Business Objects ESD, R.I.P.

More changes are in store for Business Objects customers and partners. On the heels of last week’s dismantling of the BusinessObjects.com web site, SAP posts the following upbeat message on the Electronic Software Download (ESD) site, where customers and partners download software.

As part of our ongoing integration program of Business Objects processes and systems to the SAP Global Support Backbone, effective February 28th, 2009, the Business Objects Electronic Software Download (ESD) site will be decommissioned and SAP Service Marketplace (SMP) will be used to facilitate the delivery of software, support downloads, and customer license keys.

This systems integration began on July 1st with the migration of newer Business Objects product versions to the SMP. The completion of this migration will provide Business Objects customers with a single, central location for all of their download needs.

Below are a few items and dates to be aware of with respect to this transition:
1. All Business Objects products are available on the SMP as of January 1st, 2009. This includes installation / upgrade products and maintenance products (such as hot fixes, service packs and patches).
2. ESD Site will remain available for customers and partners to access until February 28th, 2009, but it is strongly recommended that you access the SMP at your earliest convenience.

If you have questions about SAP Service Marketplace, please contact our Customer Service at the public page http://service.sap.com/contact-bosap.

 

Despite the claim that “All Business Objects products are available on the SMP as of January 1st, 2009″, I haven’t had much luck finding many downloads there. As a consultant for a Business Objects solution provider, I’m used to being able to download the entire product line from the ESD site. Let’s hope SAP gets the kinks worked out prior to pulling the plug on ESD, to avoid a repeat of last summer’s breathtaking cut over from Business Objects to SAP technical support.