Navigating the Journey from On-Premises SAP ECC to Cloud with SAP RISE or S/4HANA

As the 2027 deadline for SAP ECC’s end-of-support approaches, organizations face a pivotal decision: whether to transition to SAP RISE or SAP S/4HANA. Both options offer paths forward, but they serve distinct purposes and cater to different business needs. For IT executives, choosing the right strategy requires a clear understanding of these two solutions. 

At GlassHouse Systems (GHS), we focus exclusively on the infrastructure side of SAP migrations, providing the expertise to ensure a seamless and reliable platform. To complement this, we work with top global partners who specialize in ABAP, Basis, and functional services, delivering a unified solution under a single contract. 

The Choice Between SAP RISE and S/4HANA 

What is SAP RISE? 

SAP RISE is an all-in-one solution designed to simplify cloud adoption for SAP workloads. It provides managed services for infrastructure, tools, and support, making it a streamlined option for organizations looking to transition SAP ECC to the cloud with minimal changes. 

Key Features of SAP RISE: 

• Managed cloud hosting on platforms like IBM Cloud.
• Business process intelligence to analyze and optimize workflows.
• Subscription-based pricing for predictable costs. 

Best Fit for SAP RISE: 
SAP RISE is ideal for organizations with relatively standard SAP workloads and fewer external integrations. It allows businesses to migrate to the cloud quickly while maintaining their existing SAP ecosystem. 

What is SAP S/4HANA? 

SAP S/4HANA is SAP’s next-generation ERP system, built on the in-memory HANA database. It is a complete reimagining of enterprise resource planning, offering advanced capabilities such as real-time analytics, automation, and streamlined workflows. 

Key Features of S/4HANA: 

• Redesigned processes optimized for digital transformation.
• Advanced integration options, especially with non-SAP systems.
• Superior performance for large-scale, complex workloads. 

Best Fit for S/4HANA: 
S/4HANA is better suited for organizations with complex environments and extensive integrations outside the SAP ecosystem. Businesses looking to modernize their processes and adopt cutting-edge ERP capabilities will benefit most from this solution. 

GHS: Ensuring a Seamless Infrastructure Transition 

GlassHouse Systems specializes in the infrastructure migration for both SAP RISE and S/4HANA. We focus on delivering a stable, high-performance foundation on platforms like IBM Cloud, ensuring your mission-critical workloads operate efficiently. 

Our Approach 

• Infrastructure Expertise: We handle the migration of SAP ECC workloads to the cloud, ensuring minimal downtime and reliable performance.
• Unified Solution: Partnering with global leaders in ABAP, Basis, and functional services, we provide a seamless experience under one contract.
• Custom-Tailored Strategies: Whether you choose SAP RISE or S/4HANA, we design infrastructure solutions that align with your business goals. 

Making the Right Decision 

When deciding between SAP RISE and S/4HANA, consider the following: 

• Choose SAP RISE if you want a simplified cloud transition with managed services and your SAP environment requires minimal external integrations. 
• Choose SAP S/4HANA if your business demands advanced ERP capabilities and must manage complex integrations across non-SAP systems. 

For organizations with extensive legacy systems, custom applications, or industry-specific requirements, S/4HANA provides the flexibility to integrate and innovate beyond the SAP ecosystem. 

Why Act Now? 

With SAP ECC’s end-of-support deadline approaching, early migration is essential to avoid resource bottlenecks and rushed decisions. Whether you choose SAP RISE or S/4HANA, starting now ensures a smoother transition and minimizes risks. 

At GHS, we bring the expertise and partnerships needed to deliver a successful infrastructure migration, no matter which SAP path you choose. Contact us today to begin your journey to a future-ready SAP environment.

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