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.