SAP’s RISE program, initially launched to facilitate digital transformation, has undergone a significant evolution. Now rebranded as SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition, this shift underscores SAP’s commitment to providing tailored cloud solutions that align with individual business needs. This transition reflects a strategic move to offer more control, customization, and flexibility to enterprises seeking to modernize their ERP systems without compromising on their unique processes and investments. SAP’s position as a global ERP leader meant that its move to a cloud-centric model would signal a major industry shift. The increasing demand for agile, scalable, and resilient systems in a post-pandemic business landscape has pushed more organizations to seek robust cloud ERP options. This evolution from RISE to private cloud is a natural progression to meet that demand.
The original RISE with SAP initiative was designed as a comprehensive package to guide businesses through their digital transformation journey. However, recognizing the diverse requirements of enterprises, SAP has refined this approach. The SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition, allows businesses to migrate their existing on-premise SAP ERP systems to a private cloud environment, preserving their current configurations and customizations while benefiting from cloud innovations. RISE was a bold attempt to provide a bundled transformation-as-a-service solution. Yet, not all organizations need or want a fully managed SaaS model. The private edition emerged in response to feedback that favoured hybrid flexibility and more nuanced migration paths.
While SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud provides a simplified, standardized solution for fast deployments, the private edition supports industry-specific requirements and existing investments. This makes it the go-to option for regulated industries, such as manufacturing, banking, and pharmaceuticals.
SAP BTP enables integration, data management, and analytics across the ERP ecosystem. By using AI, RPA, and low-code tools, businesses can automate repetitive tasks, derive predictive insights, and build custom apps faster. These capabilities are fully accessible in the private edition, making it a future-ready solution.
Unlike traditional perpetual licenses, SAP now offers subscription-based pricing under RISE and private editions. While this changes CAPEX to OPEX, it also provides ongoing innovation access. Support services are bundled, simplifying vendor management for CIOs and procurement heads.
Transitioning to the SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition, involves careful planning and execution. Businesses should assess their current systems, identify necessary customizations, and develop a migration strategy that minimizes disruptions. Engaging with SAP experts and utilizing available resources can facilitate a smoother transition.
The evolution of SAP’s RISE program into the SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition, marks a significant milestone in enterprise digital transformation. By offering a solution that balances flexibility, control, and innovation, SAP empowers businesses to modernize their operations while preserving the unique aspects that define them. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, adopting such tailored cloud solutions will be crucial for enterprises aiming to stay competitive and responsive to market demands.
2Data is an independent software licensing advisory specializing in Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, Salesforce and IBM optimization. We help companies reduce contract costs, manage risk, and simplify their software licensing.
