Podcast Ep262: Microsoft’s Bundling Regulatory Issues, Best SI's In the Market, SAP RISE
•February 24, 2026
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Why It Matters
The regulatory pressure on Microsoft may reshape enterprise licensing, while choosing the right SI determines transformation success, and SAP RISE could accelerate cloud ERP adoption across industries.
Key Takeaways
- •Microsoft faces antitrust scrutiny over Office 365 bundling.
- •System integrators differentiate via industry expertise and cloud capabilities.
- •SAP RISE aims to simplify ERP migration to cloud.
- •Regulatory outcomes could reshape enterprise software licensing models.
- •Choosing the right SI impacts digital transformation ROI.
Pulse Analysis
Microsoft’s bundling strategy has drawn the attention of antitrust regulators worldwide, raising questions about the future of its Office 365 and Azure packages. Analysts warn that forced unbundling could lead to price adjustments, altered contract terms, and a shift toward more modular licensing. For enterprises, this uncertainty underscores the need to reassess long‑term cloud spend and negotiate flexible agreements that can adapt to potential regulatory outcomes.
System integrators (SIs) remain a critical lever for successful digital transformation, yet the market is increasingly fragmented. Firms that combine deep industry knowledge with robust cloud-native capabilities are gaining an edge, while pure‑play consultancies risk being sidelined. Decision‑makers are now evaluating SIs on criteria such as proven ERP migration track records, AI integration expertise, and the ability to deliver measurable ROI. The competitive pressure is prompting SIs to invest heavily in proprietary tools and joint ventures with hyperscalers, reshaping the partnership landscape.
SAP’s RISE program positions itself as a one‑stop solution for enterprises seeking to modernize legacy ERP systems. By bundling cloud infrastructure, business process intelligence, and ongoing support, RISE promises reduced implementation timelines and predictable cost structures. However, adoption hinges on clear migration pathways, data governance frameworks, and alignment with existing technology stacks. Companies that leverage RISE effectively can accelerate their move to intelligent enterprises, but they must also navigate integration challenges and ensure that the bundled services truly match their strategic objectives.
Original Description
The Transformation Ground Control podcast covers a number of topics important to digital and business transformation. This episode covers the following topics and interviews:
1. Microsoft’s Bundling Regulatory Issues, Q&A (Darian Chwialkowski, Third Stage Consulting)
2. Who Are the Best System Integrators In the Market (Guest, Third Stage Consulting)
3. SAP RISE
We also cover a number of other relevant topics related to digital and business transformation throughout the show.
🔗 Resources Discussed in this Episode:
ORDER MY NEW BOOK: Welcome to the Jungle: https://a.co/d/hAFI7cN
CONTACT MY TEAM & I: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/contact-us/
FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: darian@majortom-productions.com
Try the Free LinkedIn Personal Branding Challenge: https://www.roloffconsulting.com/eric
Contact Marcus Harris at Taft Law: https://taftlaw.com/people/marcus-s-harris
🔗 More Digital Transformation Resources:
2026 Digital Transformation Report, pre-register: https://resource.thirdstage-consulting.com/2026-digital-transformation-report
2025 Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/2025-digital-transformation-report/
ERP Project Recovery Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erp-project-recovery-guide/
20 Lessons from 1,000 Digital Transformations: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/ebook-20-lessons-from-1000-erp-implementations/
2025 Guide to AI Strategy & Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/guide-to-ai-strategy/
Executive Guide to Digital Strategy and Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/executives-guide-to-digital-transformation/
Business Transformation Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/transformation-playbook/
Software Buyer's Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/independentsoftwareselection/
Guide to Organizational Change Management: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/change-management-success/
Supply Chain Management Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/supply-chain-management/
2025 Manufacturing & Distribution Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/manufacturing-distribution-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Government Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/the-government-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Free Transformation Assessments: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/free-transformation-assessments/
Private Equity Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erpduediligenceprivateequity/
TSC Resource Center: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/thought-leadership/
Connect With Me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erickimberling/
📩 Got Questions?
Contact me to brainstorm ideas for your digital transformation: eric.kimberling@thirdstage-consulting.com
🎵 Music in this Episode:
Summer by Simple Minds
License ID: QRPARy5d048
The House That Heaven Built by Japandroids
License ID: o3VZbJr5Vl7
Heat Waves by Glass Animals
License ID: qGKvxmVdZM4
Get this and other songs for your next YouTube video at https://lickd.co
This weekly podcast series premiers live on YouTube every Wednesday at 8am New York/1pm London/9pm Hong Kong. You can also subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, Pandora, or your favorite podcast platform.
Watch more episodes here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyI-oIQSgI2DGXQKvUz-farHwls_B3G3i
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