innovations, including AI, that connect to SAP systems. "The unclear formulation of the policy creates uncertainty on the customer side. If you're uncertain, you probably won't do anything about it, and that's a risk that innovation is not taking place," he said.
DSAG released a statement in German earlier this week, detailing its concerns over the API policy. It has promised to publish its own FAQs, alongside those of SAP, in an effort to clarify the policy.
The Register has contacted SAP to offer it the opportunity to respond to DSAG's concerns. In a statement addressing earlier criticism of its API policy from third-party partners, an SAP spokesperson responded: "SAP has announced updates to its data access and API policies to support secure, reliable, and equitable use of shared enterprise platforms as automation and AI-driven access continue to grow.
"These updates clarify design-intended use of SAP interfaces, align with industry standard cloud practices, help protect system stability and customer data, and provide guidance on supported integration patterns — without changing customer data ownership." ®