IBM has embarked on one of the most ambitious SAP S/4HANA migrations to date, modernizing its global enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to enhance agility, reduce costs, and leverage AI-driven business processes. This migration, encompassing over 150,000 users across 175 countries, serves as a blueprint for enterprises aiming to transition to SAP S/4HANA Cloud efficiently.
A Strategic Shift to SAP S/4HANA Cloud
In January 2025, IBM and SAP introduced RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server, a solution designed to expedite the migration of on-premises SAP workloads to the cloud within 90 days. This offering combines SAP’s RISE with IBM’s robust infrastructure, enabling organizations to modernize their ERP systems swiftly and securely.
IBM’s Global Migration Initiative
IBM introduced several innovative approaches to streamline the migration process:IBM
- Single-Step Upgrade and Migration: Utilizing the IBM HANA Migration Centre’s methodology, IBM combined the SAP S/4HANA upgrade with cloud migration in a single downtime window, reducing overall downtime by more than 70% and operational costs by up to 60%. IBM
- Automation Tools: IBM developed tools like the HANAtization console and reconciliation utilities to automate code remediation and financial data alignment, significantly reducing manual effort and migration timelines.
Collaborations to Enhance Migration Capabilities
IBM has partnered with Infosys to offer near-zero-cost SAP S/4HANA migration services. Leveraging cloud migration incentives from both SAP and IBM, this collaboration aims to minimize the financial barriers for organizations transitioning to the cloud.
Preparing for Future Deployments
Looking ahead, IBM plans to make RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server generally available in the second quarter of 2025. This solution will be accompanied by the IBM Transformation Suite for SAP Applications, providing a comprehensive toolkit for assessment, data migration, and automated testing.
Conclusion
IBM’s SAP S/4HANA migration exemplifies a strategic approach to digital transformation, combining technological innovation with a deep understanding of enterprise needs. By leveraging automation, strategic partnerships, and a robust infrastructure, IBM has set a precedent for organizations seeking to modernize their ERP systems efficiently and cost-effectively.