Every year, we conduct an independent analysis of the four “big” ERP vendors—the titans, if you will. The report looks at the selection and implementation approaches of organizations that have implemented SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, or Infor products.
As we release 2026 Clash of the Titans, we thought it would be helpful to write a blog post about comparing behemoth vendors on your long list or short list.
2026 Clash of the Titans
SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, and Infor each have a variety of systems that can support data-driven decision-making. We surveyed customers of these four vendors to find out what their selection and implementation process was like.
How to Compare SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, and Infor
1. Focus on Your Needs Rather Than Marketing Hype
The four titans will tell you everything you want to hear about AI innovations and industry cloud capabilities. Yet, none of this matters if the software cannot meet your operational requirements or support the future you are designing.
An independent ERP consultant can separate vendor promises from actual functionality and ensure your requirements drive the evaluation.
For example, fully-integrated AI agents may sound transformational, but is your data and infrastructure ready for AI? Our AI enablement consultants always tell clients that AI readiness means having structured, governed, and accurate data, clear process ownership, and an architecture that can support AI workflows.
AI adoption appears to be on the rise among respondents in our report. Each vendor had more than three-quarters of organizations say that they had started to deploy AI in some capacity. AI deployment was most common among SAP customers:
2. Consider the Vendor’s Other Offerings
An advantage that “titan” ERP vendors have over many smaller vendors is that they have other applications in their portfolio that complement their main ERP system.
For example, they may offer a supply chain management system that fully integrates with inventory, procurement, and production planning functions, while providing real-time visibility across warehouses, suppliers, and demand signals.
During ERP selection, we often advise clients to consider which of their existing business applications they might replace in the future. The chosen vendor should have robust offerings in this area and provide the option to adopt applications in phases.
The graph below shows the variety of types of software selected by Microsoft customers:
3. Consider Case Studies and References
Since “titan” ERP vendors have thousands of customers, they should have plenty of case studies and references for you to consider.
We recommend asking vendors to provide references for customers comparable to your company’s size and industry. Better yet, ask if there are any case studies on your competitors.
Leveraging these references and case studies, you can determine if a vendor provides the level of service you need, what their implementation process is like, and what other applications may add value.
4. Evaluate the Vendor’s Post-Go-live Support
While it may seem too early to think about post-go-live before you’ve selected software, it’s better to know about your vendor’s approach sooner rather than later.
Your vendor should offer several support options, including a dedicated one. This is especially true if you’re implementing cloud ERP, as most SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, and Infor customers reported:
Comparing the Titans is Challenging—We Can Help
Every ERP platform is built with different assumptions about process complexity, data discipline, scalability, and governance. Comparing SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, and Infor to each other requires an understanding of your business requirements, data governance maturity, and internal readiness for change.
As you navigate decisions around deployment, AI integration, and more, Panorama’s ERP consulting team can help you move forward with confidence. Request a free consultation to speak with our experts, and don’t forget to download 2026 Clash of the Titans.
