Rimini Street and Cubic Corporation Partner to Modernize Enterprise Systems While Extending SAP ECC Life
Rimini Street, Inc., a global provider of enterprise software support, managed services, and AI-driven ERP solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Cubic Corporation, a technology company serving defense and transportation markets. The collaboration is designed to help Cubic modernize its enterprise systems, improve operational efficiency, and explore artificial intelligence and automation initiatives—while continuing to run its existing SAP ECC environment as a stable core platform.
The agreement reflects a growing trend among large enterprises that are reassessing costly and disruptive ERP upgrades. Rather than immediately migrating to SAP S/4HANA, Cubic has chosen to extend the life of its current SAP ECC systems with the support of Rimini Street. This approach allows the company to redirect financial and human resources toward innovation, digital transformation, and AI-enabled process improvements.
A Strategy Focused on Flexibility and Cost Efficiency
Cubic’s modernization strategy centers on maintaining stability in its core ERP environment while gradually introducing new capabilities across its technology landscape. By partnering with Rimini Street for third-party support, the company aims to avoid the high costs and operational risks associated with large-scale ERP upgrades.
According to the companies, Cubic expects to save approximately 50 percent on annual SAP maintenance costs through the new support model. These savings free up capital that can be invested in modern applications, automation tools, and AI technologies. The company has already identified key initiatives, including the implementation of contactless invoice processing and the reduction of manual intervention in accounts payable workflows.
This approach reflects a shift in enterprise IT priorities. Instead of following vendor-driven upgrade cycles, organizations are increasingly choosing strategies that align technology investments with business outcomes. For Cubic, that means focusing on operational readiness, improved mobility solutions, and enhanced efficiency across its global operations.
Strengthening Control Over the SAP Roadmap
A major advantage cited by Cubic is the increased control it gains over its SAP roadmap. With third-party support from Rimini Street, the company is no longer tied to the timelines or upgrade requirements set by the software vendor. This flexibility enables Cubic to modernize at its own pace and focus on initiatives that deliver tangible value.
Jack Lidington, Director of Enterprise Applications at Cubic Corporation, said the partnership has provided the company with a stronger foundation for transformation.
He noted that the collaboration gives Cubic “full control over the SAP roadmap” and a more stable platform to accelerate modernization, automation, and AI initiatives. Rimini Street, he added, functions as an extension of the company’s internal support model, helping ensure security, compliance, and operational readiness.
This shift in control is particularly important for organizations operating in highly regulated sectors such as defense and transportation. Systems must remain secure, compliant, and reliable while still evolving to meet changing operational requirements.
Enhanced Support and Operational Benefits
Through Rimini Support for SAP, Cubic gains access to a dedicated primary support engineer, backed by a global team of SAP experts available around the clock. The support model includes service-level agreement (SLA)-backed response times for critical issues, ensuring rapid resolution of system disruptions.
In addition to technical support, the company will receive:
- Assistance for customizations and tailored configurations.
- Legislative, tax, legal, and regulatory updates through Rimini’s Legislature-to-Live program.
- Proactive security concepts designed to protect sensitive data and mission-critical systems.
These services are intended to keep the existing SAP environment running efficiently and securely without the need for major upgrades. By maintaining system stability, Cubic can avoid downtime and disruptions while focusing its internal resources on strategic projects.
Redirecting Internal Teams Toward Innovation
One of the most significant outcomes of the partnership is the shift in how Cubic allocates its internal IT resources. With day-to-day maintenance and support handled by Rimini Street, the company’s technology teams can focus on higher-value initiatives.
These initiatives include:
- Evaluating automation opportunities across business processes.
- Exploring AI-driven applications for improved decision-making.
- Implementing new digital tools to enhance operational efficiency.
- Modernizing systems to support future growth and innovation.
By reducing the burden of routine support tasks, Cubic aims to transform its IT organization from a maintenance-focused function into a strategic driver of innovation.
Lidington emphasized the importance of selecting the right partner for this transformation. He noted that Rimini Street’s tailored approach and understanding of Cubic’s existing technology stack were key factors in the decision.
According to Lidington, the company needed a partner capable of supporting its journey from its current environment to its future vision. He said Rimini Street’s bespoke support model set it apart from other providers.
Supporting Innovation in Defense and Mobility
Cubic operates in sectors where reliability, security, and operational readiness are critical. The company provides advanced technology solutions for defense training, mission readiness, transportation systems, and urban mobility.
As these industries increasingly adopt digital technologies, AI, and automation, companies like Cubic must modernize their IT infrastructures while maintaining uninterrupted operations. Large-scale ERP upgrades can introduce significant risks, including downtime, cost overruns, and operational disruptions.
By extending the life of its SAP ECC systems, Cubic can avoid these risks while still investing in innovation. The partnership with Rimini Street allows the company to pursue a more gradual and flexible modernization strategy.
Eric Helmer, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Technology Officer at Rimini Street, said Cubic represents a forward-thinking organization that is accelerating growth and profitability while avoiding costly, disruptive upgrade cycles.
He noted that Rimini Street is proud to serve as a trusted advisor and support partner, delivering measurable value and working closely with Cubic to help realize its long-term vision.
A Broader Trend in Enterprise IT
Cubic’s decision to maintain SAP ECC rather than immediately move to S/4HANA reflects a broader trend in enterprise IT. Many organizations are re-evaluating the return on investment of large ERP transformations.
While next-generation ERP systems offer advanced capabilities, the cost, complexity, and disruption of migration projects can be significant. For some companies, extending the life of existing systems while adopting modern tools around them offers a more practical path forward.
Third-party support providers like Rimini Street are capitalizing on this trend by offering alternatives to vendor-provided maintenance. These services often promise cost savings, longer support timelines, and greater flexibility in upgrade decisions.
For organizations seeking to balance stability with innovation, this model provides an appealing option.
About Rimini Street
Rimini Street, Inc. is a global provider of enterprise software support, managed services, and ERP solutions with agent-based AI capabilities. The company specializes in third-party support for Oracle, SAP, and VMware software.
A member of the Russell 2000 index, Rimini Street serves thousands of organizations worldwide, including Fortune Global 100 and Fortune 500 companies, as well as mid-market firms, public sector entities, and government agencies.
Through its Rimini Smart Path methodology, the company aims to help clients achieve improved operational outcomes, reduce costs, and reallocate resources toward innovation, including AI-driven initiatives.
