SAP on AWS - running SAP systems in the cloud for scale, performance & flexibility

Introduction to SAP on AWS

SAP environments have traditionally been run on-premise, with dedicated servers and internal infrastructure all managed in-house. But as systems get ever more complex and demand goes up, this model becomes a real challenge to maintain. That's why so many organisations are now turning to SAP on AWS.

It combines SAP's enterprise capabilities with the power of Amazon Web Services' cloud infrastructure - putting a much more scalable, flexible and high-performance environment at your fingertips. If you're reviewing your SAP hosting strategy or exploring cloud transformations, the goal is pretty simple: Improve system performance. Increase flexibility. Simplify infrastructure.

What SAP on AWS really means

SAP on AWS is just a fancy way of saying that you're running your SAP systems on Amazon Web Services' cloud infrastructure.

This means you can run:

• SAP S/4HANA

• SAP HANA databases

• SAP Business Warehouse (BW)

• Other SAP applications too

Instead of being hosted on internal servers, it all runs on:

• AWS data centres

• Cloud-based infrastructure

• Scalable computing resources

This means you can:

• Quickly scale up or down as needed

• Reduce your reliance on hardware

• Keep your systems up and running with much higher availability

SAP on AWS cloud: how it all works with AWS services

In a cloud-based SAP environment - like SAP ERP systems:

• SAP applications run in virtual machines on AWS

• Data is stored and processed using scalable infrastructure

• Your users can access the system securely over the network

AWS provides:

• Compute power (EC2 instances)

• Storage solutions

• Security and compliance frameworks

• High availability and disaster recovery

• Cloud-native tools to help you deploy, monitor and optimise your SAP workloads

This all adds up to a fully managed cloud environment for your SAP systems.

SAP on AWS architecture overview with SAP HANA database

A typical SAP on AWS architecture will include:

• Application layer (SAP S/4HANA)

• Database layer (SAP HANA)

• AWS infrastructure (compute, storage, networking and supporting services)

• Integration components to link with other systems

These all work together to give you:

• High performance

• Scalable resources to keep up with your organisation's needs

• Real-time data processing as standard

AWS also provides tools to automate SAP environment deployment and management.

SAP on AWS case studies - common scenarios

Lots of organisations move SAP to AWS for similar reasons.

System modernisation

• Legacy SAP systems get migrated to the cloud

• Infrastructure complexity gets reduced

• Performance gets a boost

S/4HANA transformation

• Migration from ECC to S/4HANA on AWS

• Real-time processing gets enabled

• Simplified system architecture

Global expansion

• Systems get deployed across AWS regions

• Users can access SAP from all over

• Scalability supports growth

High-volume operations

• Large data environments get managed efficiently

• Performance stays stable under load

• Resources get scaled dynamically

These case scenarios show that SAP on AWS is not just about infrastructure - it's about transformation.

Benefits of SAP on AWS cloud

When you get it right, SAP on AWS delivers:

• Scalability: resources to match your needs

• Performance: high-speed processing and storage

• Flexibility: you can adapt to business needs

• Reliability: high availability and disaster recovery

• Cost control: pay-as-you-use model with AWS Cost Explorer to help you keep an eye on SAP workload expenses

• Reduced complexity: less to manage and maintain

SAP becomes more adaptable and easier to manage.

SAP ERP systems on AWS vs on-premise systems

There's a clear difference.

On-premise SAP

• Fixed infrastructure

• Manual scaling

• Higher maintenance effort

SAP on AWS

• Flexible infrastructure

• On-demand scaling

• Managed environment

The shift is from static systems to dynamic platforms.

SAP on AWS in practice

In a real-world environment:

• SAP S/4HANA runs on AWS infrastructure

• Data gets processed using SAP HANA

• Users get access via secure connections

• Resources scale up or down depending on demand

For example:

• Business activity increases

• AWS automatically scales system capacity

• Performance stays stable

This means no slowdown - no disruption.

Common challenges with SAP on AWS

Organisations often face challenges like:

• Migration complexity - moving data and systems from legacy environments

• Architecture planning - designing scalable cloud environments

• Integration gaps - connecting SAP with other systems

• Cost management - keeping an eye on cloud usage and spend

These challenges need:

• Structured planning

• Strong governance to manage incident response complexity

Why SAP cloud environments drift over time

Over time:

• Usage grows

• Systems get extended

• Costs go up

If you don't manage it, you may end up with:

• Performance decline

• Rising costs

• Systems losing their edge

Cloud environments still need continuous monitoring and optimisation.

The role of AMS in SAP on AWS

Application Management Services (AMS) support:

• System monitoring (including Amazon CloudWatch Application Insights for SAP application health)

• Performance optimisation

• Cost Management - the bottom-line counts

• Issue Resolution - when things go wrong

AMS makes sure that:

• Your systems stay efficient and on track

• Your cloud resources are fine-tuned to meet your needs

• Issues are nipped in the bud, quickly and easily solved

AMS teams can give you a tailored support package and put to use AWS security features like Amazon GuardDuty to keep an eye on things all the time. They may also use AWS Config Rules to help keep you compliant with industry standards - and Amazon Macie to safeguard sensitive data like personal details and financial information.

How SAP consultancy can help with SAP on AWS

SAP consultancy is all about helping companies and customers with SAP on AWS implementation:

• Designing cloud architecture that works for you

• Planning a migration strategy - and making sure it all goes smoothly

• Optimising system performance for top-notch results

• Project managing transformation programs to get the best outcome

And that means:

• Less risk for you

• A structured approach so everything runs smoothly

• A better long-term outcome that sets you up for success

SAP on AWS in the modern world

Modern SAP landscapes on AWS often include:

• S/4HANA for your core ERP needs

• SAP HANA for in-memory database processing

• SAP BTP for connecting the dots

• Analytics platforms for getting real insight

And that gives you:

• A cloud ecosystem that's connected, flexible and powerful

• Real-time visibility on your data

• The infrastructure you need to scale and grow

So, what does great SAP on AWS look like?

When it's working at its best:

• Your systems are flexible and responsive - and can scale to meet demand

• Performance is rock-solid and consistent

• You've got costs under control

• Integration is seamless - no fuss or hassle

• Your infrastructure is supporting your business as it grows

And the right solution includes AWS Backup to keep your business running smoothly in the event of a disaster - so you don't lose any vital data.

SAP becomes flexible, reliable and future-ready - and your business can thrive.

Glossary

SAP on AWS

Running SAP systems on AWS cloud infrastructure - the smart way to go.

AWS

Amazon's cloud platform - where the magic happens.

SAP HANA

World-class in-memory database for real-time processing.

S/4HANA

SAP's ERP system - built for speed and flexibility.

Cloud infrastructure

Virtualised computing resources - delivered securely online.

AMS

Ongoing support and optimisation to keep you ahead of the game.

Frequently asked questions

What is SAP on AWS?

Simply put, running SAP systems on Amazon Web Services infrastructure.

Why move SAP to AWS?

To get the best out of SAP - and improve scalability, performance and flexibility.

Is SAP fully supported on AWS?

Yes, SAP supports AWS - and we can help you make the most of it.

What are SAP on AWS benefits?

Improved scalability - top-notch performance - and cost efficiency - for starters. And in the event of a disaster, you can use SAP ASE HADR for replication - or Amazon S3 Cross-Region Replication for backup replication - and even AWS Elastic Disaster Recovery.

Is migration to SAP on AWS complex?

Yes, it can be - but with the right strategy - and our expertise - it's definitely manageable.

Making SAP cloud work for your business

SAP on AWS isn't just about moving your systems to the cloud - it's about how they perform once they're there. It's about making sure they're managed, automated and supported properly. With the right scalable infrastructure in place - and real-time performance at your fingertips - SAP becomes something your business can rely on - not something it has to juggle around. And that's where we come in.