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Expert Knowledge on Digitalization & Automation of Business Processes

xSuite Blog

Expert Knowledge on Digitalization & Automation of Business Processes

Models for Deploying SAP S/4HANA

Topic: SAP | S/4HANA | Cloud

 

Updated April 12, 2023

Many SAP user companies will be making the move to SAP S/4HANA in the next few years. When considering various aspects of migration, the first question tends to be, should we go Brownfield or Greenfield?

The next question that comes up with increasing frequency concerns the operating model to be used. Should the S/4HANA system run on-premises — or in the cloud? Or should a mixed model be adopted, i.e. one combining both in a hybrid approach? If a company has settled on a cloud or hybrid model, then a decision must be made as to the form of availability: Will it be the public cloud or the private cloud?

As they plan their migrations to S/4HANA, many of our customers are considering moving at least part of their operations to the cloud; which is the reason that we are offering this rundown on the various models and offerings that SAP has in store.

SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP)

The SAP Business Technology Platform (formerly SAP Cloud Platform) is, among others, provided by SAP for the purposes of running add-ons from SAP partners or in-house developments. This makes it of potential interest to companies using SAP if they are seeking to outsource specific areas or processes to the cloud with products such as our Business Partner Portal for document exchange with suppliers. However, a full S/4HANA system wouldn't be operated in the BTP. The BTP is considered an innovation platform which also serves as a platform for Fiori applications.

S/4HANA Cloud Models

SAP's S/4HANA Cloud is comprised of different models: The S/4HANA Cloud private Edition, the S/4HANA Cloud extended Edition (EX), and the S/4HANA Cloud public Edition. These delivery models have been renamed several times in recent years. The extended Edition has been called by the names of Single Tenant Edition (STE), Private Cloud, and even "ERP in the Cloud"; the S/4HANA Cloud public Edition was called essential Edition, and has been designated Multi Tenant Edition (MTE), Public Cloud, and "Cloud ERP" has also been referred to.

S/4HANA Cloud public Edition

As a software-as-a-service offering, the SAP S/4HANA Cloud public Edition is provided in a standardized multi-tenant landscape. The system can only be accessed via the Fiori Launchpad. You do not have access to the Configuration Guide. There is no ArchiveLink interface available; instead, CMIS is used. If add-ons are to be used, they must be connected via the SAP Business Technology Platform. Updates are carried out by SAP on a quarterly basis. With this model you can only start on a Greenfield site. It is recommended for smaller companies or subsidiaries/branches.

S/4HANA Cloud extended Edition

Note: This option is no longer actively offered by SAP since the introduction of GROW with SAP in March 2023. The Private Edition is the preferred alternative for existing customers switching to SAP S/4HANA, while the SAP S/4HANA Public Edition is recommended in particular for midsize companies and new customers.

For the extended Edition, the scope of functions is identical to that of an on-premises installed S/4HANA system. The system can be accessed via the classic SAP GUI or via the Fiori Launchpad. You have access to the Configuration Guide and SE80. SAP offers semi-annual updates, and you make an agreement with SAP which updates will be carried out. It is important to note that only the Greenfield approach can be used here, with selective data transfer.

S/4HANA Cloud private Edition

The private Edition of S/4HANA Cloud was launched in 2021. The scope of functions is identical to that of an on-premises installed S/4HANA system. The system can be accessed via the classic SAP GUI or via the Fiori Launchpad. You have access to the Configuration Guide and SE80. SAP offers annual updates, you decide which updates you carry out. The only constraint is that you have to stay within the frame of mainstream maintenance. This approach is suitable for Greenfield approach as well as a system conversion with selective data transfer.

The advantages and disadvantages of S/4HANA Cloud models

In general, stepping into the cloud is synonymous with stepping towards standardization. For this reason, migration to S/4HANA Cloud models is especially suitable for the Greenfield approach, or if only selected data is to be transferred. On the other hand, there are advantages. The frequency of innovation is higher than with on-premises installed systems, and the TCO is likely to be lower. A comparison of the private and extended Edition with the S/4HANA Cloud public edition will reveal that the private and the extended Edition offer a bit more flexibility and a larger number of customization options. The S/4HANA Cloud public edition promises more standardization and a higher frequency of innovation. In the end, each user company must decide for itself what its needs and priorities are. What we see in practice with our customers is that mixed models are often used once the decision has been made to migrate to S/4HANA in the cloud. For example, the private Edition is chosen for the head office and the S/4HANA Cloud public edition for smaller subsidiaries.

Author

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Jan

Jan Schulze is Head of Product Management at xSuite Group. As a graduate of business informatics, he is an expert in business and IT topics and thus optimally combines the relevant expertise. As a passionate field hockey player, he is a true team player and is always fully committed to what he does.

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