SAP S/4HANA Deployment Approaches – Explore all different options for Migration
As SAP plans to end support for SAP ECC and earlier versions in the coming years, businesses must start preparing for the transition to SAP S/4HANA, the latest and most advanced ERP solution from SAP. Running exclusively on the SAP HANA in-memory database, SAP S/4HANA streamlines day-to-day enterprise processes with improved performance and flexibility.
When planning your migration, it’s essential to understand the various SAP S/4HANA deployment options available. In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between cloud and on-premise deployment models, helping you make an informed decision for a smooth transition.
SAP S/4HANA Deployment Options
- SAP S/4HANA Cloud: This fully public cloud option is hosted and maintained by SAP, providing a shared environment with regular updates.
- SAP S/4HANA Cloud Extended Edition: Similar to the standard cloud offering but with enhanced flexibility and control, this edition allows for more extensive customization.
- SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition: A dedicated, single-tenant cloud environment for customers needing more control and customization, hosted by SAP at a hyperscaler like Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud.
- SAP S/4HANA On-Premise Managed by SAP (HEC): An on-premise solution hosted by SAP, offering full control with private hardware and infrastructure.
- SAP S/4HANA Any-Premise: On-premise or managed by a third-party cloud provider (hyperscaler), offering maximum flexibility in terms of customization and infrastructure management.
Each of these options offers varying levels of service and flexibility, making it crucial to align your choice with your specific business needs and IT strategy.
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SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud
SAP S/4HANA Cloud is a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) solution designed for the SAP HANA in-memory database. Previously known as “Essentials Edition (ES) and Multi-Tenant Edition,” this public cloud service is hosted and operated by SAP and shared with other customers. It follows a quarterly update cycle, ensuring regular feature enhancements and updates.
Covering 42 countries and multiple business verticals, SAP S/4HANA Cloud allows key user extensibility and customization through the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) Extension Suite. While it offers a standard deployment option, other cloud editions provide different scopes of service for businesses with unique requirements.
SAP S/4HANA Cloud Extended Edition
The extended edition offers all the benefits of the public cloud with additional flexibility and control. It operates on a dedicated landscape infrastructure managed by SAP and supports more extensive customization and integration with other systems, albeit with a longer implementation cycle.
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In-app extensibility is enhanced with classic ABAP extensibility and further extensions via the SAP BTP Extension Suite. This edition is ideal for businesses requiring a balance between cloud efficiency and customization capabilities.
SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition
Introduced in 2021, SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition provides a single-tenant cloud environment for organizations needing maximum control over their ERP system. Hosted by SAP on hyperscaler infrastructure, this edition is available under a RISE subscription contract and must remain in mainstream maintenance with upgrades every five years.
This option offers the same scope, extensibility, and configuration as the extended edition, making it suitable for businesses with complex requirements and the need for dedicated resources.
SAP S/4HANA On-Premise Managed by SAP (HEC)
For businesses preferring on-premise solutions, SAP S/4HANA On-Premise managed by SAP (HEC) offers a private infrastructure hosted by SAP or a third-party hyperscaler. This option provides the full industry and country scope of SAP S/4HANA with the flexibility to manage upgrades and customization as needed.
HEC enables selective migration from older SAP ERP systems, allowing businesses to retain their existing configurations and custom code while transitioning to the new S/4HANA data model.
SAP S/4HANA On-Premise or Any-Premise
SAP S/4HANA On-Premise or managed by hyperscalers (Any-Premise) offers the most control over your ERP environment. This deployment model is managed either by the customer or a third-party cloud provider, offering a perpetual license and the freedom to handle upgrades independently.
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Customization, modification, and extensibility are all possible, allowing businesses to tailor their SAP S/4HANA system to their specific needs while leveraging the robust capabilities of the SAP ECC.
Conclusion
Migrating to SAP S/4HANA is a significant step forward for any organization, offering enhanced performance, greater flexibility, and future-proof capabilities. The choice between cloud and on-premise deployment will depend on your specific business needs, IT strategy, and long-term goals. Each deployment option offers unique benefits, so it’s essential to evaluate them carefully to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
Ready to make the move? Contact Stridely Solutions for expert guidance and support to ensure a seamless SAP S/4HANA migration. Our experienced team will help you navigate the complexities of deployment, so you can focus on driving business growth and innovation.
