Celonis Positions Itself as Advocate for Data Access Amid Scrutiny of SAP API Policy

According to a recent LinkedIn post from Celonis, the company is highlighting external criticism of SAP’s updated API policy and positioning itself as an advocate for customer data access and interoperability. The post cites a Gartner note that reportedly describes SAP’s new API approach as restricting customers’ choice of AI tools, increasing vendor lock-in, and potentially creating unbudgeted costs.

The LinkedIn post also references German outlet Handelsblatt, which is described as reporting customer outrage over limitations on using SAP data with third-party AI, and commentary from consultant Eric Kimberling, who characterizes such API changes as a lock-in strategy rather than innovation. Celonis frames its stance as a continued effort to protect customers’ ability to access their own data and select technology partners freely.

For investors, the post suggests Celonis is seeking to differentiate itself from larger enterprise software vendors by aligning with open access and multi-vendor flexibility, themes that may resonate with large corporate buyers wary of ecosystem lock-in. This positioning could support Celonis’s competitive appeal in process mining and execution management, particularly among SAP customers exploring complementary or alternative platforms.

If concerns over SAP’s API policy gain traction, Celonis may benefit from increased inbound interest from enterprises prioritizing interoperability with diverse AI and analytics tools. However, any upside is likely to depend on how aggressively SAP enforces its policies, customer willingness to push back against lock-in, and Celonis’s ability to convert this advocacy narrative into measurable customer wins and deeper ecosystem partnerships.