There's a good chance your company already has an SAP cloud management strategy. This strategy involves controlling cloud infrastructure, system updates, application performance, security, and compliance while keeping SAP solutions like S/4HANA running smoothly.
However, managing SAP environments is getting increasingly challenging as they become more complex, especially in multi-cloud or hybrid setups. There are always updates to worry about with this technology, and other evolving cloud technologies make it difficult for non-specialized internal IT teams to keep up.
Relying solely on in-house staff can stretch resources thin and increase the risk of something going wrong. That's why many organizations are turning to SAP managed service providers who bring specialized expertise and around-the-clock support.
Gartner estimates that about 90% of enterprises will adopt a hybrid cloud approach by the end of 2027. In turn, more businesses will move their critical systems to the cloud, so managing these environments will only increase in importance. This guide explores why managing SAP in the cloud is no longer a solo effort and how partnering with experts like Protera can simplify operations and reduce your risk.
Quick Takeaways
- SAP in the cloud is complex, requiring expertise in both SAP and multi-cloud infrastructure like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
- Internal IT teams are often stretched too thin, lacking the specialized skills, training, and 24/7 coverage needed to manage SAP in the cloud.
- The hidden costs of DIY SAP cloud management, including salaries, turnover, and downtime, can outweigh the perceived savings.
- Protera offers purpose-built SAP managed services, with advanced automation, 24/7 monitoring, and proven experience to help businesses operate more securely and efficiently.
The Growing Complexity of SAP in the Cloud
Managing SAP used to mean overseeing a single, on-premises system, but that's no longer the case. Cloud computing means SAP environments are now a mix of on-premises, hybrid, and fully cloud-based solutions.
Modern platforms like SAP S/4HANA run in the cloud, bringing greater flexibility and scalability. However, there's also more complexity.
Businesses now operate SAP across multi-cloud environments like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, each with its own tools, configurations, and security protocols. SAP systems also depend on integration layers to connect with other applications and services, which adds to the technical burden.
On top of that, SAP and cloud platforms release frequent updates that require careful planning and testing to avoid downtime. Keeping up with these changes and making sure everything works together is a full-time job for internal teams when working alone, which is why assistance is often necessary.
Expertise Required Goes Beyond SAP
Successfully managing SAP in the cloud isn't just about knowing SAP. It takes a range of specialized training and skills.
Your team needs deep SAP expertise to handle configurations, updates, and application performance. But that's only part of the puzzle.
Finding professionals who can cover all these areas is tough, and retaining them is even harder. The competition for cloud-savvy, SAP-trained, security-conscious talent is fierce. Even large enterprises struggle to build and retain such a team.
And with strict compliance rules and governance standards to follow, mistakes can be costly. Without experienced hands guiding your SAP cloud environment, your business could be at serious risk.
24/7 Monitoring and Incident Response is Non-Negotiable
Issues can happen at any time in a cloud-based SAP environment. That's why your company needs 24/7 monitoring and a rapid incident response strategy.
Continuous oversight keeps your systems running no matter what. It also monitors performance and secures them against cyberattacks or breaches.
Most internal IT teams simply don't have the capacity or resources to maintain round-the-clock vigilance. Scheduling gaps and limited expertise outside business hours can lead to delayed responses when something goes wrong.
The cost of downtime can be enormous, too, as lost revenue, damaged reputation, and disrupted operations all contribute. A missed alert at 2 a.m. can have a ripple effect across your entire business and cause losses for months or even years to come.
Fortunately, managed services make a massive difference. Providers like Protera offer dedicated Network Operations Centers (NOCs) and Security Operations Centers (SOCs) that monitor your SAP environment 24/7, providing a fast, expert response to any issue before it becomes a business problem.
The Hidden Cost of DIY SAP Cloud Management
Managing SAP in the cloud with only internal resources might sound cost-effective, but the hidden expenses can add up.
After all, building a capable in-house team means paying high salaries and covering the cost of training and certifications. You'll also have to deal with inevitable staff turnover. Skilled professionals with expertise in SAP and cybersecurity are in high demand and, therefore, hard to keep.
In addition, under-resourced teams often struggle to manage the complexity of modern SAP environments, leading to performance issues and increased risk of downtime. These gaps can result in expensive fixes and lost productivity.
There's also the opportunity cost to consider. When day-to-day SAP infrastructure tasks bog down your IT leaders, they can't focus on optimizing operations or supporting your strategic business goals.
Managed service providers offer scalable expertise and cost predictability. They also free your internal teams to focus on moving the business forward, making them an incredibly valuable resource.
Protera is Built for SAP Cloud Management
Comprehensive Managed Services
Protera has a full suite of managed services for SAP in the cloud. Whether you're planning a migration to AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or SAP’s managed ERP service, SAP Cloud ERP Private (formerly RISE)we can provide the SAP cloud migration services you need with minimal disruption.
Once you're in the cloud, we handle your end-to-end SAP application management, including day-to-day operations, patch management, version upgrades, and performance tuning. We can do this for non-SAP workloads as well, meaning all of your business critical operations in the cloud are managed and delivered as a service from Protera.
We also keep your environment secure and compliant with security monitoring and governance support. This all-in-one approach simplifies operations and gives your business peace of mind.
Proven Track Record
With decades of experience in SAP and cloud technology, Protera has successfully managed hundreds of SAP environments across various industries. We're trusted experts in SAP S/4HANA migrations and cloud-native operations, helping clients stay ahead of the curve with modern, scalable SAP solutions.
We understand what businesses need to succeed in the cloud era. When it comes to SAP cloud management, Protera is purpose-built to deliver.
Your SAP Cloud Management Partner
The shift to cloud-based platforms like SAP S/4HANA brings increased complexity and the need for deep, cross-functional expertise. As a result, performance, security, and compliance require 24/7 attention and skills that go far beyond traditional IT roles.
Relying solely on internal resources will be expensive and challenging. That's why more businesses are turning to specialized SAP managed services. Protera has the end-to-end support and team of seasoned experts you need to reduce risk and control costs.
Contact Protera to learn how we can help simplify and secure your SAP cloud management journey.