With SAP's consistent cloud strategy, companies today face a groundbreaking decision: RISE with SAP or GROW with SAP?
Both packages are based on SAP S/4HANA Cloud and are part of the vision to develop SAP customers into intelligent, sustainable companies through integrated, AI-supported processes and scalable cloud services. But which option is right for your digital transformation?
GROW with SAP – The smart start to the cloud for SMEs and scale-ups
GROW with SAP is the answer to the growing demand for standardized, quickly deployable cloud ERP solutions – especially among small and medium-sized businesses.
Target group:
Companies that are new to SAP or want to skip the traditional on-premise ERP market.
Core functions:
- SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud (multi-tenant)
- Preconfigured best practices (industry knowledge out-of-the-box)
- SAP Activate methodology for rapid implementation
- Integration with the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) for extensions, automation, and AI services
- Access to SAP Business AI (e.g., in accounting, purchasing, planning)
Strategic benefits:
- Time-to-value: Go live in 4–8 weeks
- Predictable costs thanks to standardized cloud pricing models
- Scalable for growth or internationalization
- Option to start the RISE transformation at a later date
Ideal for companies that...
- are looking for a modern cloud ERP,
- focus on agile processes and automation,
- want to use cloud-native tools without having to migrate legacy processes.
RISE with SAP – Modular cloud transformation for complex requirements
RISE with SAP is SAP's strategic flagship – a Business Transformation as a Service (BTaaS) offering that migrates existing ERP landscapes to a future-proof S/4HANA Cloud environment.
Target group:
Existing SAP customers or companies with heterogeneous system landscapes that want to transform and modernize their processes – often in regulated, complex, or global markets.
Scope of services:
- Choice between SAP S/4HANA Public or Private Cloud
- SAP Signavio Process Intelligence for business process analysis
- SAP BTP as an extension and integration platform
- SAP Business Network (e.g., Ariba, Asset Intelligence, Logistics Business Network)
- Infrastructure of your choice (hyperscalers: Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud Platform)
- Supports Brownfield, Greenfield, or Selective Data Transition
Strategic benefits:
- Full control over individual processes, extensions, and integrations
- Ensuring compliance and industry-specific requirements
- Foundation for the use of embedded AI, predictive analytics, and IoT
- Future-proof architecture for scalable digital core and innovation layer
Ideal for companies that...
- want to transform existing SAP ECC or BW systems,
- have complex processes and high integration requirements,
- must comply with regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, BaFin, ESG),
- pursue a hybrid cloud strategy or multi-cloud architecture.
RISE and GROW – part of the new SAP world
SAP is pursuing a clear strategy with both models: cloud-first, AI-supported, integrable, sustainable.
SAP Business AI is integrated into both packages, whether in the form of accounting suggestions, supply chain predictions, or automated workflows in the procurement process.
Another connecting element is the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), which can be used to centrally orchestrate extensions, custom apps, and data services—with low-code/no-code, AI services, or OpenAPI interfaces.
Conclusion: SAP RISE vs. GROW – It's all about your cloud strategy
Whether you get started with GROW or transform with RISE:
Both models are central building blocks in SAP's cloud strategy and help companies focus on innovation, resilience, and scalability.
The decision depends on your current system landscape, innovation goals, and desired speed.
Take advantage of our free RISE assessment to find out which SAP cloud model best fits your strategy, system landscape, and growth goals.
