In the dynamic world of enterprise technology, an emerging phenomenon is capturing the attention of the SAP community: the concept of “Cloud-Exit”. This term refers to the planning and execution of a strategy to leave cloud-based services. Although SAP, a leader in enterprise software, has not offered a concrete plan for this scenario, the need for long-term clients to design their exit from the cloud is becoming increasingly evident. The demand for private cloud solutions for SAP is growing at the expense of public clouds or SAP’s own cloud.
Strategic Changes and Tensions in SAP
SAP’s strategy towards the cloud has undergone a radical shift in recent times. Under the leadership of Christian Klein, the company went from “Cloud first” to “Hybrid Cloud”, and recently to “Cloud only”. While this stance has been well-received by financial analysts, it has generated controversy within the SAP community, where flexibility is valued and the inherent complexity of ERP is recognized.
Many infrastructure and private cloud companies, such as the Spain-based European company Stackscale, highlight the importance of data sovereignty, real knowledge of exclusive use infrastructure and its location, as well as not depending on large hyperscalers that captivate their customers to prevent them from considering infrastructure options again.
Preparations for a “Cloud-Exit”
A crucial aspect of the debate is the preparation for a possible “Cloud-Exit”. Numerous companies have experimented with different cloud solutions, highlighting the importance of having effective transition options. In this context, the SAP community is moving towards strategies that include local infrastructures and data retention warehouses, seeking refuge in data centers within their European borders and knowing the real locations of those data centers. These systems offer a more cost-effective and controllable alternative compared to fully public cloud-based solutions. Private cloud solutions allow for more effective cost control and truly exclusive usage computing.
Impact on Infrastructure and Costs
The implementation of a “Cloud-Exit” involves not only technical changes but also economic considerations. The adoption of local infrastructure to store data allows companies to maintain control over their operating costs and ensure business continuity, even in situations of operational shutdown. This strategy aligns with the need to maintain essential services during extended periods to comply with fiscal and regulatory requirements.
The Future of SAP: Between Innovation and Prudence
In summary, the SAP community finds itself at a crossroads, where innovation and prudence must coexist. While the adoption of cloud-based technologies remains a fundamental pillar, the planning of a “Cloud-Exit” and the retention of data in local infrastructures are key strategies for the future. This duality reflects a balanced and realistic approach to the challenges and opportunities presented by the changing technological landscape.