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Designing the transformation correctly

If you want innovation, you can't get around S/4 Hana. SAP wants to make the switch as easy as possible for companies with Rise with SAP. But the migration package may be missing elements that are crucial for the competitiveness of many companies.
Sören Genzler, SoftwareOne
May 4, 2022
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This text has been automatically translated from German to English.

Those who opt for S/4 Hana in the cloud have the choice between Rise with SAP or a Direct Cloud by means of a service provider. Many managed services providers (MSP) offer hosting and operation of an S/4 cloud and related services. Rise, on the other hand, is SAP's own offering package. It includes a cloud ERP hosted either in an SAP data center or with a hyperscaler that the customer can choose. SAP assumes operational responsibility and provides technical support. SAP also offers managed services, but nowhere near to the extent of an MSP. Only SAP base operations and technical support for the SAP platform are included in Rise. However, this does not include the peripherals.

There is also a lot to consider in terms of licensing. Rise is a cloud offering that includes software, hosting and operation in one license and is billed in a subscription model agreed with SAP. This simplifies license management on the one hand, but limits flexibility on the other. With an S/4 cloud hosted and operated by an MSP, on the other hand, companies can negotiate individual contracts with hyperscalers and service providers and optimize licenses across the entire IT infrastructure. 

In some cases, the Rise platform differs significantly from the offerings of MSPs - especially with regard to any customizing that may still be necessary. Most companies have heavily customized their SAP landscape over the years. Rise, on the other hand, standardizes in many places. It may well be desirable to return to the standards programmed by SAP in order to streamline processes. However, companies often have specific customizations that they cannot do without. If the SAP package does not fully cover their needs, companies must take care of closing the gaps themselves. 

With both Rise and Direct Cloud using a service provider, customers can choose where the S/4 cloud is hosted. Companies that already have a cloud strategy usually opt for hosting with a hyperscaler, as this allows them to better integrate the SAP platform into their existing architecture.

When choosing a hyperscaler, companies should primarily consider their technical environment. Cloud providers differ in detail when it comes to topics such as AI, big data, analytics or IoT support. A service provider can help to analyze one's own needs, weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of the various hyperscalers and select the best option. Although it is technically possible to move the S/4 cloud again at a later date, this involves considerable effort and costs.

The switch to S/4 is a great opportunity for companies to advance their digitization and gain competitive advantages. Whether the SAP Rise package is suitable for the switch always depends on the individual case.

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Sören Genzler, SoftwareOne

Sören Genzler, SAP Solutions DACH, SoftwareOne


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Working on the SAP basis is crucial for successful S/4 conversion. 

This gives the Competence Center strategic importance for existing SAP customers. Regardless of the S/4 Hana operating model, topics such as Automation, Monitoring, Security, Application Lifecycle Management and Data Management the basis for S/4 operations.

For the second time, E3 magazine is organizing a summit for the SAP community in Salzburg to provide comprehensive information on all aspects of S/4 Hana groundwork.

Venue

More information will follow shortly.

Event date

Wednesday, May 21, and
Thursday, May 22, 2025

Early Bird Ticket

Available until Friday, January 24, 2025
EUR 390 excl. VAT

Regular ticket

EUR 590 excl. VAT

Venue

Hotel Hilton Heidelberg
Kurfürstenanlage 1
D-69115 Heidelberg

Event date

Wednesday, March 5, and
Thursday, March 6, 2025

Tickets

Regular ticket
EUR 590 excl. VAT
Early Bird Ticket

Available until December 20, 2024

EUR 390 excl. VAT
The event is organized by the E3 magazine of the publishing house B4Bmedia.net AG. The presentations will be accompanied by an exhibition of selected SAP partners. The ticket price includes attendance at all presentations of the Steampunk and BTP Summit 2025, a visit to the exhibition area, participation in the evening event and catering during the official program. The lecture program and the list of exhibitors and sponsors (SAP partners) will be published on this website in due course.