The digital transformation is forcing companies to ask which systems will best support their processes in the long run. A recent study by Rimini Street shows that the majority of SAP customers doubt the return on investment (ROI) by S/4HANA.
More and more companies no longer want to depend on a single vendor and are concerned about rising costs caused by the new subscription model. Alternatives include multi‑vendor strategies and, increasingly open‑source ERP systems.
The result: Companies are moving away from the traditional market leaders and looking for solutions that better reflect their requirements — without licensing pressure and without hidden costs.
The Cost Trap of Subscription Models
Many vendors attract customers with low entry prices. One example: Zoho CRM starts at around €20 per user per month. But the basic versions offer only limited functionality.
- Essential features such as automation, advanced reporting or integrations are only available in expensive plans.
- Once implemented, companies often remain “locked in” — switching becomes complex and costly.
- What appears to be an inexpensive start quickly turns into a long‑term cost trap.
Putting Requirements First – The A‑SQUARE Approach
At A-SQUARE , we take a different path: we don’t sell a specific system — we put the company’s requirements at the center of every decision.
- Process analysis: Which workflows are critical for success?
- System evaluation: Which solution truly fits — open source or commercial?
- Transparent decision basis We clearly outline long‑term costs and benefits.
This enables companies to make independent, future‑proof decisions — without falling into the trap of licensing models or overpriced subscriptions.
Conclusion
The trend is clear: more and more companies are turning away from SAP, Salesforce, and Zoho and are seeking flexible alternatives. Open‑source systems such as Odoo, vtiger, or Dolibarr are gaining traction — not because they are “cheaper,” but because they better meet the actual requirements of businesses..
With A‑SQUARE as an independent consulting partner , companies gain the confidence that their decisions are based not on marketing promises but on clear facts and real needs. contact us now.
