RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server is emerging as a groundbreaking initiative to help organizations seamlessly transition to the cloud with SAP S/4HANA Cloud. Designed for enterprises operating on IBM Power Systems on-premises, this new offering aims to simplify, secure, and accelerate ERP transformation in just 90 days. The strategic collaboration between IBM and SAP unlocks a faster, more efficient path to cloud modernization—ushering in a new era of intelligent, AI-enabled enterprise resource planning.
Unlock the Power of Cloud ERP with RISE with SAP
RISE with SAP is a transformative solution that packages everything an enterprise needs to move to the cloud: ERP software, platform, tools, and services—all in one subscription. Now, with RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server, businesses already running on IBM Power Systems can reduce migration complexity while leveraging the same robust architecture in the cloud.
This new SAP hyperscaler offering helps businesses transition from legacy ERP to the powerful capabilities of SAP S/4HANA Cloud with improved agility, scalability, and automation. The migration to RISE with SAP is further enhanced by IBM’s globally trusted infrastructure and enterprise-grade cloud services.
Why Choose SAP S/4HANA Cloud on IBM Power Virtual Server?
1. Faster Cloud Migration within 90 Days
According to IBM, clients can transition from on-premises SAP S/4HANA on Power to the IBM Power Virtual Server cloud environment in as little as 90 days, assuming adequate customer collaboration on integration and testing. This dramatically reduces the downtime, risk, and costs associated with traditional ERP migrations.
2. Proven Infrastructure and Scalability
IBM Power servers are ranked #1 in availability among SAP-certified infrastructures, offering unmatched uptime, resilience, and security. These systems are known for handling mission-critical workloads with consistency, making them the ideal foundation for running SAP S/4HANA Cloud in a virtualized cloud environment.
3. Enhanced Security and Reliability
The IBM Cloud platform provides enterprise-level security with end-to-end encryption, high availability zones, and regulatory compliance, which is essential for industries like finance, healthcare, and telecommunications. The IBM Power Virtual Server delivers consistent performance, backed by decades of hardware and cloud innovation.
IBM’s Own Success Story with RISE with SAP
IBM didn’t just build the offering—they implemented it for themselves. In one of the largest SAP S/4HANA Cloud modernization projects to date, IBM migrated its entire ERP system—including quote-to-cash and record-to-report processes—touching over 150,000 users in 175 countries. The transformation was completed in just 18 months, resulting in:
- A 30% reduction in infrastructure and operational costs
- Improved process automation
- Reduced server and data footprint
- Faster time-to-value
This project demonstrates the real-world impact and viability of RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server. It also proves that businesses can achieve rapid digital transformation while maintaining operational continuity.
AI-Enabled ERP Transformation with SAP and IBM
Modern enterprises require more than just a migration—they need a platform that empowers innovation. The RISE with SAP framework, when combined with SAP Business AI and IBM’s advanced analytics, allows organizations to:
- Automate business processes with AI
- Gain real-time insights across departments
- Improve decision-making through intelligent forecasting
- Enhance customer experiences
With SAP S/4HANA Cloud, businesses get embedded analytics, next-gen reporting, and AI-driven operations. When deployed on IBM Power Virtual Server, these capabilities are supercharged by the platform’s high-speed processing and data throughput.
Key Features of RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server
To streamline the cloud journey, IBM Consulting offers a comprehensive range of services for clients looking to adopt RISE with SAP:
- Assessment and strategy for current ERP systems
- Data migration planning and execution
- Custom integration and application management
- Automated testing and change management
IBM is also collaborating with global system integrators and SAP Business Partners to extend support and ensure customer success. Clients will have access to the new IBM Transformation Suite for SAP Applications, a bundled set of tools and services for migration planning, data assessment, and execution.
SAP and IBM: A Partnership Built for Innovation
For over 50 years, SAP and IBM have worked together to deliver ERP solutions to more than 10,000 customers worldwide. This partnership has evolved to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced business environment through:
- Hybrid cloud solutions
- Enterprise automation
- Generative AI (watsonx) integration
- Industry-specific ERP frameworks
Now, with RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server, this partnership is delivering a modern cloud ERP model that supports the digital enterprise.
Who Should Consider This Offering?
RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server is ideal for:
- Enterprises currently running SAP S/4HANA or legacy SAP ERP on IBM Power Systems on-premises
- Organizations seeking faster cloud migration with minimal disruption
- Companies looking for AI-powered ERP capabilities
- Businesses prioritizing security, reliability, and performance
Whether you’re in manufacturing, finance, healthcare, or public sector, this new offering simplifies the path to cloud ERP and enhances digital agility.
Strategic Business Benefits
Accelerate Digital Transformation
Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
By adopting SAP S/4HANA Cloud through RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server, enterprises can unlock the full potential of intelligent automation and enterprise agility.
Availability and Investment
RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server is expected to be available in Q2 2025. IBM will also launch a customized investment program to support customers during the migration phase. Planning and assessment services are already being offered by IBM Consulting and SAP Business Partners.
Final Thoughts
As ERP systems continue to evolve, so must the infrastructure that supports them. RISE with SAP on IBM Power Virtual Server provides a secure, reliable, and future-ready path to SAP S/4HANA Cloud—making it one of the most compelling ERP transformation solutions in the market today.
With proven results, enterprise-grade infrastructure, and seamless integration of AI, IBM and SAP are helping businesses rise into the future—quickly, securely, and intelligently.