Here’s the translation:
With the end of support for SAP ECC in 2027 and the pressure to modernize their ERP systems, companies are betting on the cloud with the backing of programs like RISE with SAP and GROW with SAP. But the challenge is as technical as it is strategic.
The digital transformation of large enterprises is entering a new phase: migrating the heart of their operations — the ERP — to the cloud. This is a complex, costly task filled with uncertainty. The latest report from ISG Provider Lens™ confirms this, analyzing the global SAP ecosystem and revealing that more organizations are seeking technology partners with industry expertise and artificial intelligence capabilities to carry out this process without jeopardizing business continuity.
The urgency is real. SAP will end support for its SAP ECC solution in 2027, prompting hundreds of companies to consider migration to SAP S/4HANA in the cloud, the new smart core of business management. However, the leap is so challenging that many organizations are questioning whether it is worth it.
“Shifting core ERP functions to the cloud is such an overwhelming task that many companies doubt whether the effort and investment justify it,” says Bill Huber, ISG partner specializing in digital platforms.
RISE and GROW with SAP: Two Paths to the Cloud
To facilitate the transition, SAP has designed two key offerings:
- RISE with SAP, a comprehensive proposal aimed at large enterprises looking to transform their business model and move their ERP to the cloud with a global approach, including infrastructure, managed services, and innovation tools.
- GROW with SAP, designed for small and medium enterprises or subsidiaries, offers a faster and more scalable path to the cloud, with less customization and quicker deployment.
Both proposals are gaining traction, although RISE is progressing more slowly than expected, partly due to the need to thoroughly understand all its components before adopting the complete package. Nevertheless, technology providers are developing industry-tailored migration plans, which is accelerating its implementation.
On the other hand, GROW is gaining ground among rapidly growing companies thanks to preconfigured templates and accelerators, allowing them to implement best practices with a more agile return on investment.
Artificial Intelligence Comes into Play
One of the most innovative aspects of the new SAP ecosystem is the incorporation of the Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), which allows for the creation of extensions and custom applications without altering the core of the ERP (Clean Core). This facilitates future updates and improves system performance.
Based on this foundation, SAP Business AI is emerging, featuring tools like Joule, a generative AI co-pilot that promises to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency in areas such as finance, procurement, human resources, and logistics. Although many companies still seek greater clarity regarding the costs and licenses for these solutions, demand is growing.
“Joule has many potential use cases across multiple sectors. Organizations are working with their providers to maximize the business value of these capabilities,” explains Jan Erik Aase, global director of ISG Provider Lens Research.
FinOps, Costs, and Returns: The New Strategic Axis
As SAP workloads move to the cloud, optimizing spending becomes a priority. Companies are looking to apply FinOps (Financial Operations) principles to control the real cost of each digital transaction or process.
This has led to a strong demand for providers capable of integrating AI-based analytics that accurately measure and manage the use of cloud resources, thereby improving the ROI of the investment in SAP S/4HANA.
Ongoing Challenges: Security, Compliance, and Cultural Change
The ISG report also points out that change management remains one of the main obstacles. Migrating to the cloud involves not only technological transformation but also deep changes in how teams work and how data is managed.
Additionally, concerns about regulatory compliance and cybersecurity arise, especially in sectors like banking, healthcare, and public administration, where rules governing data storage and handling are strict.
An Emerging Partner Ecosystem
The 2025 edition of the report highlights companies such as Accenture, Capgemini, HCLTech, IBM, Infosys, and Wipro as leaders in at least three key areas of SAP implementation. Other noteworthy names include Cognizant, TCS, Deloitte, Globant, Syntax, and YASH Technologies.
Moreover, firms like Cognitus, Delaware, and DXC Technology are regarded as “Rising Stars” due to their potential and emerging service portfolio.
Conclusion: More Than a Migration, a Reinvention
Migrations to SAP in the cloud are not just simple technological transfers; they are processes of strategic transformation, where choosing the right partner, utilizing AI, and managing internal change make all the difference.
With the clock ticking toward 2027, companies that start their transition today will not only avoid critical disruptions but will also be better positioned to innovate and grow in an increasingly digital and demanding environment.
The cloud is no longer the destination for ERP. It is the new starting point.