Accelerate ERP Transformation with RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server: A Faster Path to Cloud Modernization
In a groundbreaking collaboration, IBM (NYSE: IBM) and SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) have announced the upcoming release of RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server, a transformative solution designed to help businesses accelerate their ERP modernization journey. This offering provides a seamless and rapid path for organizations to migrate their SAP S/4HANA workloads from on-premises IBM Power Systems to the cloud within just 90 days. By combining the industry-leading capabilities of IBM Power Virtual Server with SAP’s innovative cloud solutions, this partnership aims to empower enterprises to modernize their ERP systems, enhance agility, and embrace AI-powered business processes.
Why RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server Matters
As businesses across industries increasingly prioritize digital transformation, migrating mission-critical ERP workloads to the cloud has become a top strategic initiative. According to Anurag Agrawal, Founder and Chief Global Analyst at TechAisle, “RISE with SAP has emerged as a business priority for enterprises moving to SAP S/4HANA Cloud. The new offering from IBM and SAP promises to be a compelling option for businesses looking to migrate their ERP workloads securely, quickly, and with minimal disruption.”
This new solution is particularly significant for organizations leveraging IBM Power Systems for their on-premises SAP environments. With its high security, scalability, and reliability, IBM Power servers are ranked #1 in availability among SAP-certified infrastructure. This makes them an ideal platform for reducing migration risks and ensuring faster, smoother transitions to the cloud.
IBM’s Proven Expertise in SAP S/4HANA Cloud Modernization
IBM’s deep expertise in SAP S/4HANA Cloud modernization was demonstrated in one of the largest and most complex projects to date. In an 18-month initiative, IBM successfully migrated its own quote-to-cash and record-to-report processes to RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server. This transformation touched over 150,000 users across 175 countries and resulted in a 30% reduction in infrastructure costs and related operations.
The project achieved these savings by rationalizing server and data footprints, increasing process automation, and leveraging the robust capabilities of IBM Power Virtual Server. IBM Consulting played a pivotal role in this end-to-end transformation, providing technical services, implementation expertise, and application management support to ensure a secure and efficient migration.
“IBM has worked hand-in-hand with SAP to provide a seamless and fast migration path for customers that rely on the IBM Power platform for their SAP workloads and applications,” said Rob Thomas, Senior Vice President, Software and Chief Commercial Officer at IBM. “This new capability helps reduce the complexity of moving to the cloud and accelerates impact—benefits we experienced firsthand in our own modernization journey using RISE with SAP.”
Empowering Businesses with AI-Powered Cloud Solutions
SAP’s commitment to helping organizations run at their best is further strengthened by this collaboration. “This announcement is yet another milestone in SAP’s long-term partnership with IBM, offering our joint customers a clear path to the cloud designed for faster time-to-value, increased flexibility, and continuous innovation,” said Thomas Saueressig, Member of the Executive Board of SAP SE.
By embedding SAP Business AI into cloud-based enterprise applications, SAP enables businesses to unlock new levels of efficiency and innovation. With RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server, organizations can harness the power of AI to drive smarter decision-making, optimize workflows, and deliver superior customer experiences.
A Collaborative Ecosystem for Accelerated Transformation
To further support customers on their transformation journeys, IBM Consulting and an ecosystem of global partners are available to architect, deploy, and migrate RISE with SAP projects. Clients will have the flexibility to work with IBM Consulting or other SAP-certified partners, ensuring they receive tailored solutions that meet their unique needs.
Additionally, IBM is introducing the IBM Transformation Suite for SAP Applications, a comprehensive bundle of software and services designed to simplify the migration process. This suite includes tools for assessing current environments, migrating data, and automating testing, enabling organizations to begin their transformation journey with confidence.
A Legacy of Trust and Innovation
For over 50 years, IBM has been a trusted partner for SAP customers, delivering and running SAP solutions on IBM systems. Today, IBM remains a full lifecycle strategic partner, offering end-to-end consulting and technology solutions that span hybrid cloud, automation, and generative AI powered by watsonx. More than 10,000 SAP customers worldwide rely on IBM to support their mission-critical operations.
What’s Next?
RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server is planned for availability in the second quarter of 2025, accompanied by a customized investment program from IBM. Organizations interested in accelerating their ERP transformation can learn more about assessment and migration services offered by IBM Consulting and other IBM and SAP Business Partners.
