AI clause in new SAP API policy has partners worried over lock-in

2026-04-29 · Source: The Register: Enterprise Technology News and Analysis · Field: Technology & Digital — Software Development & Engineering, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure · Depth: Intermediate, short

Summary

SAP has updated its API policy to restrict the use of its APIs for integration with external AI systems, permitting such use only through SAP-endorsed architectures or specific pathways. This change, published earlier this month and updated on April 27th, prohibits API use for interaction with (semi-)autonomous or generative AI systems that plan, select, or execute API calls, as well as for scraping or large-scale data extraction. Independent SAP consultant Marian Zeis expressed concern that this policy is more restrictive than anticipated, potentially limiting customers and partners from deploying non-SAP AI tools, especially given SAP's slow pace in updating documented APIs. SAP's CEO Christian Klein stated the company aims for an open platform but needs to throttle mass data requests to prevent performance issues and protect SAP's intellectual property. An SAP spokesperson cited reasons including secure, reliable, and equitable use, aligning with cloud practices, and protecting system stability and customer data.

Key takeaway

For CTOs and VPs of Engineering evaluating enterprise AI strategies, SAP's updated API policy necessitates a re-evaluation of integration approaches. You should assess your current and planned use of third-party AI systems with SAP data, particularly concerning undocumented APIs, as this policy could limit your flexibility and increase reliance on SAP's internal AI offerings. Consider the implications for data ownership and system performance when planning future AI deployments.

Key insights

SAP's new API policy restricts external AI integration, sparking concerns over vendor lock-in and data access.

Principles

• API policies can dictate AI integration.
• Vendor IP protection is a key driver.
• System stability requires API throttling.

In practice

• Review SAP's updated API policy.
• Assess reliance on undocumented SAP APIs.
• Evaluate third-party AI integration strategies.

Topics

• SAP API Policy
• Third-Party AI Integration
• Vendor Lock-in
• Undocumented APIs
• Enterprise System Security

Best for: CTO, VP of Engineering/Data, Executive, Consultant, AI Architect, Director of AI/ML

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Register: Enterprise Technology News and Analysis.