What is the Difference between SAP on Premise and SAP on Cloud: on Premise Vs Cloud?

To know the difference between SAP on Premise vs Cloud, we need to understand both of them one by one. SAP on premise is based on physical position of ERP system while SAP on cloud is a SAP Software-As-A-Service.

What is SAP On-Premise?

When SAP started its ERP services, it has to go physically to the place/company where it wanted to install their software.

On-premise software is the one, which is installedand runs on the premise(the work area/building) of that company. All the ERP solution provided by SAP i.e. SAP CRM, SAP Suite, SAP HCM, etc. All are On-premise solutions.

Advantages of SAP On-premise:

• Preconfigured hardware
• Preinstalled software
• Solution validation by SAP and partner
• Reduced Risk
• Increased flexibility and control

 

Disadvantages of SAP On-premise:

• High Initial Investment
• Hardware Management Required
• Software Update Required

 

What is SAP On Cloud?

SAP recently came with a service called SaaS i.e. Software AS A Service. It is nothing different, but SAP S/4 Cloud platform for the entire ERP suite it has. Following are some of the SAP versions both on cloud as well as on-premise.

SAP On-Premise	SAP S/4 Cloud
SAP HCM	SAP SuccessFactors
SAP FSCM	SAP Ariba Network
SAP FI	SAP Concur
SAP CRM	SAP Hybris Cloud

Advantages of SAP on Cloud:

• Quick Return on Investment
• Monthly Pricing
• No Hardware Management
• Automatic Software Updates
• Good Data Security
• Scalability
• Better Utilization of Resources

Disadvantages of SAP On Cloud:

• Data Compliance Issue for Confidential Data
• Existing Infrastructure cannot be utilized
• Customization and Integration Restriction

What to choose between SAP On Premise and SAP Cloud : on Premise vs Cloud?

This is a very important question regarding service selection. SAP provides ECC & ERP services in two ways. Both of them have HANA Database. The selection is purely based on the requirement of customer. In given table, we will explain possible conditions where these two services (on Premise vs Cloud) are applicable:

Feature	SAP On-Premise	SAP On-Cloud
Infrastructure	It is installed within the premise. You have to pay for infrastructure installation.	It is cloud based service. You need to pay for the service as per your use.
Support	The support team of the enterprise can handle it.	Total support dependency is on SAP.
Upgrade	Every year new upgrades will be required.	The cloud is upgraded by SAP itself.
Functional	Full ERP solution is available	Limited ERP solution is available
Investment	Hardware, Software and support team	Payment as per service and time

 

You can even choose a hybrid version where you can have functionality and advantage of both on-premise and on-cloud. For more information click here.